ADM launches algae-based DHA/EPA blends range for cognitive, immune and heart health
The release adds to ADM’s Onavita portfolio of functional ingredients and is a partnership with Qualitas Health, an algae cultivation company
27 Jun 2019 --- Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) has unveiled a new line of DHA/EPA blends containing omega 3, 6 and 9, which offer benefits that can help support cognitive, heart, immune system or eye health. Coined Onavita Algal DHA and Almega EPA, the new blends were created in collaboration with Qualitas Health, a leader in algae cultivation. The new products are renewably sourced in the US and are suitable supplement applications. They join ADM’s already extensive line of nutritional oils and powders, including Onavita Algal DHA Powders, Onavita Algal DHA Oils and Onavita Flaxseed Oil.
“Today’s consumers are looking for ready-to-consume food and beverages that provide specific health benefits,” says Vikram Luthar, President, Health & Wellness, ADM. “Our expansive array of plant-based omega 3s do just that, offering functionality to help support cognitive, heart and eye health in every stage of life. We’re proud to expand our offering with this new line of DHA and EPA blends.”
“Partnering with Qualitas Health allowed us to deliver a renewable vegan blend of DHA and EPA which is supported by a high-quality and algal oil supply chain. We’re primarily focusing on supplement applications and the US right now, but are actively exploring expansion globally and into food and beverage applications. This is especially important as more consumers seek out clean label and sustainable foods and beverages,” Jen Hogan, business manager, Nutrition Oils, ADM, tells NutritionInsight.
Qualitas Health, who contributed in creating ADM’s new range, is a food and nutrition company, specializing in algae cultivation. The company has developed a proprietary platform to launch fully sustainable, vegan, algae-based nutritional products at scale.
“Qualitas Health’s purpose is to create sustainable food solutions for everyone and our planet,” notes Miguel Calatayud, Qualitas Health CEO. “This partnership gives us immediate access to a worldwide market in partnership with one of the lead food and nutrition companies in the world. It also represents a significant step towards our goal of bringing sustainable ingredients into the global supply chain. Our company’s purpose is to provide sustainable food solutions for everyone and our planet. We’ll replace one ingredient at a time in the global food supply chain until we make it fully sustainable.”
In the gut health space and adding to a list of microbiome strategy investments, ADM completed the acquisition of Probiotics International Limited (PIL) – known under its umbrella brand Protexin – in a US$235 million deal, last year. ADM Protexin Limited – as the company is now known – produces research-based probiotics, including its Bio-Kult and Lepicol brands. Protexin also offers a variety of natural products and probiotic supplements for the veterinary, agriculture and equine healthcare markets.
Expansion and upscale
ADM has had a very busy year so far. In January, the company acquired Florida Chemical Company (FCC), a division of Flotek Industries specializing in citrus-based flavors and fragrances in a deal valued at approximately US$175 million. The transaction strengthened ADM’s position in the fast-growing citrus category.
Furthermore, March saw ADM complete the acquisition of Florida Chemical Company (FCC), one of the world’s largest natural citrus oils and ingredients manufacturers. With the completion of the transaction, ADM further strengthened its capabilities in supporting customers by providing citrus flavors. It also extended its abilities for manufacturing high-value flavor ingredients across all citrus varieties for flavor, fragrance and consumer products.
ADM also partnered with General Starch Limited (GSL), a leading tapioca starch producer located in Thailand, to extend its specialty and clean label starch portfolio to support customer solutions. ADM now has the exclusive distribution rights of the GSL modified tapioca starch products in the majority of European countries, as well as in the Middle East and Africa.
