Las Vegas, NV—At SupplySide West, officials from Gelita and Geltor signed a letter of intent for developing, producing, and marketing the first ingestible animal-free collagen proteins, to be launched in late 2020, according to a press release. Geltor is to design and produce the biodesigned collagen; Gelita is to conduct clinical research and commercialize the product as an addition to its existing collagen portfolio.

While Gelita has already been an investor in the potential of biodesign with Geltor, this agreement makes Gelita a more active partner in the design, research, and commercialization of this “next generation” collagen ingredient.

Geltor already has a portfolio of animal-free collagen ingredients for the skincare market—Collume, a marine collagen, and HumaColl21, a human collagen. This agreement marks Geltor’s entrance into the food and beverage market, where they and Gelita will be able to satisfy demand for vegan products.
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Hans-Ulrich Frech, Gelita’s Global VP of Business Unit Collagen Peptides, said in the release: “Gelita’s decision to invest in biodesign technologies is a prime example of our commitment to innovation and satisfying market needs. This addition to Gelita’s collagen portfolio will complement the already robust portfolio of scientifically substantiated Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which are key ingredients in foods and nutritional supplements for their protein content and physiological benefits.”

Geltor CEO and Co-Founder Alexander Lorestani added, "This pact further solidifies our view that we have entered a new era in how proteins are being utilized to improve products that consumers around the world use every day. Today, the market is ready and eager for premium offerings of protein ingredients, and this is the need that Geltor is serving. We couldn't be more excited to work with GELITA on delivering the next generation of collagens to consumers. For a relatively young and rapidly growing company like Geltor, to be partnering with GELITA and their longstanding track record of success on a deal of this size and scope is a dream come true."