*Article updated May 13, 2:04pm, with more information on CRN's specially designed “Prenatal Nutrition Center” at the ACOG meeting.
CRN Teams Up with OmniActive, Balchem & More at ACOG
The Council of Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and its participating members — Balchem, Church & Dwight Co., Inc.,, dsm-Firmenich, Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, Omniactive Health Technologies, and Pharmavite will join forces at this year's American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, CA, to educate and spread awareness amongst healthcare professionals on the importance of prenatal nutrition, including lutein and zeaxanthin for maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. Guests can stop by booth 113 from May 17-19 to learn about the latest achievements and research in the prenatal nutrition field.
“CRN is thrilled that our members with products and expertise in this space have come together in such a meaningful collaboration to offer this important resource to ACOG attendees this year,” said Andrea Wong, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, CRN. “Our equal partnership with all of them at ACOG is sure to advance awareness around prenatal health and nutrition.” Learn more here: CRN Foundation Will Promote Prenatal Nutrition at 2024 ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting | Council for Responsible Nutrition (crnusa.org).
OmniActive shared a closer look at the "Lutein for Every Age" initiative, which will spread information regarding the early and consistent consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin to support eye, cognitive, and general health throughout life. Deshanie Rai, Ph.D., FACN, VP of Global Science, Regulatory and Advocacy at OmniActive Health Technologies commented on the collaboration: “OmniActive is proud to partner with the CRN Foundation’s Prenatal Nutrition Centre to promote awareness among healthcare practitioners on the nutritional relevance of lutein for both mom and baby.”
With a recent study showing 60% of gynecologists believe 80-100% of their patients take some type of supplement during pregnancy and prenatal vitamins and supplement sales projected to earn $1.43 billion by 2031, the demand is high to provide consumers with products that deliver efficacious levels of nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
CRN Member Roster Keeps Growing
In more news from CRN, the trade group shared that it has added seven new members to its global roster. Focus Consumer Healthcare, Nalu Bio, Nutraforia, Purple Tree Labs, Standard Process, Vitafor, and The O'Connor Group will becoming voting members once the association's board of directors gives its approval.
“We’re pleased to welcome this latest group of responsible dietary supplement industry players to CRN’s community of members contributing to the public health worldwide and the economies in which they operate,” said CRN President & CEO Steve Mister.
VitaCholine Partnering with New York Jets
Balchem's VitaCholine has entered into a multi-year agreement with the National Football League franchise, the New York Jets. The endorsement includes entitlement of the New York Jets official website, territorial rights in both the U.S. and United Kingdom, and recognizes VitaCholine as the presenting partner for one road game per season. This collaboration marks the company's first sponsorship and the first Nutritional Ingredient sponsorship with a major professional sports team.
The science-backed muscle control support nutrient is the team's latest U.S. partner and the Jets' seventh partnership in the UK. Jeff Fernandez, Vice President of Business Development + Ventures at the New York Jets, spoke on the teams the new partnership: “There is a renewed awareness of nutrition and self-care emerging all around us, and VitaCholine, along with its parent company Balchem, are committed to making the world a healthier place. It is rare to have the opportunity to align with such an innovative company who are also leaders in corporate responsibility. We believe their message will resonate with Jets fans and serve to help improve the well-being of so many in our market.”
National Co+op Grocers Adds New Members
National Co+op Grocers (NCG) has added three new member co-ops in Oregon, Vermont, and New Hampshire. NCG now boasts 164 members across 39 states with combined annual sales of $2.5 billion.
“Co-ops are essential cornerstones of their communities, and we are happy to support these new members as they continue to the vital work of supporting vibrant communities and sustainable food systems,” said C.E. Pugh, NCG Chief Executive Officer. The newest members of the business services cooperative are:
- Coos Head Food Co-op, Coos Bay, Oregon - the oldest operating natural food store on the southern coast of Oregon.
- Morrisville Food Co-op, Morrisville, Vermont - Lamoile Valley Region's community food hub.
- Wolfeboro Community Food Co-op, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire - Wolfeboro's only natural and organic market
Keraplast Meets New Standards
Keraplast Manufacturing has met the new European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) new legislation establishing a maximum of 50 parts per billion (ppb) ftraces of N-nitrosamines in raw materials used as ingredients and finished cosmetic products. Nitrosamines are impurities can form in personal care products like shampoos, lotions, and conditioner. Compliance with the new strict requirement, which is confirmed by independent testing, further cements Keraplast's dedication to the safety and quality of its products.
Ahiflower Oil Gets Turkish Approval
Buglossoides arvensis has been added to the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture's federal positive plants list which allows for Ahiflower oil to be used in supplements and function foods. Inclusion of the science based, plant derived alternative to fish oil helps exclusive global suppliers like Natures Crops International (NCI) and its Eastern European and Turkish distribution partner, Phytonet, to address the sustainable supply and pricing concerns of the fish oil industry. Andrew Hebard, Founder and CEO of NCI spoke on the products new Turkish acceptance "...we greatly appreciate the Phytonet team and the Turkish authorities who made this possible. The opportunities this new market presents and the positive impacts Ahiflower will have on the health of Turkish consumers is significant."
Sabinsa Premiers C3 at Vitafoods Europe 2024
Guests at Vitafoods Europe 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, will get a look at Sabinsa's full-line of innovative ingredients including C3 Reduct - the only EFSA-approved curcuminoid product in the European market. Other products on display will include:
- Cirpusins, shown to aid in weight management
- Saberry, for healthy lipid and glucose level support
- Nigellin, for general health & wellness
- Shagandha, a stress and anxiety reducer
The brand's European team, led by Dr. Umar Jan, President of European Operations, will be at Stand A90 discussing the company's high-quality products, exceptional service, and technical sales support strategy for its European clients.
TopGum Debuts Gummies at Vitafoods Europe
TopGum Industries Ltd. will be rolling out its high-dose iron gummies, IronGum, at this year's Vitafoods Europe event in Geneva, Switzerland. The newest addition to the brands Gummiceuticals line will look to introduce consumers who struggle with the consumption of iron supplements to an effective and holistic product featuring a non metal-like taste.
With 2 billion people worldwide – 25% of the global population – battling iron deficiency (according to WHO), IronGum was established to address the lack of palatable and effective iron supplements currently available to consumers. As sales of iron supplements is expected to reach USD 518.7 million by 2028 and with a CAGR increase of 3.8% from 2021, TopGum developed the functional vegan gummy with various doses of iron (ferrous fumarate) using its proprietary TopCaps microencapsulation system to hide any unpleasant flavors and encourage consumption amongst consumers.
Monteloeder Exhibits Lemon Verbena
Monteloeder's Lemon Verbena has been selected to participate in La Vera Campo Arañuelo Hub, a project that will introduce its cultivation and production to Cáceres, Spain. The hub has granted Monteloeder 4 acres of land, formerly used for tobacco, to optimize cultivation practices and test out techniques like precision agriculture. The project will also look to help its surrounding communities economic and rural development. “This project is designed to both revitalize this strip of Spanish countryside and to foster the transition from cultivating tobacco to more functional medicinal plants,” explained Fran Cremades, Technical & Operations Director of Monteloeder. The South American aromatic plant will also be on display at Vitafoods Europe.
dsm-firmenich Unveils Humiome B2
dsm-firenich will be launching two new products at Vitafoods Europe 2024. Humiome B2, a targeted vitamin B2 solution delivering prebiotic-like benefits to support a healthy gut using dsm-firmenich’s unique Microbiome Targeted Technology to distribute roughly 90% of B2 to the lower intestine and colon and 10% to the small intestine, will be on display at booth D90.
The second debut, a collaboration with Indena, is a line of next-gen dietary supplement solutions that combine biotics, essential nutrients, and active botanical extracts. The dietary supplement concepts will target consumers looking to address various heath areas including their gut health, brain heath, and healthy aging through easy-to-use formats like gummies and oral dispersible granules.
Guests can stop by company's booth to learn about the products effects on life in the health and nutrition space and listen in on the science behind Humiome B2 at the Probiotics Theatre on Tuesday, May 14.
Rousselot Puts Collagen Peptides Center Stage
Rousselot will be in attendance at Vitafoods Europe with its full line of collagen, gelatin, softgels, and hard capsule solutions. From May 14-16 the brand will be treating guests to its new discovery in active collagen peptides and share the results of three new studies supporting its PEPTAN collagen peptide brand for improved sleep quality, reduced gastrointestinal discomfort, and enhanced skin density, hydration, and elasticity at booth E106.
Vitafoods attendees will have the opportunity to listen in on two discussions hosted by Rousselot. The first, Rousselot Global Science & Innovation Director, Elke de Clerck will be at the New Ingredients Theater on May 15 for the “Breaking the collagen code: Discover the future of targeted peptides,” followed by Rousselot Global Business Development Manager Health & Nutrition, Florencia Moreno Torres presentation of “Collagen peptides: The ultimate beauty from within ingredient plus a holistic well-being twist."
Prairie Heritage Seeds Receives Organic Farming Award
The Organic Farming Award has been given to Prairie Heritage Seeds (PHS Organics) at this year's Organic Leadership Awards. The event and gala recognizing pioneers and visionaries of the organic industry was held in Vancouver, British Columbia and hosted by the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA).
Alex Galarneau, of Prairie Heritage Seeds, shared the company's gratitude for the award, "receiving this award and joining the esteemed company of past recipients is truly an honor. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our mentors, especially the late Alvin Scheresky, whose guidance has been invaluable. Our gratitude also goes to our parents for their unwavering support and to our dedicated team of producers who have played a vital role in the growth of our grain."
NutriLeads Expands Distribution
NutriLeads has diversified its Pacific-Asia Distribution for its precision prebiotic, Benicaros, through its partnership with Pure Chemicals Co. Ltd., Thailand, and PT. Verentia Inti Cipta Alami, Indonesia. Just a small serving, as low as 300 mg, of the highly soluble, award-winning, plant-based precision prebiotic increases the body's beneficial gut microorganisms and trains the immune system to respond faster. “Strong partners like Pure Chemicals and VICA will help further establish Benicaros as a global branded ingredient for gut and immune health,” shared NutriLeads Chief Executive Office, Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D.
ADM Makes Pledge to Kansas State University
ADM has committed $1 million dollars to Kansas State University's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. The investment will go towards supporting grain, food, animal and agronomy research and help elevate students academic experience through programs focused on food product development, food safety and food security, and industry innovation.
The state-of-the-art center, led by the College of Agriculture, will feature classrooms, interdisciplinary partner spaces, and designate 30% of its space to on-site collaboration between public resources and private enterprises and is one of four new or renovated facilities focusing on interdisciplinary research and development. The other facilities within the initiative include the Agriculture Innovation Initiative are the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Bilbrey Family Event Center, and Call and Weber halls.
JUNKLESS Branding Gets a Refresh
The chewy granola bar manufacturer, JUNKLESS, has just revealed a new logo, refreshed product packaging which includes vibrant colors, "speech bubbles" with other playful typography, and a brand new eye catching website. After reporting a record-breaking quarter the company is continuing its upward trajectory with the introduction of a new flavor: Double Chocolate Chewy Granola Bars and launching a new "de-junk" marketing campaign consisting of influencer collaborations, social media activations, billboards, digital and retail media, in-store displays, co-branded social media giveaways, custom content, and strategic partnerships with brands like The Home Edit.
Whole Foods Market Stocks Seal the Seasons
Seal the Seasons will now be available at 250 Whole Foods Market locations across California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, New York, and Connecticut. Certified Organic New Jersey Blueberries and Certified Organic Florida Blueberries will be Whole Foods Market exclusives while the brands other offerings, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Peaches will be available depending on the store location.
With certified organic sales surpassing $60 billion in 2022 and recent polls estimating 73% of Americans have a genuine interest in adding locally grown foods to their diets, retailers like Whole Foods Market have had to adjust their merchandising assortment decisions towards companies like Seal the Seasons that target the millennial (ages 18 to 34) consumer segment driving up sales. Patrick Mateer, CEO of Seal the Seasons, shared his thoughts on the new partnership: “Whole Foods Market and Seal the Seasons share the same values of sourcing locally grown foods and supporting family farms."
Amylu Foods Acquires Klement's Sausage Company
Natural brand Amylu Foods continues its commitment to giving customers premium, high-quality meat products with the acquisition of Klement's Sausage Company. The addition of the small-batch production sausage company allows Amylu to increase its production capacity and expand its product range to include snack sticks and summer sausages. With both companies having a well established customer base, Amylu will look to sustain its year-over-year growth which has already recorded a 70% increase in 2024. "The addition of Klement's Sausage Company to the Amylu Foods family marks a significant step in our growth strategy," said Steven Zoll, Chairman & CEO of Amylu Foods
Naticol Wild is MSC Certified
Weishardt International's Naticol Wild, a marine collagen peptide, is available with Marine Stewardship Council certification. MSC certification focuses on protecting marine ecosystems and the prevention of overfishing. Founded in 1997, the international non-profit has set superior industry standards through a strict certification process and its Chain of Custody approach which ensures certification of each member of a products supply chain.
FedUp Foods Set Up in North Carolina
North American fermented beverage manufacturer, FedUp Foods, is expanding to Wilmington, NC with a new state-of-the-art facility. This marks the third east coast location for the private label manufacturer of Kombucha, Prebiotic and Probiotic Sodas, Tepache, and functional Cold Brew Coffee. David Gray, CEO of FedUp Foods, shared his excitement for the new site, "...we wouldn't be where we are today without the commitment of our entire team, and we're excited to grow and carry our mission forward in this next phase of our journey with the city of Wilmington."
Chosen for its convenient access to sea and rail transportation, the Wilmington location will officially open its doors this summer with position hiring taking place over the coming months.
Idaho Milk Receives Breakthrough Award
The Breakthrough for Dairy Innovation Award has been given to Idaho Milk Products in recognition of its IdaPlus 1090 milk protein powder creation. The exceptionally high protein content powder has the potential to accelerate the development of a clean-label, ready-to-drink (RTD), high-protein shake with a 24-month shelf life.
The award recognizes the outstanding contributions made to the dairy industry by its American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) members between February 1, 2022 and February 1, 2024. This years honors were presented during the 2024 ADPI/ABI Annual Conference in Chicago, IL from April 28-30.
