Weekly Roundup: OptiBiotix launches sports nutrition ingredient, CSPI receives US$15M from MacKenzie Scott

18 Feb 2022 --- This week in nutrition news, OptiBiotix entered the sports nutrition market with LeanBiome’s release and signed a supply and licensing agreement. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) received a US$15 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos. Meanwhile, Aker Biomarine’s ingredients segment increased 35% from Q3 to Q4, with strong sales in Superba krill oil.

In brief: Business news
Microbiome solutions provider OptiBiotix entered into the sports nutrition market with the launch of LeanBiome. The ingredient contains a blend of prebiotics, dietary fiber and minerals. It is pegged as supporting lean body composition and gut health. Additionally, OptiBiotix entered into a new supply and licensing agreement with a beauty and nutrition brand. The latter agreement will allow for the manufacturer and seller of products containing LeanBiome into Asia, Australia and Europe.

Aker Biomarine unveiled its 2021 full-year results, featuring a US$262 million revenue, adjusted EBITDA of US$48 million and an 18% adjusted EBITDA margin. Additionally, the Q4 revenue of US$75.7 million was reported, featuring solid Superba krill oil sales. The company also unveiled a good performance at its US-based Houston facility with high production volumes of krill oil. Production at this facility reached 27% above the same period last year and 10% above the previous quarter.The brown seaweed in the Limu range is derived from the waters of Tonga.

Ingredient manufacturer Aenova became a participant in the UN Global Compact – for sustainable and responsible corporate governance. Aenova supports corporate governance goals by emphasizing the importance of human rights, labor standards and environmental protection. Additional goals that companies within the UN Global Compact aim to achieve include standing up against corruption and developing environmentally friendly technologies. The company will implement the UN Global Compact in its strategy. Currently, the Compact consists of approximately 19,000 companies worldwide.

In brief: Launches and releases
Natural products provider Perfect Nutrition has unveiled Limu beverage products made from brown seaweed, which contains vitamins and minerals. The Limu original for general wellness is a blend of mango, papaya, pear and apple. Meanwhile, the Limu Blue Frog and Blue Frog 2 may be suitable for enhancing energy. It does not contain artificial ingredients or colors and combines well with Fucoidan supplements. Lastly, the Limu Lean Burn may help to regulate appetite as it features a blend of vitamins, 7 g of soluble fiber and 20 g of protein.

Max Effort Muscle’s Amino Recovery lemonade received certification from NSF International for sport, which showcases the product is of high quality and suitable for athletes. Each serving is a blend of 10 g BCAAs and 5 g glutamine. The drink may enhance performance and allow for muscle recovery. The certification from Certified for Sport is recognized by the US Anti-Doping Agency and several sports leagues such as Major League Baseball. The company also offers supplements for individuals who want to increase their recovery and performance, such as gym-goers.Max Effort Muscle’s lemonade Amino Recovery is NSF International certified, making it suitable for sports activity and athletes.

Hostess Brands unveiled caffeinated Hostess Boost Jumbo Donettes in chocolate mocha and caramel macchiato flavors. These releases expand the brand’s donut lineup and are marketed as an “alternative to coffee.” Each donut contains slightly less caffeine than a single cup of coffee. The new donuts are three times the size of the previous Hostess Donettes mini donuts. Additionally, the Hostess Boost Jumbo Donettes contain coffee bean extract and are “lightly glazed.” The Chocolate Mocha variety is a blend of chocolate and espresso coffee flavor and both types are available in a 2.5 oz package. 

Charlotte’s Web Holdings will enter the CBD wellness beverage market with new CBD social elixirs presently in development and slated for release later this year. The beverages will be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO, with best-in-class formulas combined with additional functional botanicals and natural flavors. The CBD beverage market is predicted to reach US$245 million in sales in 2021, up 50% from 2020, and US$1.3 billion in 2026, reflecting a 40% compound annual growth rate.

In brief: Announcements and appointments
Botanical extracts manufacturer Arjuna Natural appointed Anup Krishnan as the new CEO to lead the market growth of the company further. Considering plans, the company will expand into existing markets. Krishnan has experience in multidisciplinary areas and brings 25 years of experience in business development and innovation. His appointment will increase innovation, develop manufacturing capacity and implement advanced manufacturing and delivery processes.

In brief: Community outreachHostess Boost Jumbo Donettes contain coffee bean extract.
US food and health watchdog CSPI received a gift of US$15 million from MacKenzie Scott to further CSPI’s expansion of its advocacy that addresses the nutritional needs of low-income families and communities of color, initially supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. This move aims to reduce the inequities in the food system. CSPI is campaigning to expand access to and increase benefits from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and guarantee universal healthy school meals for kids. CSPI is also working with cities, states, and companies to improve public policies and corporate practices affecting grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and other public places. CSPI is working to extend access to and benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and ensure that all children have access to healthy school meals.

In brief: Research and studies
An Italian university study has found that BuckNat may be suitable for hypoglycemic support – as it has a low glycemic index – and antioxidant activity. BuckNat is made from buckwheat and is shown to be suitable for diabetic consumers as it is high in starch and fiber. The research revealed that a meal containing buckwheat-based products reduces insulin secretion compared to maltodextrin, a carrier typically used in food supplements. Considering this, buckwheat may be a suitable replacement for maltodextrin in prediabetic subjects or Type 2 diabetics. The result further confirmed the advantage of implementing pseudo-cereals in products formulated for well-being, such as supplements.

By Nicole Kerr