Weekly Roundup: Kate Farms secures US$30M for expansion, Danone commended for breast milk substitute marketing

18 Jun 2021 --- This week in industry news, Kate Farms, a producer of plant-based nutritional formulas, set out for expansion after securing a US$30 million senior credit facility with Pacific Western Bank. Meanwhile, Danone ranked at the top of the 2021 Access to Nutrition Initiative’s Index for responsible marketing of breast milk substitutes. Additionally, a study found that plant-based diets may help protect against hypertension and preeclampsia.

In brief: Business news
Kate Farms established a US$30 million senior credit facility with Pacific Western Bank to help fund the company’s growth. Kate Farms offers organic, non-GMO, plant-based formulas that are scientifically developed, and offered at most US hospitals to help those with chronic medical conditions improve their health.

The Ko Ng Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge in New Zealand awarded Foot Steps Limited in Karamu, Hastings, a NZ$50,000 (US$35,000) development grant. The award will fund a six-month study of Damson plum bioactive chemicals to better understand plums' relationship to potential health benefits.Eriocitrin has the potential to protect pancreatic cells from oxidative stress.

In brief: Accreditations and confirmations
Danone was ranked first by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) in its Breast Milk Substitute and Complementary Foods (CF) Marketing Index, with a score of 68 percent. Danone’s stance on ethical marketing of breast milk replacements is reflected in the rating, based on its far-reaching and industry-leading policies to protect and encourage breastfeeding. Danone states it is the first firm to restrict the promotion of breast milk replacements for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 6 months worldwide, even when local legislation allows it.

In brief: Launches and releases
Garden of Life expanded its Dr. Formulated gummy line with a women’s probiotic digestive and immune gummy. Other additions to the collection include items that support overall immune and digestive health, encourage healthy hair, skin and nails, and improve overall health by reducing stress.

Uncle Matt’s Organic launched an immunity and energy shots line for e-commerce. Uncle Matt’s Organic Ultimate Shots are made with functional nutrients and probiotics to help with multiple functions like immune support, digestion and energy.

Aker BioMarine placed an order with Kongsberg Maritime for a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to help the company lower its carbon footprint and improve krill harvesting in Antarctica. The USV is also geared to gather important scientific information. Aker BioMarine’s approach emphasizes the sustainable use of the ocean and marine resources. The corporation made significant investments in technology that aids in the development of more sustainable fisheries and fishery management.

In brief: Research and studies
Ingredients by Nature, a provider of customizable, science-based food ingredients, demonstrated how blood glucose levels, antioxidant activity, and inflammation are all linked in an eriocitrin study. Eriocitrin’s involvement in maintaining a balanced inflammatory response and boosting antioxidant capacity has been further supported by two studies on rats and mice, respectively.Capsanthin found in red peppers  benefits eye health by regulating intraocular pressure.

A new human clinical trial demonstrated that Phynova’s Reducose can help maintain appropriate blood sugar levels.

In the clinical investigation conducted in collaboration with researchers from Oxford Brookes University’s Oxford Brookes Centre for Nutrition and Health, Phynova’s natural plant-based functional component, Reducose, significantly reduced total blood glucose and insulin spikes following sugar ingestion in healthy adults, according to the study. This can help consumers maintain appropriate blood glucose and insulin levels.

Unibar’s capsanthin can helps the visual system manage intraocular pressure (IOP), according to a new animal study. Until now, topical ocular drops were the only way to address elevated IOP, but capsanthin presents an alternate and efficacious option via an oral application, notes the company.

Researchers at the Medical College of Georgia and Medical College of Wisconsin report that plant-based diets can help protect against hypertension and preeclampsia. The two mouse studies provided more evidence that the gut microbiota is also a player in the unhealthy reaction to salt. Scientists observed that rats bred to become hypertensive on a high-salt diet tend to benefit from a plant-based diet. In addition, when rats become pregnant, the whole grain diet protects both the mothers and their pups from preeclampsia, which can be fatal.

By Nicole Kerr