Global Prebiotic Association Adds New Members
The Global Prebiotic Association (GPA) is welcoming five new members:
- Icon Foods (Board Level Member) – A leading global supplier of natural sweeteners and clean label ingredients. Icon Foods develops functional ingredient systems that align with consumer health trends, including gut-friendly and sugar-reduction strategies.
- Nutrileads (Associate Member) – A Netherlands-based health ingredients company that develops evidence-based nutritional solutions. Its flagship prebiotic ingredient, Benicaros, is a precision prebiotic clinically shown to support immune health and gut microbiota resilience.
- NutraBerry Incorporated (Associate Member) – Based in Seattle, NutraBerry upcycles functional berry seed flours rich in prebiotic polyphenols and fiber. Its plant-based ingredients serve health-conscious consumers and food manufacturers focused on sustainable nutrition.
- MUSB Research (Associate Member) – A prebiotic-focused research company with a deep emphasis on gut microbiome science, formulation development, and translational innovation in microbiota health applications.
- Seventure Partners (Associate Member) – A European investment firm with a dedicated focus on microbiome innovation through its Health for Life Capital funds. Seventure invests in breakthrough technologies advancing human and animal health, including microbiome-modulating prebiotics.
Focused on education, awareness, and scientific integrity around prebiotics, the addition of the new organizations will help the global trade association continue its mission of raising awareness about prebiotics across healthcare, government, and industry channels. "As we approach our 8th anniversary, the category is literally 'roaring' – for foods, beverages, supplements and companion animals. These new members allow us to continue to represent prebiotic-focused companies globally, but also represent a community, an inter-dependent ecosystem if you will, that will steward the category to new heights over the next several years," said Len Monheit, Executive Director of the Global Prebiotic Association.
Kash Rocheleau, CEO, Icon Foods spoke on the thought process behind signing up to become a part of the institution, "Joining GPA was an easy decision for us. As the conversation around gut health and functional ingredients continues to evolve, we believe GPA is at the forefront of driving education, awareness, and integrity in the space. We're excited to collaborate with fellow members and contribute to the advancement of prebiotics in a meaningful, science-backed way."
Non-GMO Project Enlists 16 Major Brands in Verification Program
The Non-GMO Project has enlisted 16 major food brands to participate in its pilot program to develop a new comprehensive certification, Non-Ultraprocessed Foods (Non-UPF) Verification. Ultraprocessed foods make up more than half of the calories consumed in Western countries, this fact has led to concerns over better defining, labeling, or even the restricting of ultraprocessed foods. The new Non-UPF Verification is the Non-GMO Project's response to consumers growing awareness over these ultraprocessed food concerns and food system leaders pointing out a lack of any industry standard for food processing transparency. "In the past 20 years, we have established one of the most trusted third-party verification systems by focusing on a crucial question: how is our food produced? Our expertise in complex food systems, certification standards, and education puts us in a unique position to address the challenge of ultraprocessed foods," shared Megan Westgate, Founder and CEO of the Non-GMO Project.
The pilot program's sixteen brand participants include Amy's Kitchen, Bear, Califia Farms, Caulipower, Heray Spice, Levelle Nutrition, Olyra, One Mighty Mill, Simple Mills, Spindrift, and YES Bar. “We're excited to participate in the pilot launch of the Non-UPF verification program. This is an important step forward in helping beverage consumers identify the level of processing that occurs during manufacturing,” explained Bill Creelman, Founder and Chairman of Spindrift. “We pride ourselves on using single strength fruit and we're excited to highlight this difference."
Food manufacturers and brands interested in joining the waitlist for program updates can sign up at nonultraprocessed.org
Unibar Receives European Patent for CapsiClear
On July 2, 2025, Unibar's flagship eye health ingredient, CapsiClear, was granted a new European patent on July 2, 2025. Derived from Capsicum annum extract, CapsiClear's unique composition is covered by the new patent for use in key European markets including European France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, and Poland in the reduction of intraocular pressure associated with normal tension glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma, and/or combinations thereof. This latest milestone will set up the company's plans to launch CapsiClear ahead of major industry conferences this fall and introduce the product to global partners, formulators, and health professionals through a series of targeted marketing campaigns.
Sevanti Mehta, President of Unibar, commented on the company's latest patent achievement: “We are thrilled to receive this European patent for CapsiClear which underscores our long-standing commitment to best-in-class eye health research. This decision validates the innovation behind Unibar’s portfolio and our continued efforts to deliver effective, natural solutions for eye wellness backed by both modern science and ancient tradition.”
Sprouts Launches Loyalty Program
Sprouts Farmers Market has introduced its new loyalty program across its entire Arizona operational area. Currently available at roughly 75 store locations, the company is planning to rollout the program at all of its locations across the country by the end of October. “The learning has been about execution and making it work effectively, and with the data that we’re getting and the information, we’re going to be in a very good position to evolve all aspects of our communication, aspects of our merchandising, aspects of where we should put stores,” explained Jack Sinclair, CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market.
Announced during the company's second-quarter earning call, the new program is part of the company's focus on growth initiatives which includes expanding its store fleet with 35 new locations by the end of 2025, further establishing a more self-sufficient supply chain, and enlarging its private label selection. For Q2 Sprouts also reported net sales year-over-year increase of 17%, totaling $2.2 billion, and a 10.2% increase in comparable-store sales. Same-store sales growth dipped slightly from the 11.7% growth it posted in the metric in Q1, marking its first quarterly dip in more than a year.
BOND Now Exclusively Available at Whole Foods Market
Women-led wellness brand, BOND, is now available through retail at over 435 Whole Foods Market stores across the country. Fans of the clean, clinically backed supplements, will be able to purchase items from the brand's lineup of daily formulas that help support hormone balance, cycle health, and reproductive well-being including a selection of four best-selling items:
- Daily Balance – the reimagined daily multivitamin: clean, modern, and lightly lemony. Simply add this powder to water to support hormone harmony, balance mood and energy levels, and promote a healthy microbiome. No pills, just a delicious daily ritual. MSRP: $55
- Cycle Care – a soothing strawberry drink mix crafted for your PM wind-down. Formulated to ease PMS, cramps, and estrogen dominance, while supporting a healthy, predictable cycle, this product is delicious, purposeful, and designed to care for your cycle, regardless of the time of the month. MSRP: $39
- Myo & D-Chiro Inositol (Powder + Capsules) – clinically studied in a 40:1 ratio, this powerful blend supports ovarian health, metabolic function, and a healthy insulin response. Backed by science, built for balance. MSRP: $49 (Powder), $25 (Capsules)
News of BOND's partnership helps female consumers seeking evidence-based, emotionally intelligent solutions, have access to hormone health products that meet the highest clean-label standards. “This isn’t just a retail launch, it’s a cultural moment,” said Kurt Seidensticker, Investor in BOND and Founder of Vital Proteins. “Whole Foods validates what BOND stands for: clean, clinically grounded, and truly caring solutions for women’s health. National placement at this stage in a brand’s lifecycle is rare; it redefines the conversation around hormones and puts the brand in front of consumers where trust already lives. It’s a launch that accelerates brand trust, consumer connection, and cultural relevance all at once.”
American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Turns 30
Last month, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) celebrated three decades of advancing knowledge of the quality and understanding of herbal medicine across the world. Since its inception, the non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization has been committed to developing qualitative and therapeutic monographs beyond what a pharmacopoeia typically conveys. Today the AHP has expanded to include AHP-Verified Botanical Reference Materials (BRMs), the Microscopic Characterization of Botanical Medicines textbook, Botanical Authentication Services, and the Botanical Adulteration Prevention Program. AHP's work has also created a global impact through its international collaborations with South America, several European Union countries, China, India, and Iran.
"On behalf of AHP's staff, Board of Directors, advisors, and members, our sincere gratitude for all that has been given to us so we may do this work. Words cannot express our gratitude. We hope to show it in another 30 years of foundational work that will lead to the complete integration of herbal medicine into the fabric of human and planetary health care. We invite you to continue on the journey with us," shared Roy Upton, President American Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
NutriLeads Announces Exclusive Distributor in Australia and New Zealand
Invita is now the exclusive distributor of Benicaros in Australia and New Zealand. NutriLeads clinically validated precision prebiotic will now be available to manufacturers in the region through a trusted specialty ingredient supplier and product developer. “We’re excited to partner with Invita to represent Benicaros in Australia and New Zealand,” said Joana Carneiro-Wakefield, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of NutriLeads. “Their strong technical and commercial expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of regional regulatory and market dynamics, makes them an excellent partner to accelerate Benicaros’ growth in these important markets.”
With approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, Benicaros SF Pure P has been sanctioned for use in listed complementary medicines. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has also recognized the prebiotic for its unique mechanism of action and immune benefits, allowing Benicaros to be marketed with pre-approved structure/function claims for food, beverages, and supplements including:
- Supports beneficial gut bacteria
- Supports healthy immune function
- Supports immune defenses
- Supports a healthy gut microbiome
“Benicaros offers a new standard in prebiotics for the Australia and New Zealand market,” commented Mike Johnson, Group Managing Director, Invita NZ Limited & Australia Pty Ltd. “Its low effective dose, excellent tolerability, and robust scientific backing make it a unique and exciting ingredient for innovation in both the food and supplement sectors. We are thrilled to introduce this to our customers.”
OmniActive Receives Prestigious Certification
OmniActive has announced that its two manufacturing facilities in Pune and Hosur, India, have received Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance certification from NSF International. NSF is an industry trusted third-party certifier, known for their rigorous testing. Awarded under NSF/ANSI 173, Section 8, which includes requirements from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) outlined in 21 CFR Part 117, the NSF-GMP certification includes annual audits to ensure the facilities maintain their compliance with the highest global quality standards.
"In today's crowded omnichannel landscape, consumers demand clean, efficacious, transparent, validated and compliant products," stated Makrand Bhalerao, Vice President of Global Quality at OmniActive. "Obtaining the NSF certification for both our Pune and Hosur facilities reinforces our commitment to quality and safety at every step and signals to our partners that they can confidently deliver a gold standard to their consumers, backed by rigorous, traceable, and trusted manufacturing practices."
Chomps Opens New Manufacturing Facility
High-quality meat stick brand, Chomps, has opened a brand new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mexico, Missouri. A collaboration project with Western Smokehouse Partners (WSP), the new facility is 300,000 square feet and combined with the brand's six other facilities will help the company double its production by 2026. "Today marks an incredible achievement for Chomps and our valued partnership with Western Smokehouse Partners," said Elizabeth Carter, President and COO of Chomps. "This new facility is a testament to our rapid growth and unwavering commitment to providing consumers with high-quality meat snacks. The expanded production capabilities here in Mexico, Missouri, will ensure we can continue to innovate, grow, and keep our products on shelves nationwide."
As consumer demand for better-for-you snacks continues to rise, the new production site will create around 250 full-time jobs employed by WSP. "This investment not only strengthens the production capabilities for a leading brand like Chomps, but also brings significant economic opportunity and job creation to the Mexico, Missouri community. We look forward to the continued growth and success that will come from this collaboration," shared Matt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners.
Laluz Diffuser Wins Good Housekeeping 2025 Bath Awards
Integrative health and wellness company, dōTERRA, is celebrating its Laluz Diffuser being selected as a winner in Good Housekeeping's 2025 Bath Awards. Featuring up to eight hours of runtime, three ambient light settings, independent mist and light controls, the diffuser uses ultrasonic technology to create a unique aromatherapy experience for its users. All of the award contenders were evaluated for their ease of use, absorbency, softness, design, and durability.
"We are honored to receive the Good Housekeeping Bath Award for our Laluz Essential Oil Diffuser," said Bekah Nixon, VP of Global Product Innovation at doTERRA. "We're proud that the Laluz Diffuser was recognized for exemplifying the qualities we prioritize in every product we create: quality, innovation, functionality, value, and aesthetic appeal. Each of these elements plays a role in helping people enhance their everyday wellness."
Natural Health Trends Shares Q2 Financial Results
Direct-selling and e-commerce company, Natural Health Trends Corp., has announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. In their bulletin, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, saw sales decrease 6% due to retaliatory tariff threats, and U.S. tax cuts and Jobs Act liability fully settled during the second quarter of 2025.
Second quarter 2025 financial highlights also included:
- Revenue of $9.8 million decreased 6% compared to $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2024.
- Operating loss was $333,000 compared to $238,000 in the second quarter of 2024.
- Net income was $15,000, or breakeven per diluted share, compared to $173,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024.
- The number of Active Members was 29,260 at June 30, 2025 compared to 30,870 at December 31, 2024 and 31,110 at June 30, 2024.
Year-to-date 2025 financial highlights:
- Revenue of $20.6 million decreased 4% compared to $21.4 million in the first six months of 2024.
- Operating loss was $678,000 compared to $603,000 in the first six months of 2024.
- Net income was $137,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to $361,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the first six months of 2024.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow:
- Net cash used in operating activities was $5.2 million in the first six months of 2025 compared to $3.0 million in the first six months of 2024. Before tax installment payments, the liability of which arose from the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"), cash used in operating activities was $97,000 in the first six months of 2025 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $950,000 in the first six months of 2024. The Tax Act liability is now fully paid.
- Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $34.2 million at June 30, 2025, down from $43.9 million at December 31, 2024.
- On July 28, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 on each share of common stock outstanding. The dividend will be payable on August 22, 2025 to stockholders of record as of August 12, 2025.
“Our second quarter sales reflected the heightened economic uncertainty caused by evolving trade tensions, which we expect will continue to heavily weigh on consumer sentiment in our biggest market,” commented Chris Sharng, President of Natural Health Trends Corp. “To mitigate tariff-related risks, we are realigning our supply chain by transitioning production to trusted manufacturing partners in Asia, bringing operations closer to our core markets and enhancing long-term resilience.”
