Clasado expands Bimuno prebiotic reach across Asia, extending CTC Group distribution agreement

03 Aug 2022 --- Amid growing demands for prebiotics, Clasado Biosciences is extending its distribution agreement with CTC Group to solidify its position in the APAC area. With extensions now including Indonesia and Vietnam, the current agreement places CTC Group as the primary distributor of its Bimuno GOS (galactooligosaccharides) prebiotic ingredient in the Philippines.

As part of its global growth strategy, Clasado is strengthening its position in the APAC area as it expands its territory.

“We appointed CTC Group as a key distributor for the Philippines in 2021 and we are now extending our relationship to the regions of Indonesia and Vietnam, the latter of which CTC Group has exclusivity in every category but dairy,” says David Mharakurwa, director of sales APAC & MEA at Clasado Biosciences.

“By channeling our functional ingredient through our established partner, we are supporting public health in a new way, making it simpler for brands to connect with a more engaged and proactive health audience.”

“We are glad to work in partnership with Clasado Biosciences in expanding the global reach of Bimuno GOS,” says Lars Wiemann, chief scientific officer and International Business Development at CTC Group.

“We have a comprehensive functional ingredient product range for the pan-Asian market and Bimuno GOS makes a very natural addition to our line-up.”

Asia-Pacific moves and prebiotic demand
Clasado is bringing its microbiome technology to a global audience and has significantly grown in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights 22 self-substantiated claims registered with Food Standards Australia and New Zealand and Food and Drink Administration Philippines clearance for the ingredient with two related health claims.

Clasado is strengthening its position in the APAC area as it expands its territory.Products containing Bimuno GOS may use the approved claims on pack in the applicable territories.

“It’s clear that the worldwide appetite for prebiotics is climbing and gut health is at the top of the agenda. For brands in the health and nutrition market, this means it’s the ideal time to explore how prebiotic ingredients connect with today’s consumers’ demands,” says Mharakurwa.

“As the developer of the ‘most studied’ commercially available prebiotic of its kind – Bimuno GOS – we are helping formulators to create the next generation of supplement and functional food products.”

“The health and nutrition audience in Vietnam and Indonesia mirrors the same growth in gut health awareness seen around the globe,” adds Wiemann.

“Now is the ideal time for formulators in the region to explore the commercial potential of prebiotics. We look forward to opening many important conversations around Bimuno GOS.”

Bimuno GOS may benefit gastrointestinal health, immune function and cognitive health. Bimuno GOS in focus
CTC Vietnam, a division of CTC Group, will exhibit at the Food Ingredients Vietnam exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from October 12 to 14. For brand owners and formulators in the Asia-Pacific region, the show will be a great chance to learn more about the advantages of Bimuno GOS.

“Food Ingredients Vietnam is an opportunity to connect with the market and showcase our functional ingredient range. With prebiotics continuing to climb the consumer agenda, it’s about combining performance and scientific backing with the flexibility and stability that formulators need,” Wiemann details.

“Bimuno GOS is stable and versatile for formulators. We look forward to working with CTC Group to expand our global footprint further,” says Mharakurwa.

In Clasado’s previous moves, the European Food Safety Authority gave Clasado Biosciences authorization to extend the new food status for galactooligosaccharides in food for particular medicinal purposes throughout the EU.

Meanwhile, an earlier investigation by the University of Nottingham found that Clasado’s prebiotic Bimuno could lessen the severity of hyperpnoea-induced bronchoconstriction, a common health issue for athletes.

Edited by Nicole Kerr