ITC Launches 2025 Industry Survey
Industry Transparency Center (ITC) is looking for input for its 2025 Branded Ingredient Industry Survey from fellow industry members regarding various categories and specific ingredients. Participants will help provide clarity within the industry and support the value of branded ingredients. The short survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is available online. Upon completion, participants will be entered for a chance to win an Oura Ring.
Eurofins Rolls Out New Certification Program
With so much growth and increased consumer demand from the U.S. dietary and food supplements market, Eurofins Healthcare Assurance is helping participants of the space meet regulatory compliance in the U.S. with its new GMP certification program. Manufacturers, brands, agents, and retailers can choose between two technical scopes of certification covering key dietary supplement regulations and standards, specifically 21 CRF 111/117 and NSF/ANSI 455-2-2024. The comprehensive program is a process certification solution that observes and assesses all product types and manufacturing capabilities onsite.
Customers who successfully complete the certification program will receive a GMP certificate and license to use the Eurofins Assurance certification mark. Participants will also benefit from Eurofins Healthcare Assurance’s comprehensive expertise in dietary supplement quality systems, manufacturing operations, and global regulation.
Aker QRILL Announces Next Krill Fishing Vessel
Aker QRILL is building its fourth state-of-the-art krill fishing vessel. In an agreement with Tersan Shipyard, the project will involve the purchase, significant rebuilding and customization, of a vessel that was completed in 2023. “This partnership represents an ideal solution for both parties,” shared Webjørn Barstad, CEO of Aker QRILL Company. “Adding a fourth vessel to our fleet is crucial for our success as we enter the next phase of growth and development. Equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies, this vessel will bolster our ambition to maintain our leadership position in the krill industry and ensure access to renewable and sustainable marine raw materials—vital to meet the growing global demand for sustainable marine feed ingredients with excellent nutritional qualities.”
The vessel will operate under a Norwegian fisheries license in the CCAMLR krill fishery starting in the third quarter of 2026.
SHI Hosts Learning Lab
The Sustainable Herbs Initiative (SHI) is continuing its educational series in the new year with the announcement of its fourth SHI Learning Lab event. Four virtual sessions will be held on January 30, February 6, 20, and 27 for stakeholders in the botanical industry to discuss:
- How can medicinal plant sourcing enhance global wellbeing?
- How do we cultivate true respect for plants, people, and planet?
- What systemic changes are necessary?
- How can we collaborate to drive meaningful transformation?
Co-facilitated by SHI Director Ann Armbrecht and senior Faculty member and consultant with the Presencing Institute, Julie Arts, these Learning Labs provide a model of awareness-based systems change that work at getting to the source of systemic change and identifying key steps to address issues. It also offers current SHI member companies an opportunity to educate and involve more employees while allowing potential new members to experience SHI's work.
Participation is free for active SHI Supporters, members and participants from the Global South, and $300 for non members. For more information and registration information is available here.
Natural Grocers Organizes 3rd Annual Education Series
Natural Grocers has announced its third-annual 21 Days to a Healthier You series, a transformative three-part program that will enable participants to create actionable, science-backed wellness strategies they can use throughout their journey towards optimal health. From January 23 - February 2, customers that stop by select Natural Grocers locations and sign up to participate in the three-class initiative (Eat for your Health (and the Planet's Health), Kick Sugar Cravings, Detoxify Your Life), led by the resident Nutritional Health coach, will be encouraged to take action with a 7-day challenge, receive a $5 coupon along with a coupon booklet, following each class. Lessons will also be available online for Spanish-speaking customers.
"Our '21 Days to a Healthier You' series is all about empowering individuals to take charge of their health with simple, actionable steps," explained Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers. "From learning how to eat in a way that nourishes both your body and the planet, to breaking free from sugar cravings, to detoxifying your life and home, this series provides practical tools and inspiring challenges that make a healthier lifestyle not only attainable but exciting. It's a chance for participants to create lasting, positive change in just 21 days."
FrieslandCampina Reveals Trends for 2025
Nutritional Trends 2025 magazine, the fifth iteration of FrieslandCampina Ingredients annual trends report, is now available. Designed to help brands identify new opportunities for innovation and product development in adult nutrition, the data is a collection of information from consumer research, market influences, and exclusive insights from the FrieslandCampina Ingredients team. “Technology is a driving force in today’s nutritional landscape,” commented Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director, Performance, Active, and Medical Nutrition. “Armed with personalized health data and the endless possibilities of AI, people are feeling more empowered to take control of their wellbeing. Add to this the pressures of an increasingly cost- and eco-conscious world, and we’re seeing that 2025’s trends highlight a growing need for brands to provide tailored, multifunctional solutions that excel on quality, value and sustainability.”
5 key trends that will drive the future of nutrition in 2025 include:
Protein in every bite: Protein supplementation has become a staple for individuals of all ages and activity levels. With so much popularity there is great potential to create novel, convenient, and enjoyable ways to facilitate integration.
- The gut stuff: The staple category will continue to hold significant potential for innovation including new health benefits, eating occasions and tailored solutions for specific consumer groups.
- The new age: Ageing well has become a lifelong pursuit for consumers across all age groups.
- My health, my way: The popularity of AI-powered platforms has catapulted access to data supporting or negating health claims. Specialized solutions are the new norm as consumers continue to prefer supplements that address their specific health goals.
- Sustainability at the core of innovation: "People’s food and drink choices are intrinsically linked to what is happening in their lives and broader societies, and there’s no doubt that 2025 will present more opportunities for brands to support consumers’ wellness priorities with nutritious solutions," explained Davies.
Codex Approves GOED Proposal
GOED's (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s) proposal for new work to develop a new international standard for microbial omega-3 oils has been approved by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). In November 2024, the approval from the CAC was the end result of over a year long campaign by GOED. Encompassing a variety of EPA and DHA algal oils, the proposal establishes a global standard for microbial omega-3 oils, ensuring free trade around the world. News of the approval also signifies a continuation of work within an Electronic Working Group (EWG) which was set up in early 2024, led by the United States as chair and China as co-chair. A first draft of the standard is expected to be presented at the 29th session of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO29) in 2026.
Gavan Secures A-round Funding
Gavan Technologies, Ltd. has raised 8 million USD in A-round funds. Led by MoreVC with participation from Lever VC, EIT Food, and DarkBoot Group, the FoodTech start-up was able to secure the capital to facilitate their cutting-edge plant protein-based fat solution, Fatrix, into the European food market. “This funding round opens the door for Gavan to enter the European food market, where we can quickly make a positive impact. Our new, fully EU-certified facility is planned to go commercial as early as April next year,” explained Itai Cohen, Gavan’s co-founder and CEO. “It is neutral in flavor, odorless, and highly versatile, making it possible to create any texture required,” added Cohen. "It maintains stability and water- and fat-holding capacity even under processing conditions of high heat and physical pressure.”
Founded in 2018, Gavan Technologies, Ltd. focuses on the development of functional ingredients for the food industry. Their zero-waste platform allows for tailored solutions to meet specific customer preferences or application requirements and is compatible with a wide range of plant-based oils and legumes. Fatrix is the company's solution for the market's need for a clean-label fat substitute that is affordable, crave worthy, and highly functional. The scalable, cost efficient fat solution has shown a capacity for creating an indulgent buttery sensation across multiple bakery products like brioche bread and croissants and also adds functional value to dairy analogs like whipping creams, cooking creams, and puddings without the need for added thickeners or stabbilizers.
SUANNUTRA Develops New Digital Platform
SUANNUTRA, S.L. is helping its clients create novel products with assistance from a brand new interactive platform, SuanBlend. The new custom blends service combines the company's capabilities and know-how in a simple comprehensive solution for European market dietary supplement companies to dive into the world of science-based ingredients and botanical extracts. “At SUANNUTRA, we are positioned to offer exactly the qualities that businesses are actively seeking, helping them stand out in a competitive market,” stated Mariana Ortega, Product Manager SUANNUTRA. “We truly care about our customers, especially when it comes to finding ways to support them. In particular, we maintain close relationships with our small, local customers across Europe, who often seek high-value formulations. These companies lack the equipment and blending capacity required to create high-value formulations. While they have great ideas, they sometimes need help navigating through the complexities of health claims, regulations, and market trends. Our portfolio boasts more than 1,200 certified ingredients, making it possible to easily create a full line of supplements that match consumers’ diverse needs and preferences, ensuring optimal health benefits and satisfaction.”
SuanNutra provides its small and medium business users with two main solutions:
- Predefined Formulations - SUANNUTRA offers readymade formulations that combine proprietary branded ingredients, supported by clinical studies, with other nutraceuticals that enhance the synergy of the blend. These predefined formulations have been carefully designed to meet the current market needs, offering effective, science-backed solutions. They are ideal for companies requiring a quick and reliable way to launch products with proven benefits.
- Personalized Formulation guidance – SUANNUTRA provides personalized ideas for its customers. As a strategic partner, SuanNutra works closely with clients to help them create unique blend formulations that align with product goals and specified health benefits.
Launching in early 2025, clients will be able to use the hands-on approach platform to create customized blend formulations targeting various health categories and beauty-from-within. The service will also give them greater flexibility and control over the formulation process and allow them to experiment with various ingredient combinations.
Meati Breaks Into the World of Breakfast
Fans of Meati, manufacturers of clean, nutrient-rich foods made from mycelium, can now purchase savory, nutrient-dense patties from Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the country. Available in the freezer section of 280 Sprouts locations, the breakfast patties are made of 98% mycelium, contain a complete protein profile with all nine essential amino acids and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals like potassium, folate, and choline, eight grams of protein, four grams of fiber, and zero saturated fat or cholesterol.
“We wanted to create something with the same big aroma that fills your kitchen, and the same taste and texture of the breakfast patty you grew up with - but with a much cleaner nutrient profile,” said Phil Graves, CEO of Meati. “It’s the perfect fuel to start your day – whether you’re looking for a clean, high-protein option on the go, or a satisfying, weekend-worthy breakfast that’s more heart-healthy than traditional options.”
Fruit World Merges with Creekside Organics
Effective immediately, California certified organic grower-shipper, Creekside Organics, has entered into a 50/50 merger agreement with California produce company, Fruit World. Under the partnership, which combines the farming, growing, packing, sales, and marketing expertise of both companies, both entities will move forward as Creekside Organics, Inc. The Fruit World name will serve as one of the company's flagship brands. “This partnership was a natural evolution for us" shared Fruit World CEO and Owner, Bianca Kaprielian. "Before this merger, our companies already shared so much in common–a commitment to family farmers, an organic-first approach, a focus on producing the highest quality fruits and vegetables in the industry, strong core values, and a passion for outstanding service. By coming together, we are not just uniting our operations but strengthening our ability to grow, innovate, and deliver even more value to everyone we serve."
Consumers will continue to enjoy from enhanced services and expanded product offerings including:
- From Creekside Organics: Organic artichokes, broccoli, baby broccoli, brussel sprouts, baby bok choy, cauliflower, celery, chards, cabbages, kales, lettuces, herbs, squashes, peppers, beans, peas, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, melons, figs, apricots, and citrus.
- From Fruit World: Organic and conventional citrus, organic stonefruit, grapes, tomatoes, persimmons, and pomegranates.
