Naturally Proud Network Celebrates Anniversary
Industry nonprofit, the Naturally Proud Network (NPN), will be celebrating its fifth year anniversary at this year's SupplySide West event. Dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ professionals in the natural products and nutraceutical industries, the initiative has raised nearly $50,000 for organizations that promote equality and provide support, including the Trevor Project and LGBTQ+ Centers in Las Vegas, Chicago, and California. “I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve never had to choose between a career I love and living authentically,” said Co-Founder Franck Gillet. “I believe in creating an open workplace culture for everyone in our industries and am proud of the progress we’ve made toward this effort over the past five years.”
At SupplySide West, NPN will be collecting donations for The Pride Tree, a nonprofit based in Las Vegas that provides year-round programs and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to explore their identities and develop leadership skills. The company will also be hosting a happy hour event on Wednesday, October 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay's South Pacific Ballroom F. Registration and additional event details are available here.
Be sure to check out our SupplySide West pre-show coverage for info on what to check out during the event.
Nordic Naturals Completes Annual Cleanup
Premium omega-3 fish oils and other essential nutrient supplement provider, Nordic Naturals, has completed its efforts in the 40th Annual California Coastal Cleanup event. Led by the California Coastal Commission, 60 Nordic Naturals employees joined Ellwood Thompson, Healthy Habit Health Foods, PCC Community Markets, Earth Fare, Lazy Acres, and other retail partners from across the US to participate in one of the states largest volunteer coastal cleanup efforts. “We received incredible support from our retailer community,” said Amy Mirialakis, director of sales at Nordic Naturals. “We partnered with more than 600 stores nationwide to amplify California Coastal Cleanup’s mission to make an impact in our community. We’re already planning for an even greater collaboration in 2025.”
Volunteers gathered at Palm Beach State Park in Watsonville, CA, to do their part in the cleanup effort. Initial results from the statewide cleanup show 127 tons of debris were removed by over 258,751 volunteers including 242,312 pounds of trash, and 12,461 pounds of recyclable materials.
TSI Launches New Ingredient Combination Logo
TSI Group has debuted a new myHMB + Vitamin D logo to give product manufacturers an easy way to promote the research-validated ingredient combination on their labels. The new logo will also look to represent a commitment to quality, efficacy, and innovation within the supplement industry. With the logo, customers will also be able to easily identify which products contain the research-validated combination. “Our patented combination of
myHMB + Vitamin D is not just another supplement; it’s a groundbreaking solution that addresses critical needs in muscle and bone health,” shared Larry Kolb, President of Innovative Ingredients Product Line at TSI Group. “We are committed to leading this category by providing a scientifically validated, IP-protected option that sets the standard for quality and efficacy.”
Backed by more than 150 human studies, over 100 review articles and 14 meta-analysis, Calcium β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, or HMB, has been found to be a critical muscle health nutrient because of its ability to stimulate both muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle protein breakdown. Similarly, vitamin D has a history of playing a key role in muscle recovery and the maintenance of bone and skeletal health. A combination of both increases the effectiveness of HMB and helps muscles reach their full functional potential.
FrieslandCampina Receives European Union Approval
Hyvital Whey HA 300, FrieslandCampina Ingredients protein hydrolysate developed for infant and follow-on formulas, has been approved for use across the European Union. The approval comes after a rigorous scientific evaluation under the EU's latest regulations, confirming its compliance with the highest safety and suitability standards. “We’re absolutely thrilled that Hyvital Whey HA 300 has received this approval. This decision not only broadens the options available for developing formulas for infants, but also reinforces our commitment to meeting the highest industry standards. I would like to extend my gratitude to our dedicated R&D teams in Ingredients, Global Nutrition and Scientific & Regulatory Affairs. Their hard work and expertise were instrumental in securing this approval and achieving this important milestone. Our customers can trust that we continue to prioritize safety, quality, and innovation," shared Jouke Veldman, Marketing Director of Early Life Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients.
In 2022,changes in EU regulations led to a new safety and suitability evaluation for protein hydrolysates used in standard infant nutrition. After successful passing the new scientific evaluation, Hyvital became one of a few milk hydrolysate ingredients included in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127, an inclusion that strengthened the company's mark as a trusted leader in early life nutrition.
Nexira Joins United Nations Global Compact Initiative
Independent and family-owned Nexira has confirmed its participation in the United Nations voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices, the Global Compact initiative. The program calls for companies to match strategies and operations with universal principles on labor, environment and anti-corruption, human rights, and taking actions that prioritize advancing societal goals.
“I am pleased to confirm that Nexira supports the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact on human rights, labor, environment and anti corruption. As the world leader in acacia gum, we have a corporate responsibility. We must look to the future and carry strong values, which have meaning, and which correspond to us.”, declared Mathieu Dondain, Managing Director and Vice President at Nexira.
Voyage Foods Opens Giant Manufacturing Plant
Mason, Ohio is now home to a massive 284,000 square-foot facility courtesy of Voyage Foods. The new plant is expected to be operational by the beginning of 2025 and will manufacture cocoa-free chocolate, nut-free spreads, and bean-free coffee. “With this new facility, Voyage is maturing from a startup food technology company to a large-scale manufacturer with the ability to deliver value across the entire ecosystem to our people, partners, and the planet,” commented Adam Maxwell, CEO and Founder of Voyage Foods. “We feel very lucky to establish roots in Mason and continue Voyage’s story here.”
In April, Voyage Foods signed a deal with Cargill to become its exclusive B2B global distributor for their nut-free spreads and cocoa-free chocolate. The new facility, funded partially from a guaranteed loan program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for roughly $25 million will have a capacity to make 10,000 metric tons of cocoa-free chocolate annually once fully operational.
Steve Aoki Co-signs Neuro Gum
Two-time Grammy-nominated producer, renowned DJ, and entrepreneur, Steve Aoki, has joined Neuro Gum as an investor. Created with scientifically backed ingredients to help optimize energy levels, concentration, and overall wellbeing, Neuro Gum offers functional gum and mints geared towards boosting mental clarity and energy. "I chose to invest in Neuro because I genuinely believe in the products and its benefits. I think it's important to support innovations that align with my values and lifestyle,” said Aoki. “Neuro Gum isn't just about energy—it's about promoting focus and mental clarity in a natural way, and I wanted to back something that I personally use and trust," explained Aoki.
Since its inception, Neuro Gum has been sought out by athletes and health conscious individuals who prioritize their mental wellbeing. With its new investor, the company hopes to continue expanding its reach and redefine customers approach to cognitive performance.
Luker Chocolate Participates in COP16 Colombia
From October 21 to November 1st, Luker Chocolate will be participating in the UN biodiversity summit, COP16 Colombia. At the event, Luker will focus on highlighting leadership in biodiversity conservation and sustainability, share its innovative approaches to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability. The company will also be participating in several initiatives including:
- Cacao, Forests, and Peace: A discussion at Casa Humboldt, focusing on how agroforestry systems—like cacao farming—can support biodiversity conservation. The panel will explore the vital role cacao cultivation plays in sustainable land use and environmental resilience, aligning with Luker’s mission to foster a healthy, biodiverse planet.
- B Corp Stand: Luker will showcase its sustainability projects at the B Corp Stand. Their work aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework, and they will use this platform to connect with potential partners and promote collaborative biodiversity projects.
- Colombian Business and Productive Sector Event at COP16: A high-level event organized by the National Trade Council and ANDI’s National Water and Biodiversity Center. Julia Ocampo, representing Luker, will join a discussion on “Target 15: Integrating Biodiversity into Value Chains” alongside industry leaders from Bavaria, Pepsico, WWF, and TNC. The conversation will center on biodiversity integration within supply chains, deforestation prevention, and nature-based solutions. This event also marks the launch of the “Biodiversity and Business Roadmap for Colombia.”
Zotefoams Debuts New Packaging
Zotefoams will be premiering its new circular packaging range at Pack Expo 2024. Based on a proprietary microcellular foaming technology birthed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the mono-material barrier substrate can help brands and retailers cut the carbon footprint of aseptic beverage cartons by 50% while contributing towards the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Recycling Goal of 50% by 2030. “We are excited to be bringing a product to the USA that has the potential to assist companies currently supplying products in composite cartons, such as juices, dairy alternatives, soups, stocks and broths and even laundry and personal care, to make huge leaps towards circularity,” shared Neil Court-Johnston, President of Zotefoams’ MuCell Extrusion LLC business unit.
Guests of Pack Expo 2024 can stop by booth W-27094 from November 3-6 to learn more about the new packaging.
