BioGaia gives Grace International exclusive distribution rights to probiotic infant drops

13 Jun 2022 --- Grace International, a distribution company based in South Korea, has become the sole distributor of BioGaia’s line of infant probiotic drops, Protectis. The move comes at a time when BioGaia is experiencing a trend of large and consistent economic growth.

“Grace International has an extensive network and proven capability in penetrating the supplement market and reaching consumers across all channels,” underscores Isabelle Ducellier, CEO of BioGaia.

“Protectis is already a trusted brand among South Korean health care professionals. Working with Grace International our ambition is for it to become an equally well-known and trusted probiotic brand among consumers.”

Grace International has managed BioGaia’s adult gut health portfolio since 2021 and took over as distributor for the baby gut health range on January 1, 2022. The infant probiotic drops are being re-launched by the new distributor to target consumers, with a campaign kicking off this month.

“BioGaia’s probiotics are among the most scientifically well-documented in the world, in terms of both efficacy and safety”, says Abe Cho, CEO of Grace International. 

BioGaia’s probiotics are sold in over 100 countries, with a campaign kicking off the South Korea deal. Expanding reach
Grace International is also on track to launch a campaign for the infant drop Protectis starting next month.

According to BioGaia, Protectis probiotic drops are “easy and safe to use for infants” and are free from milk protein, gluten, and lactose. 

The company notes the drops have no side effects, and only supply healthy and positive bacteria. The probiotic strain L.reuteri (DSM17398) contained in the drops, have been shown in clinical studies to decrease symptoms of colic, constipation and indigestion in infants.

Substantial growth
The announcement comes on the heels of the Sweden-based company realizing exponential growth over the last year. 

As reported by Nutrition Insight last month, BioGaia experienced a 24% growth in the first quarter of this year. This is after experiencing 41% growth over the same time last year. This continues the growth trend BioGaia has been experiencing, particularly in probiotic and immunity products, which drove a 158% profits increase in Q3 of 2021. 

At the same time, the infant nutrition space is increasingly turning to convenient probiotic delivery formats such as probiotic drops and powders.

A Chr. Hansen study previously revealed the industry is rife with opportunities across the probiotic space, as consumers across the globe are keen to learn more about probiotics. The interest is driven by demands for gut health, feeling better and immunity support, according to the findings.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols