Kibbutz Ketura, Israel —Algatechnologies, Ltd., or Algatech, has invested in Supreme Health, Ltd., New Zealand, becoming its major shareholder. It will expand the company’s reach to China and Asia-Pacific, supplying those markets with astaxanthin and other algae-based products.
The Asia-Pacific market for such products is currently valued at several hundred million dollars, and forecast to experience rapid growth.
Supreme Health has identified and cultivated a unique strain of the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialisin Nelson Lakes, northern New Zealand, for the production of natural astaxanthin. Algatech, a global leader in the microalgae industry, will provide its know-how, innovative science, and advanced microalgae cultivation technologies to leverage the capabilities of the New Zealand-based company.
Supreme Health, led by CEO Kerry Paul, has well-established marketing channels in China, New Zealand, and Australia. It will focus on marketing microalgae ingredients and astaxanthin-based products to food, dietary supplement, and cosmetic industries throughout Asia-Pacific, with special emphasis on China.
Asreportedin WholeFoods Magazine, Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment, is a powerful antioxidant with a multitude of health and beauty benefits. Known for its distinctive red pigment, astaxanthin reduces free radicals in the body and protects cells against oxidation.
Astaxanthin is used for eye support, brain health and immune support. It can also be used as a topical treatment to protect skin against sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been studied for its potential to treat for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and an eye condition called age-related macular degeneration.
Prior to joining Supreme Health, Paul was the founder and CEO of Manuka Health New Zealand, Ltd. He started Manuka Health in 2006, growing it from a start-up to $70M in sales in 2016, with distribution in 50 countries. Manuka was sold to an Australian private equity firm for $110 million.
Algatech, located in the Arava desert in Israel, is a rapidly growing company specializing in the commercial cultivation of microalgae. It is a leading manufacturer of natural astaxanthin, marketed in 35 countries under its AstaPure® brand.
“This investment is in line with our core strategy to expand the potential of microalgae derived products, especially natural astaxanthin which is our key ingredient,” says Hagai Stadler, CEO of Algatech. “Collaborating with Supreme allows us to increase our service of Asia-Pacific, especially in China. We identified a rapidly growing interest in those regions for quality astaxanthin and other quality algae-delivered products.”
“We believe that the synergy between companies, together with Mr. Paul’s wide experience and proven track record, will help Supreme to become a major player in the global market,” added Algatech chairman Ed Hofland, who will also serve as Supreme’s president.
Securing this partnership with Algatechnologies places us at the forefront of micro-algal production globally, and [will] help us to build a global sales and distribution capabilities,” says Paul. “Products derived from microalgae produced in a sustainable system are on-trend and supported by strong scientific research. The key bioactives in microalgae show increased efficacy in higher concentrations.”
