FIG Redefines Possibilities of Gummy Technology
Formulation Innovations Group (FIG) is a partner for clean-label manufacturing solutions. The company offers clients access to its nutritional delivery system that specializes in complex formulations including sugar-free, fiber-based, vegan, and keto/low-carb solutions. As demand for gummy supplements continues to spike, FIG is able to produce large quantities and small GMP-certified batches for nutritional brands looking to scale efficiently. Nutraceutical customers will also benefit from the company's on-site pilot support.
“Being in this industry for over 20 years, I have watched the changes that drive innovation,” said Crystal Webber, MS, RD, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at FIG Formulations. “Being able to offer brands non-standard formulation options that are high quality, stable, and clean label means we are not only meeting consumer demands but also helping brands create unique and effective products that stand out in the market.”
TraceGains Debuts AI-Powered Document Processing Solution
TraceGains is harnessing the power of AI to help Food and Beverage brands improve safety and compliance by eliminating the manual processes of material compliance and lot-level ingredient quality control. Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) streamlines Certificate of Analysis (COA) processing to confirm a product's quality, performance, and safety compliance. "We designed IDP to deliver superior accuracy and reliability by continuously learning and improving with every use,” shared Paul Bradley, Senior Director of Product Marketing, TraceGains. “Our AI-driven solution eliminates the inefficiencies of manual data verification, empowering brands to proactively manage supply chain quality and compliance. Customer feedback indicates it is a smarter, faster way to ensure the safety and integrity of the products consumers rely on.”
IDP was built on the OpenAI foundation model and set up to read unfamiliar and non-standard document formats with high accuracy. The system is trained and validated against global F&B industry COAs and continues to learn as more documents are processed. Large-scale brands benefit most from the program's process of automatically reviewing inbound COAs against required specifications, flagging potential issues where additional human oversight is needed, saving an average of 12-minute per-page manual setup and significantly reducing implementation times.
Because TraceGains IDP fits into existing TraceGains solutions, users can adopt the technology and quickly modernize its supply chain compliance. “By combining our rich contextual TraceGains data with the OpenAI model, we’ve created a vertical-specific AI solution for brands to manage the continual quality of their supply chain and ensure consumer food safety," explained Greg Heartman, Vice President, Product Management, TraceGains.
dsm-firmenich Wins Infringement Case
dsm-firmenich shared the news that the UK High Court of Justice has ruled that Mara/AO3's unauthorized use of dsm-firmenich's processing technology infringed a valid patent covering algal-based docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil development. The patent infringement trial against Canada-based Mara Renewables Corporation and its UK subsidiary, Algal Omega-3 Ltd (together "Mara/AO3") addressed unlicensed use of dsm-firmenich intellectual property used for the development and production of high-purity algal DHA oils. “This result confirms our contentions that Mara/AO3 have been unlawfully using dsm-firmenich’s legitimate IP rights,” said Francois Scheffler, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Development of dsm-firmenich’s Health, Nutrition, and Care Business Unit. "We now intend to pursue a full recovery for the damages we have suffered on account of the infringement, and remain even more committed to further defending and enforcing our IP rights in the UK and elsewhere."
Kerry Group Inaugurates West Coast Engagement Center
Customers and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the opening of Kerry Group's new West Coast Customer Engagement Center on March 19th in Commerce, CA. Marcella Smyth, Consul General of Ireland, and Killian McMahon, Director of Enterprise Ireland, West Coast joined others to learn about the new facility's innovative offerings through product showcases, live demonstrations, and presentations. “This new space in Commerce is designed to facilitate R&D collaboration, speed up innovation cycles, and allow customers to work directly with our technical experts or independently in the space,” said John Cahalane, Kerry North America President and CEO. “We are constantly looking at ways to serve our customers better, so we look forward to offering our Taste Alley portfolio and Kerry Kalaido solution to ensure they can commercialize at speed in an evolving market."
Kerry's new site will be home to two of the company's latest developments:
- Kerry Kalaido: an AI-powered concepting tool powered with proprietary data that will allow companies to short-circuit traditional concept ideation and development sessions.
- Taste Alley: a product capabilities portfolio specifically for startup food and beverage companies tackling the early phase obstacles of launching market products.
As with other Kerry Group facilities, the Commerce operation was set up with a budget for local causes and a paid volunteer day for all employees. This year, Kerry donated to various nonprofit organizations in support of Los Angeles and surrounding communities in response to the devastating wildfires that took place in January.
Arla Foods Teaming Up with Valley Queen
Arla Foods Ingredients is joining forces with dairy product specializer Valley Queen to meet the growing demand from U.S. consumers for protein-enriched dairy. The contract manufacturing agreement will see the South Dakota-based dairy processor produce ingredients from the Nutrilac ProteinBoost product range to increase protein levels in food and beverage products. Valley Queen currently handles roughly three billion pounds (1.36bn kg) of milk annually and produces 330 million pounds (150M kg) of cheese. In anticipation of its Nutrilac ProteinBoost production, new specialty equipment will be installed at the company’s plant in Milbank, SD, for manufacturing to begin in winter 2025/2026.
“Demand for protein-enriched dairy products continues to grow in the U.S. In order to meet it, and to fulfil our ambitious plans for growth in North America, it was essential for us to significantly increase our capacity for the production of Nutrilac ProteinBoost. At the same time, it was important for us to choose a partner with the right values, history and expertise. We’re delighted to work with Valley Queen, a company with a long heritage which shares our commitment to producing dairy and whey products of the highest quality," said Luis Cubel, Group Vice President and Managing Director of Arla Foods Ingredients.
Layn Natural Expands Capabilities with New Facility
Natural botanical extract ingredients and solutions provider, Layn Natural Ingredients, is investing in precision fermentation and enzyme-based ingredient development by opening a state-of-the-art biotech facility. The site, which was designed to optimize large-scale manufacturing of highly pure and sustainable bioactive ingredients, will deliver scientifically validated, non-GMO bioactive solutions to the dietary supplement, food, beverage, and personal care markets. The first product offering from the company's new facility is Galacan, a highly bioavailable and water-soluble heteropolysaccharide designed as an advanced alternative to traditional Beta Glucans.
“The expansion through our biotechnology facility marks a new era for Layn Natural Ingredients, allowing us to push the boundaries of precision fermentation and enzyme production,” said James Roza, Chief Scientific Officer at Layn Natural Ingredients. “With Galacan, we are redefining Beta Glucan innovation, offering enhanced bioavailability and functional benefits for supplements, foods and beverages, as well as excellent applications in beauty, personal care and animal nutrition.”
ADM and Ashai Group Enter Exclusive Distribution Agreement
Ashai Group Foods Corporation has named ADM as the sole marketer and distributor of Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305, the brand's proprietary lactic acid-based postbiotic. Discovered through many years of research on Calpis-derived lactic acid bacteria, L. gasseri CP2305 is backed by eight human clinical trials and can target stress, mood, and sleep support. Ashai Group will aim to meet the increasing demand for diverse functional food products through ADM's large global network and R&D centers. "Stress, mood and sleep are among the fastest-growing wellness segments, and – as the cornerstone to physical and emotional health – they are also some of the most disruptive factors to everyday life and overall well-being if not properly supported," said Mark Lotsch, ADM's President of Global Health & Wellness. "Our agreement with pioneering Asahi Group to bring science-backed L. gasseri CP2305 postbiotic into our robust health and wellness solutions library is a critical step in advancing new product development to support consumers’ quality of life around the world."
Through the partnership, Ashai Group hopes to strengthen its name within the lactic acid bacteria materials space. Starting this month, ADM will expand the distribution of L. gasseri CP2305 to food manufacturers in North America, Europe and Asia while Ashai continues to use the ingredient in supplements and beverages sold throughout Japan.
Sirio Sets Up Global Research Institute
With global demand for anti-aging solutions continuing its upward trajectory, Global nutraceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Sirio Pharma is meeting the challenge with the debut of its Sirio Institute for Anti-Ageing (SIA). During the 2025 Boao Health Food Science Conference and Expo SIRIO introduced the global Scientific Advisory Board guided institute which will explore the biological mechanisms of ageing and how they can be modulated. Research will focus on four core areas:
- Cellular health
- Probiotics and gut health
- Muscle health
- Reproductive system health
By using cutting edge research and the latest in development capabilities, SIA will advance anti-aging science and accelerate the development and commercialization of original nutraceutical products promoting healthy longevity. SIA customers will benefit from the company's resources and support to help bring their creative anti-aging solutions to market while gaining a competitive edge within the industry. Dr. Yu-Xuan Lyu, Research Assistant Professor at the Institute of Advanced Biotechnology and the School of Medicine at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) will head the institute and put together the overseeing Scientific Advisory Board.
“With global populations rapidly greying, the demand for scientifically validated nutraceuticals that can delay or minimize the unwanted effects of ageing has reached unprecedented levels. Yet many products on the market today frequently promote safety and efficacy claims lacking robust scientific and clinical evidence. The Sirio Institute for Anti-Ageing (SIA) will pioneer rigorous, evidence-based research and product development for our nutraceutical partners worldwide. Our approach extends beyond merely delaying ageing manifestations, aiming to identify and the modulate fundamental mechanisms of ageing. We will conduct cutting-edge research into innovative bioactive ingredients, synergistic formulations, delivery and stability optimization protocols, and demonstrable consumer health benefits," said Dr. Lyu.
CBE JU Project Shares Update on Innovative Extract Plant
Earlier this month, representatives of European, national, regional and local authorities were gathered to observe the progress of SUSTAINEXT project's FLAGSHIP plant construction. Funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) with an expected completion timeline of roughly four years, the project will transform Natac's current production plant into the most innovative botanical extracts plant of the industry. Guests at the event toured the current facilities, witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and learned about the significance of having chosen an argo livestock farming region as the site's location.
Located in the Spanish rural region of Extremadura, Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, CBE JU Executive Director, commented on the project's impact to the local area: "SUSTAINEXT shows the power of collaboration in the circular bioeconomy, transforming a visionary idea into a future groundbreaking biorefinery that will drive sustainability, innovation, and economic growth in the Extremadura region. This flagship project not only showcases Europe's leadership in bio-based industries but also creates new opportunities for rural regions through zero-waste, zero emission solutions.”
A 3D animation introductory/conceptual video of the project is available for viewing here.
Pattern Set Up Shop in Las Vegas
Pattern recently held an invite-only VIP event for executives to tour its newest warehouse in Las Vegas, NV. The event was held on Tuesday, March 25th and granted guests personal access into the new warehouse to explore its capabilities and the latest in logistics technology. Company fulfillment experts were in attendance to network with execs and provide insights into the company's latest offering.
SD Head USA Partnering with Shankar Nutricon
SD Head USA is now the exclusive distribution partner in North America of Shankar Nutricon, manufacturers of lecithin, phospholipids, and liposomal ingredients. The partnership includes exclusive distribution of Shankar's lecithin derivatives including Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylserine, and Liposomal Ingredients. “Shankar's commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation aligns perfectly with our values,” said Johnnie Chen, COO of SD Head USA. “Through this partnership, we will provide brands with the high-quality, science-backed ingredients they need to formulate next-generation health and wellness products.”
The collaboration will also expand access to Shankar's non-animal origin ingredients for dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics:
- ACTISERINE – A next-generation Phosphatidyl Serine + Catechins complex for brain health and cellular protection
- INNO PC – A Phosphatidyl Choline ingredient designed for enhanced liposomal formulations, brain and liver health
- INNO PS (Phosphatidyl Serine) - INNO PS Phosphatidyl Serine is commonly used in brain health supplements, skincare products, and emotional wellness formulations.
- ACTISOMES – Advanced liposomal structures that significantly improve bioavailability for supplements and cosmeceuticals
Through SD Head USA, North American customers will be able to benefit from Shankar Nutricon's technical support, formulation expertise, and supply chain to incorporate advanced solutions into their product development processes.
