Ingredients company Lycored has announced a new joint venture with biotechnology company Algatech, distributing its AstaPure natural astaxanthin carotenoid in the form of beadlets to increase the product’s commercial reach across North America.
Algatech sources astaxanthin – a carotenoid most commonly found in shrimps, salmon and algae – through the microalgae haematococcus pluvialis and develops it into raw astaxanthin oil. The nutrient, which Lycored will process as oil beadlets to create a gelatin and vegan astaxanthin beadlets, also has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, has been linked to healthy cardiovascular and immune systems, and has potential benefits for the ageing process.
Once in its vegan beadlet form, Lycored’s North American commercialization team will market and distribute it to develop a foundation for this new range of their astaxanthin business, where the beadlets can be used for dietary supplements and are generally recommended as safe for use in food and beverages.
Specifically, the astaxanthin beadlets can be combined with other nutrients in product formulations, such as dry blended beverages and health bars, as a way to help satisfy demand for supplementary nutrition.
Golan Raz, head of Lycored’s global health division, said: “Lycored wanted to evolve its astaxanthin offerings while maintaining our commitment to distributing premium-quality ingredients that consumers and industry partners can trust. We are able to maintain vertical integration through this partnership as it is the process Algatech takes when developing their astaxanthin ingredient. Lycored will also have complete access and transparency of Algatech’s supply chain to be able to control and ensure the optimal quality of the nutrient.”
Algatech CEO Hagai Stadler added: “Supplying the world with pure, 100% natural microalgae requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, fully controlled processes and a constant attention to detail. Beyond the biology and the technology, it takes a never-ending determination and a drive to keep going despite the odds. For us, it’s a fundamental part of our shared vision: to make an impact by bringing the good that’s in microalgae to the world, and we strive to do that through diverse, high-quality delivery forms.
“Therefore, partnering with Lycored on astaxanthin beadlets was a natural choice for us. Lycored’s micro-capsulation technology, as well as its core values and passionate team, is the right partner for Algatech, and will contribute significantly to the development of the astaxanthin market.”
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