Weekly Roundup: Danone scores Carbon Trust certifications, Ornua and Aymes partner on protein shakes

09 Jul 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, Danone’s specialized nutrition site in Brazil received three environmental certifications from Carbon Trust. Ornua Ingredients Europe partnered with Aymes International on high-protein supplements for UK distribution, while new supplements arrived for the immune and male sexual health sectors. Studies also revealed differences in animal beef and plant-based meat alternatives’ nutrient profiles, despite similar Nutrition Facts panels. 

In brief: Certifications
Located in Poços de Caldas, Brazil, Danone’s specialized nutrition plant producing milk formula and medical nutrition products was certified by the Carbon Trust. The independent global climate change consultancy affirmed the site is carbon-neutral, produces zero-waste to landfill and reduces water consumption. Overall, Danone aims to reach zero net carbon emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.

American River Nutrition announced self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for its GG-Gold brand, which is made of geranylgeraniol, an endogenous plant-based nutrient. The GRAS status was obtained through the assessment of an extensive safety dossier by an independent panel of qualified experts, convened by regulatory consulting firm AIBMR Life Sciences. The product is now available for use in F&B categories, including nutrition bars, sports drinks and powders and chocolate at servings of up to 250 mg. 

Biochem introduced Biochem Test, a natural testosterone booster formulated with vitamins and natural herbs.Else Nutrition Holdings, a plant-based baby and children’s nutrition company, attained the FODMAP certification, which is short for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. A “FODMAP-Friendly” product ensures it is safe for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. This latest certification adds to Else Nutrition’s portfolio of certifications, including The Clean Label Project, Plant-Based Product, and Beyond Soy for being soy-free.

In brief: Business news
Ornua Ingredients Europe secured a long-term supply partnership with Aymes International, an oral and clinical nutritional supplements provider. Through the partnership, several million sachets of Aymes Shake powder will now be produced at Ornua Ingredients Europe’s processing facility in Leek, UK. Aymes Shake powders are high-protein supplements that can tackle disease-related malnutrition in patients. Initially available in strawberry and chocolate flavors, the first 57 g powder sachets rolled off the production line this month. 

Finnish ingredient manufacturer Eevia Health entered a multi-year sales agreement to supply a standardized berry extract in the US. The first three years of the sales agreement, with an undisclosed “key international customer,” provides a minimum contracted total sales of approximately SEK 100 million (US$11.6 million). The end customer is a “brand leader” in the health ingredient marketplace with sales of US$1.2 billion in 2019.

The Better Being Co. filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which relates to its common stock’s proposed initial public offering. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering are not yet determined. Better Being has applied to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BBCO.”

In brief: Launches and releases
Biochem introduced Biochem Test, a natural testosterone booster formulated with Testofen Fenugreek Extract and vitamins. The product is shown to increase testosterone levels, energy and sexual desire. Arriving in 60 vegetarian capsules, Biochem Test can also promote lean muscle mass when combined with strength training and exercise.

Boost Biotic launched its Vegetarian Multivitamin Immune Support Capsules that help “restore total body wellness.” The gluten-free supplements contain vitamins C and D, magnesium, selenium and zinc to support the immune system. Botanical ingredients include olive leaf extract, elderberry, turmeric root extract and oregano leaf powder to provide anti-inflammatory properties. 

Boost Biotic’s new Vegetarian Multivitamin Immune Support Capsules are now for sale via e-commerce channels.In brief: Research and studies
A study from PanTheryx spotlighted the benefits of cow colostrum for increasing gut integrity in athletes and supporting immune function for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) among physically active individuals. “As we’ve seen in the studies reviewed, athletes’ digestive and immune systems can become compromised during peak activity. Cow colostrum’s comprehensive source of protective proteins, prebiotics as well as immune and growth factors can be a one-stop solution to help support these systems during exercise,” said Chris Lindsay, executive vice president of innovation and R&D at PanTheryx.

Nutrition21’s arginine silicate and inositol combination nooLVL demonstrated cognitive benefits for e-sports gamers. A new study examined whether nooLVL ingestion had effects prior to and following a one-hour gaming challenge on cognitive function. It found evidence of enhanced short-term memory, reaction time, reasoning and concentration among gamers following nooLVL supplementation. The research was presented at the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s Annual conference.

V. Ashok was appointed ACG’s new CFO.A study revealed that the nutritional composition of beef and plant-based meat alternatives differs despite comparable Nutrition Facts panels. Among the identified metabolites were various nutrients, such as amino acids, phenols, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids and dipeptides, with potentially important physiological, anti-inflammatory, and/or immunomodulatory roles. Many of these remained absent in the plant-based meat alternative when compared to beef and vice versa. The study authors warn these products should not be viewed as nutritionally interchangeable, but could be viewed as complementary to provide nutrients. 

In brief: Appointments
Ingredient supplier ACG appointed V. Ashok as the group’s chief financial officer. Ashok has more than 30 years of global experience in managing global investors, improving business performance, business planning, acquisitions and building future-fit governance mechanisms. He joins ACG from the Liberty Group in London, UK, where he was last associated as the Group CFO. Ashok previously held leadership positions with various multinational companies, including Essar Group and Majan Glass.

By Anni Schleicher