Nektium launches organic elderberry extract as industry grapples with ingredient shortages

25 Aug 2022 --- Spain-based Nektium is launching an organic version of its elderberry extract amid increasing consumer demand for natural ingredients. Though there have been elderberry shortages since COVID-19, the company aims to tap into the immunity demands driving the market surge.

“Demand for elderberry rose significantly when the pandemic hit, and it became a top-selling ingredient, having experienced a 150% jump in sales compared with 2019,” says chief business officer at Nektium, Thomas Adler.

“We have been able to develop our portfolio to offer our customers higher standardizations of anthocyanins as well as an organic variant, which we believe will tap into the increasing popularity of all things organic and ingredients with a proven positive immune effect.”

The botanical company is also launching a more concentrated version of the product. Elderberries contain a high concentration of active ingredients, including phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and ease flu-like symptoms.

Consumers seek out elderberry supplements for immunity. Tackling shortages
To meet the demand for more concentrated extracts, Nektium is now adding a new grade of its elderberry line, containing 10% anthocyanins. The 10% variant will join the existing 6% grade in the company’s portfolio, which will now also be available in organic form for the first time. 

Nektium’s elderberry portfolio comprises ingredients made from Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has been shown to treat upper respiratory symptoms, the company says. Industry has observed shortages of raw materials amid the supply chain crisis. 

“The sudden and significant increase in demand for elderberry since the onset of COVID-19 led to a temporary shortage of raw materials for many producers, and we have also seen a rise in inferior low-quality products hitting the market,” Adler notes.

“At Nektium we have a trusted source of raw materials because long-term partnerships are important to us. We also ensure our suppliers comply with the highest of standards and therefore, we are confident we can continue to supply our high-quality elderberry extract to meet the ongoing popularity of this ingredient.”

Industry gearing up
Eyeing the opportunities in the elderberry market, PLT Health Solutions earlier this month announced it was set to supply organic elderberry extract to the North American market, citing skyrocketing demand.  

COVID-19 sparked a huge demand for immunity supplements, with consumers seeking natural ingredients. As companies seek to target broader markets, US-based Cymbiotika also launched a vegan elderberry supplement for immunity.   

Nektium previously announced it expanded its botanical ingredient offerings into the F&B arena for the first time, eyeing applications including sports and energy drinks, dairy products, gummies and cereal bars.  

Edited by Andria Kades