BASF to Boost Production Capacity for Vitamin A by 25%

26 Jan 2015 --- BASF is to increase its production capacities for vitamin A by 25%. The company has expanded an existing plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, which is part of BASF’s Citral Verbund. With this capacity extension, BASF reacted to the rising demand for its high-quality vitamin A products, as well as to the global market growth. Additional capacities are available immediately.

Vitamin A is an essential and fat-soluble micronutrient. It is used by the human and animal nutrition industries in feed and food products, and also by the personal care sector. Vitamin A supports, for example, the function of the eyes, lungs and skin. It also helps to prevent growth disorders and supports skeletal development.

“With our vitamin portfolio, we are leaders in supply reliability and high quality: Our vitamin A stands out thanks to exceptional product stability and bio-availability. This capacity increase shows our commitment to the growing vitamin A market”, said Dr. Christopher Rieker, who heads BASF’s Animal Nutrition business.

In animal nutrition, Vitamin A is used as a feed additive in all types of feed for livestock and companion animals. In human nutrition, vitamin A is used in supplements and to fortify foods and beverages.

Sven-Thorsten Otto, Director Global Segment Marketing Vitamins, BASF Nutrition & Health, told FoodIngredientsFirst, “In developing and emerging countries where vitamin A deficiencies are a major public health problem, vitamin A is often added to staple foods (e.g. sugar, flour, oils, milk). In animal nutrition, vitamin A is used as a feed additive in all types of feed for livestock and companion animals. 

“We estimate that the global Vitamin A market has a total size of approx. 7000 mt calculated on a basis of Vitamin A Acetate. The annual growth rate varies a lot from region to region and application to application. We assess the market growth of Vitamin A in animal nutrition at 2% p.a. and in human nutrition at 4% p.a. in the past years.”

The BASF product portfolio includes a broad range of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. BASF also offers vitamins A/D3, D3, K1, B2, B5, E and Choline Chloride.