Lallemand Bio-Ingredients acquires Biotec BetaGlucans to expand beta-glucan yeast strategy

22 Dec 2020 --- Lallemand Bio-Ingredients is broadening its beta-glucans portfolio with the acquisition of Biotec BetaGlucans (BBG), a subsidiary of the ArticZymes Technologies company.

Effective December 31, the deal grants Lallemand products to its existing yeast beta-glucans portfolio, including BBG’s M-Gard, SBG, M-Glucan and Woulgan.

The financial terms of the transaction are not to be disclosed. 

“For a few years, we have been looking at expanding our beta-glucan portfolio,” Michael Omvik-Grotkjaer, sales director health food and supplements at Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, tells NutritionInsight.

“During 2020, an opportunity with ArticZymes arose, as they wanted to focus more on enzymes and therefore were interested in divesting the BBG part – a perfect opportunity for Lallemand.” 

“What this acquisition brings is a new technology and a highly purified product that we can really focus on promoting to a broader audience with a larger sales force.”

Yeast beta-glucan already had “an interesting growth rate” before the outbreak of COVID-19 this year. Immunity opportunities in beta-glucans 
Pegged as an “excellent fit,” the acquisition bolsters Lallemand’s position in the “booming” nutritional supplements and health food categories. Demand for natural and whole food solutions is particularly rising in the immune category.

Overall, however, interest in yeast beta-glucan is not entirely new. It already had “an interesting growth rate” before the outbreak of COVID-19 this year. 

In pre-pandemic times, NutritionInsight reported on industry predictions that beta-glucans would overtake omega 3s in terms of popularity, as well as tapping into the clean label and immune health sectors.

Products in the portfolio
The acquisition includes a specialized pharma and food-grade certified production plant located in Tromsø, Northern Norway, with an experienced R&D team.

M-Gard and M-Glucan are both beta-1,3/1,6-glucans, a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide found in the cell walls of baker’s yeast. As an immunomodulator, M-Gard can enhance the body’s vital defense mechanisms against pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. 

Beta-glucans also have wound-healing benefits. Woulgan Bioactive Beta-Glucan Gel is an active wound healing product containing soluble beta-glucan. 

Research has also revealed how beta-glucans can assist in recovering cancer patients’ immune cells more quickly.

Derived from common baker’s yeast, yeast beta-glucan can help maintain an effective immune system.Closing 2020, open eyes for 2021
The BBG acquisition rounds off Lallemand’s investments this year. In January, the yeast-based ingredients producer strengthened its position in the North American market by acquiring a new Canadian production site, following the plant-based and clean label trends.

In addition to these trends, Lallemand will keep immune health on its radar throughout 2021. “We expect a continuous strong demand for yeast beta-glucan due to its immunity enhancing properties,” says Omvik-Grotkjaer.

This is expected in both Lallemand’s core area of supplements, but also in various health food applications, where there has been an increased interest. 

“However, I also believe more research is needed and this is something Lallemand will look further into in collaboration with BBG,” concludes Omvik-Grotkjaer.

NutritionInsight recently took a deep dive into trending immunity ingredients, spotlighting the most popular ingredients, innovative delivery formats and post-pandemic trends within the segment.

By Anni Schleicher