Indena and dsm-firmenich to unveil combined biotic and botanical concepts at Vitafoods Europe 2024

08 May 2024 --- At this year’s Vitafoods Europe trade show in Geneva, Switzerland (May 14–16), dsm-firmenich and Indena will unveil combination concept biotic and botanical products, resulting from the companies’ recent partnership. 

The two companies will present these concepts, which can be seen at booth #B96 for Indena and booth #D90 for dsm-firmenich.

“By combining our strengths in science-backed biotics and essential nutrients with Indena’s expertise in botanical extracts, we are able to create next-generation dietary supplement solutions that meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of today’s health-conscious consumers, with a focus on scientific substantiation, maximum efficacy and enhancing experiences through flavor and taste,” says Francois Scheffler, the head of global marketing and business development at dsm-firmenich.

“Together with dsm-firmenich, we are committed to generating some specific high-quality, evidence-based solutions that address certain key health areas, such as health from the gut, digestive comfort, cognitive performance and healthy aging,” reveals Daniele Giavini, the managing director at Indena. “Our partnership will continue to ideate additional cutting-edge concepts that aim to answer market needs with highly innovative products that are scientifically studied, clinically tested and technologically advanced.”

The announcement comes on the heels of dsm-firmenich receiving EU novel authorization for its Ampli-D calcidiol ingredient, which raises vitamin D levels 2.5 times faster than conventional vitamin D3 offerings.

Addressing a plethora of needs
Indena and dsm-firmenich announced the botanical health solution partnership last year and also revealed that the companies would work to create format-friendly offerings.

In the gut health space, the companies will debut two different concepts. The first works along the gut-brain axis using Humiome Post LB — dsm-firmenich’s postbiotic — and the calming botanical agent Relissa — Indena’s Melissa officinalis extract formulated with its patented Phytosome technology. The second concept combines Humiome Post LB with Cubo, Indena’s curcumin Phytosome and Boswellia Phytosome ingredients, to help support microbiome balance.The two companies will unveil offerings in the brain health, gut health and healthy aging categories.

In the brain health and healthy aging categories, the companies will showcase Virtiva Plus. This innovative synergistic concept combines a Ginkgo biloba extract with phosphatidylserine for a proven nootropic effect. dsm-firmenich’s Life’s Omega algae-based omega-3 offering, its vitamin B12 ingredient Quali-B12 and Indena’s Quercefit for optimal biological performance will also be spotlighted.

“Novel delivery formats like gummies, gels and powder sticks are gaining momentum with consumers looking for more enjoyable, convenient wellness routines,” says Jerome Barra, the VP of taste global marketing and business development at dsm-firmenich.

“The new concepts demonstrate our unique taste and flavor sensorial expertise in helping customers mask ingredient off-notes and crafting flavor profiles that deliver deeper experiential connections to consumers, making it possible to address the most pressing health needs sustainably.”

Spotlight on Ampli-D
dsm-firmenich will also display its Ampli-D ingredient, which the European Commission has authorized as a novel food with a maximum daily dose of 10 µg in children over 11 years old and adults, including pregnant and lactating women and a maximum daily dose of 5 µg for children aged 3–10.

Vitamin D has been shown to support mood, immunity and healthy aging and dsm-firmenich says it will help the EU unlock the health benefits of the “sunshine vitamin.” The authorization began on May 1, and will continue for five years from that date.

“With 88% of the global population having sub-optimal vitamin D levels, the approval of our game-changing ampli-D ingredient as a novel food in the EU means more people will have access to a solution that can raise levels of this essential vitamin in weeks, rather than months,” Catherine Mignot, head of regulatory affairs HNC, EMEA at dsm-firmenich, underscores.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols