Kaneka Ubiquinol Premieres Mitochondrial Innovation Forum
Global manufacturer, Kaneka Ubiquinol, has announced a three day education program taking place alongside the 2026 Vitafoods Europe event. The Kaneka Mitochondrial Innovation Forum will debut from May 5-7 in Barcelona at the Kaneka Ubiquinol Pavilion (Hall 3B 102), offering researchers, healthcare practitioners, product developers, and other guests an exclusive opportunity to explore emerging science around mitochondrial health and its role in next-generation nutraceutical innovation. During the sessions, guests will listen to international experts discuss topics including mitochondrial science in healthy ageing, evidence-based applications of Ubiquinol in women’s health and sports nutrition and emerging product development opportunities within the cellular health category. “Leadership in a fast-growing category begins with education," shared Filip Van hulle, General Manager, Kaneka Ubiquinol Europe. “The Kaneka Mitochondrial Innovation Forum embodies our responsibility as inaugural Mitochondrial Health Category Sponsor."
With global demand for cellular health support continuing to rise, the Kaneka Mitochondrial Innovation Forum will look to provide industry colleagues with the latest scientific data, application insights, go-to-market strategy support and category foresight to convert market momentum into sustained commercial growth. “Our role extends beyond ingredient supply. We work alongside brands as long-term strategic Innovation Partners, providing the scientific substantiation, quality assurance and market intelligence required to build enduring differentiation in global markets," said Van hulle.
Military Energy Gum Receives NSF Certification
NSF and Ford Gum have announced Military Energy Gum (MEG) is now NSF Certified for Sport. Created to support soldiers with sleep deprivation and fatigue, the caffeinated chewing gum features 100mg per piece and is now available to athletes, law enforcement, first responders, and others. "We are extremely proud to announce NSF Certified for Sport certification for our MEG product," explained Scoot Lerner, CEO, Ford Gum. "As a Marine Corps veteran, it means a great deal to me that we’re providing both our warfighters and civilians with a product that meets such a rigorous testing and quality standard. Service members rely on products they can trust, just like athletes do, and this certification reinforces that commitment."
NSF Certification verifies a product's formulation, label claims, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance. Currently, Certified for Sport is recognized by Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League, the Canadian Football League, and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA); it is also recommended by the NFL, NBA, PGA Tour, LPGA, CCES, ASPDA, iNADO, Ironman, NASCAR, and Taylor Hooton Foundation. With NSF endorsement, MEG is now included in NSF’s online listing of certified products and on the NSF for Sport app.
Rousselot Spotlights Metabolic Support and Glucose Control
Collagen and gelatin brand, Rousselot, will be at stand 3C146 discussing their latest science-backed collagen solutions during this year's VitaFoods Europe event in Barcelona. Guests can stop by and meet members of the Rousselot team as they introduce new science on targeted collagen peptides for next-generation metabolic support and glucose control. The company will also be displaying its entire collagen and gelatin portfolio supporting holistic well-being and healthier reformulation and spotlighting Nextida GC, a next-generation collagen peptide composition designed to help manage post-meal glucose levels and enhance the body’s natural GLP-1 response.
"Innovation in metabolic support must be grounded in strong science,” shared Lauretta Katsriku, Global Category Leader (H&N) – Collagen at Rousselot. “Our work doesn’t stop at launching an ingredient. We remain committed to ongoing research and investment to continuously strengthen the scientific foundation behind Nextida GC, helping our partners bring credible, evidence-based metabolic support solutions to market.”
Attendees will also have two opportunities to gain in-depth scientific and market insights during two expert-led sessions from Rousselot:
Nextida GC: The newest science behind its metabolic balance benefits. Dr. Catarina Silva will present the latest findings on Nextida GC, including its mechanism of action and the key consumer personas positioned to benefit from natural metabolic support. Date: Tuesday, May 5
Innovating GLP-1 Companions: collagen-based solutions, from protein boost to side-effect support. Lauretta Katsriku and Tim de Lange will highlight how premium collagen ingredients such as Peptan can strengthen companion nutrition solutions to increase protein intake and even support in side effect mitigation and how Rousselot’s collagen portfolio enables versatile, evidence-based concepts across categories. Date: Wednesday, May 6
TraceGains Launches Carbon Insights
TraceGains is helping brands evolve towards a more automated, compliant, and resilient supply chain with its latest sustainability intelligence capability, Carbon Insights. In collaboration with Esko, Carbon Insights assists brands operationalize ESG compliance by using environmental intelligence from data partners DitchCarbon and Sustained to pair formulation and packaging to reduce environmental impact holistically while staying ahead of emerging regulations. Companies will be able to better understand Scope 3 emissions, identify high-impact ingredients, and make informed sustainability, driven decisions across the product lifecycle.
“Most environmental impact originates in the supply chain, yet many organizations are still relying on fragmented data and manual processes to understand it,” said Emma Karp, Senior Product Manager, TraceGains. “With Carbon Insights, we’re embedding carbon data directly into operational workflows, so teams can move faster, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions without wasting time chasing down data.”
Carbon Insights is currently available as part of the TraceGains platform. More information including requests for a demo are available at tracegains.com/compliance/carbon-insights/
Arjuna Receives Health Canada Endorsement
Manufacturers of Shoden ashwagandha, Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd., have announced their signature extract has been approved as a Natural Health Product (NHP) by Health Canada. Distinguished by its standardization to more than 35% withanolide glycosides (as measured by HPLC), Shoden underwent a rigorous pre-market review process involving testing the ingredient for purity and potency and evaluating published scientific research and clinical studies which includes 23 patents, 11 clinical studies, and 4 animal studies. With its latest validation, Arjuna can make authorized health claims for its ashwagandha extract allowing manufacturers can make label recommendations pertaining to Shoden's specific health benefits including:
- Helps improve sleep onset, duration, and quality when used over time.
- Helps increase resistance to stress and reduce symptoms of mild anxiety in individuals with a history of chronic stress.
- Helps reduce the symptoms of stress when used over time.
“Our potent ashwagandha extract of the whole plant is derived from carefully chosen and validated sources using a proprietary extraction process,” explained Benny Antony, Ph.D., Joint Managing Director for Arjuna Natural. for Arjuna Natural. “This ensures exceptional absorption and maximum utilization of the full spectrum of withanolide compounds, even at an unusually low dose of 60-120mg. Shoden holds a string of 23 patents for its unique formulation and manufacturing methods.”
Drizzle Honey Expands Availability to Sprouts Locations
Sustainability sourced, raw, and superfood-infused honey product brand, Drizzle Honey, is now available for purchase at 477 Sprouts Farmers Market stores throughout the country. Acquired in 2024 by Wisdom Natural Brands, parent company of SweetLeaf, the latest distribution partnership marks a major channel growth in the brand's U.S. presence. Fans of the Canadian-based brand will be able to pick up their White and Golden Raw Honey as well Drizzle's Turmeric Gold Raw Honey— a NEXTY Award finalist at this year's Natural Products Expo West show in Anaheim, California.
“Honey sales hit a record $1.2 billion last year as consumers continued searching for alternatives to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, and raw honey outperformed conventional products with a 12.1% increase in sales volume,” shared Aaron Henderson, SweetLeaf CEO. “This new Sprouts placement is a direct result of that demand as well as of Drizzle’s exceptionally strong lineup in the space.”
