Weekly Roundup: Evolva sells US$8.14M shares, Nutrisure unveils superfoods for 50+

03 Dec 2021 --- This week in nutrition news, Swiss biotech company Evolva sold 63.8 million shares to Veraison, an independent asset manager. Nutrisure unveiled what is pegged as the “UK’s first” superfood brand for consumers older than 50 years old. Meanwhile, a UN report highlights a rise in hunger within Latin America and the Caribbean.

In brief: Business news
Evolva entered into a Purchase and Subscription Agreement with Veraison SICAV Engagement Fund (Veraison) to purchase approximately 63.8 million shares, raising CHF 7.5 million (US$8.14 million). The shares to be sold to Veraison will be issued from Evolva’s authorized share capital compatible with a capital increase expected to occur today. Following the settlement of the private placement, Veraison’s shareholding in Evolva will represent 6.2% of Evolva’s issued share capital. Evolva intends to use the proceeds to finance ongoing activities and build out its commercial businesses.

Digital health agency Dawn Health received a US$25 million investment from a consortium of investors, including Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker, Vaekstfonden – The Danish Growth Fund and Lars Marcher. The investment will further accelerate the growth of Dawn Health in the expanding market for digital therapeutics and software as a medical device. Dawn Health aims to transform the global health tech industry with this investment, and Denmark has a “unique” potential within this sector. Vaekstfonden argues that digitizing the health sector is crucial for creating a stronger and better global healthcare system.

In brief: Launches and releases
Nutrisure unveiled SuperAge, a superfood brand for people aged 50 years old and above. SuperAge was launched in Holland & Barrett stores and is available in three 175 g powder blends: Immunity, Energy and Digestion. All three products are a mix of plant-based protein and superfood powders. The SuperAge Immunity blend features hemp protein powder, spirulina, chlorella, camu camu, turmeric and ginger. SuperAge Digestion supports healthy digestion and contributes to maintaining muscle mass. One serving contains 2.8 billion live cultures, multi-enzyme complexes and inulin fiber. Lastly, the SuperAge Energy blend helps fight fatigue and nourish the body. It contains vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus to support the energy-yielding metabolism.The SuperAge Immunity blend features hemp protein powder, spirulina and chlorella to support immune function.

Nekter Juice Bar launched a new Elderberry Smoothie, available at its stores for a limited time. The Elderberry Smoothie is formulated with fresh ingredients and targets immune health. Elderberry is an immunity-friendly ingredient that helps fight colds and flu symptoms, support heart health and fight inflammation and infections. Additionally, the company states that antioxidants in fresh juice promote healthier hair, skin and nails.

Family-owned superfoods company Wilderness Poets released its new Organic White Chickpea Miso Crystals, which are available in two varieties – pure Miso Crystals and Miso Crystals with Wakame Seaweed and Chives. The products feature brown rice koji, containing Aspergillus oryzae, a beneficial fungus that promotes gut health and is rich in live probiotics, essential minerals, potassium, folic acid and vitamins B, E, and K. The Wilderness Poets’ Organic Miso Crystals with Wakame Seaweed and Chives offers a convenient way of making ramen broth or warm stews. Meanwhile, the pure Miso Crystals can be used as a seasoning for avocado toast, rice or popcorn.

Vitamin and supplement brand MegaFood released Blood Builder Liquid Iron once daily. According to the company, the liquid iron is formulated to support healthy energy levels while being gentle on the stomach and non-constipating. It provides 27 mg of iron per serving. It is safe for menstruating people, teenagers, vegans and vegetarians, athletes and recent blood donors as it promotes high iron levels. The Blood Builder Liquid Iron is made with tart cherry and fruit juice concentrates.

In brief: Research and studies
Implementing mandatory energy labeling of alcoholic beverages could help tackle alcohol consumption and obesity issues in the UK. This is according to a study published by the University of Liverpool, which revealed 74% of people were not aware of the energy content of alcoholic drinks, with around 64% supporting a policy that would introduce labeling which exhibits calorie information. Current energy labeling laws only apply to food products in the UK in the form of the front-of-pack traffic light system, which shows high, medium and low amounts of fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt. Alcohol tends to contain the highest number of calories after fat.Wilderness Poets’ organic white chickpea miso crystals with wakame and chives.

Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean is at its highest point since 2000, after a 30% increase in starvation from 2019 to 2020, says a new UN report. According to the Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021, the number of people living with hunger increased by 13.8 million, reaching 59.7 million people, in just one year and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean now stands at 9.1%, the highest in the last 15 years. The UN report calls for urgent actions to stop the rise in hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms, urging countries in the region to tackle agri-food systems by making them more efficient and resilient.

Psychology researchers at Flinders University in Australia investigated potential individual responses and “mechanisms” for increased soft drink consumption. This research was part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project The study findings from 120 undergraduate university students showed that self-regulatory (inhibitory control) and “evaluation bias” for soft drink cues (or “automatic positive judgment”) were both associated with drinking more soda. Excessive soft drink consumption can cause weight gain, tooth decay and an increased risk of diabetes.

By Nicole Kerr