Martek Enters Sole Supplier Agreement with Grupo Ricap

Grupo Ricap is a third-party manufacturer of infant formula and Martek's life'sDHA & life'sARA will initially be available in infant formula products produced for a large chain of pharmacies in Mexico and Guatemala.

25/09/08 Martek Biosciences Corporation has entered into a multi-year sole source supply agreement with Grupo Ricap. Martek will supply DHA and ARA in all infant formulas produced by Grupo Ricap in Mexico. Grupo Ricap is a third-party manufacturer of infant formula and Martek's life'sDHA & life'sARA will initially be available in infant formula products produced for a large chain of pharmacies in Mexico and Guatemala.

"Sole-source agreements like this one further demonstrate that companies across the globe recognize the importance of adding Martek's trusted sources of DHA and ARA to infant formula and growing up milks for infant health and development," said Ethan Leonard, vice president of pediatric nutrition for Martek. "This product launch in Mexico and Guatemala is another step towards Martek's goal of further expanding into new markets outside of the U.S."

Naturally present in human breast milk, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ARA (arachidonic acid) are fatty acids important to infant development and growth. Clinical studies have demonstrated numerous benefits for infants receiving DHA and ARA supplemented formula, including improved mental and visual development. Martek's blend of DHA and ARA, life'sDHA & life'sARA, is the only source of these nutrients currently used in U.S. infant formula, and is present in more than 95 percent of infant formula sold in the U.S. Additionally, Martek is a leading global supplier of DHA and ARA and infant formulas containing Martek's nutritional oils are available in more than 75 countries worldwide.