Fytexia and B Natural to partner on polyphenol-rich propolis NPD

28 May 2021 --- Fytexia, a life science company specializing in polyphenols for the nutraceutical industry, has partnered with B Natural, a European specialist in the extraction and refinement of brown propolis.

Fytexia has invested an undisclosed sum in B Natural to accelerate its growth and is now defining a plan for co-investment to develop new propolis-centered products.

The two companies say they agreed on an equity partnership to create a solid European leader in polyphenols and to anchor a long-term cooperation agreement. 

Matthieu Arguillère, chief executive officer of Fytexia, states: “There are major opportunities for synergies between Fytexia and B Natural, some of them immediately applicable.”

B Natural was a top choice for a partnership with Fytexia because it is “exceptional” in sourcing, quality, and standardization of its products, he says.

B Natural’s patented extraction method is touted for ensuring unique batch-to-batch uniformity and ease of production.

Propolis steps into the spotlight
Propolis is a composite resin made out of beeswax, saliva, sap and various botanical items found in the bees’ natural environment. This compound has antibacterial properties, and it can aid in allergy symptom alleviation and blood pressure reduction. Patented extraction methods maximize propolis’ health benefits.

Due to its functional properties, propolis has recently been proposed as potentially holding preventative and therapeutic value for COVID-19 sufferers.

Prioritizing immune health has increasingly become popular in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innova Market Insights’ key trend, “In Tune With Immune,” reveals that three in five global consumers are looking for food and beverage products that support their immune health. Additionally, 54 percent of global consumers say that they have spent more time educating themselves about immune health-boosting ingredients due to the pandemic. 

Propolis has also been demonstrated to have antifungal and antibacterial activities in beehive nests, and this is the foundation for many of its health-promoting characteristics in humans.

Industry has also been turning to polyphenols for their uses in sleep, as seen in a recent Kemin sleep aid launch.

A perfect combination 
Gianluca Imbriani, chief executive officer of B Natural, says: “We believe that together with Fytexia we will be able to accelerate the development of propolis and its scientifically proven health benefits. We share a common vision, and our partnership should help in the development of health uses for a range of other polyphenols as well.”

“Making a traditional material such as propolis into a very premium ingredient is very exciting. We worked a lot over the past years securing sourcing and ensuring the quality and standardization of our propolis product.”

By Nicole Kerr