Nexira eyes global expansion targeting organic growth
03 May 2022 --- Nutrition company Nexira is broadening its acacia capacities, having invested US$10 million into the expansion of its main France-based production facility. The natural ingredients innovator is eyeing the importance of acquisitions moving forward, as it aims to broaden its global presence.
"Our investment strategy is targeted at both organic growth with more and more scientific studies, at least one clinical study per year, patented products and also to external growth for acquisitions. Nexira is 100% independent and able to finance large acquisitions in France, Europe and USA,” Nexira General Manager Mathieu Dondain, tells NutritionInsight.
“The potential synergies are even more obvious, especially for functional F&B and active nutrition. One example is Inavea Baobab which is a patented synergy for digestive health of 2 fantastic natural organic ingredients, acacia and baobab, that Nexira has been sourcing for decades,” he notes.
Rising clean label demands
Dondain says the move anticipates enlarging consumer interest in health and diet: “We believe that the consumer’s demand for active nutrition will keep growing, and our target is to expand our solutions to meet this demand of clean label ingredients.”
He highlights plans to expand in different regions: “We have projects to expand our industrial capacities in the US, India and to better serve our customers in the Americas and Asia.”
Early last year, the company achieved carbon neutrality for its acacia products in an “industry first.” The substance is a dietary fiber with prebiotic applications.
Nexira General Manager Mathieu Dondain.
Changing the nutrition agenda
According to Dondain, the France-based company has been pursuing the health and nutrition categories for the past two decades.
“Nexira started its diversification towards health and nutrition since the early 2000’s. We acquired the French companies Bio Serae in 2008 and Tournay Biotechnolgies in 2012. Nexira Health division now offers a wide portfolio of natural and organic plant extracts such as acerola, guarana, baobab, nopal and cranberry, which are all manufactured in the Bordeaux factory.”
He continues that the company carries a large range of premium products with strong intellectual property protections and recognized health benefits for weight management, cardiovascular health, sports nutrition and cognitive applications.
Last year, the company also helped boost the FDA decision to make acacia gum an official dietary fiber with its campaigns and dialogue with the US government body.
In March, the company met a growing demand for acacia gum with another US$10 million investment at its French factory.
Gaining growth
Acquisition is a major factor in Nexira’s business growth strategy.
“The recent acquisition of Unipektin will provide us better access to new applications such as dairy and dairy alternatives with a wider portfolio of natural products including Locust Bean Gum, Tara gum and other fibers.”
Nexira is currently present in more than 80 countries: “With offices in USA, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, China and India.”
He says that part of Nexira’s identity is its international dimension and to be “directly present in the most significant regions in order to adapt to the local cultures and avoid being dependent on distribution, which are not always the best connection to the local customers.”
In October, the company unveiled its Hepure antioxidant formula, spotlighting liver health.
By Olivia Nelson, with additional reporting from Katherine Durrell
