The food industry is currently experiencing a true revolution – the development of new protein sources. The key driver of this revolutions are ecological and economical necessities, the increasing consumer demand for sustainability and the rise of veganism and vegetarism. Also, consumer’s acceptance of unconventional, untraditional protein sources has evolved. Proteins from seeds, leaves, [...]
At the beginning of the month, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) made available an online database that lists the food supplements and foods for specific population groups which have been notified in Spain, and in accordance with their specific legal framework. To access this database, click here (in Spanish). This [...]
On March 4, the EU Commission published a draft implementing regulation to restrict the use of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in food. With this amendment, the following substances would be considered as prohibited substances in food: Aloe-Emodin Emodin Danthron Hydroxyanthracene derivative (containing aloe extracts) At the same time, Rheum and Cassia and Rhamnus extracts in food [...]
In the first trimester for 2020, EFSA has published three opinions for the scientific substantiation of article 13.5 health claims. They were for: Coffee C21 and protection of DNA from strand breaks Orodispersible lozenges containing a combination of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 and normal gum function MenaQ7® and [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing global challenges not only to us as individuals but also to the global economy. Following WHO and German authorities’ recommendations and a&r´s business contingency policy, a&r has implemented a well structured home office work regulation for most its colleagues. Our teams are working remotely, and we reassure you that [...]
On 25 March 2020, the EU Commission announced that it is working on a proposal to postpone the date of application of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) for one year. The proposal is expected to be submitted in early April. The Commission is asking the Parliament and Council to adopt it quickly as the [...]
We dedicate this March issue to the possibility to postpone the date of the MDR implementation, our services during COVID 19, recent EFSA health claim opinions, and the proposed ban of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in food. Also, join us for our next free webinar about the protein revolution and get a [...]
We dedicate this February issue to the recent updates regarding EFSA’s Food Consumption Database and the German Stoffliste, and to BfR’s opinion on red yeast rice in food supplements. Also, read the latest news on CBD space and join us for our next free webinar on new protein sources. [...]
Infant formulas and follow-up formulas are strictly regulated in Europe. From 22 February 2020, all infant formulas, follow-on formulas (EU Delegated Regulation 2016/127) as well as infant food for special medical purposes (EU Delegated Regulation 2016/128) must comply with regulation changes. The only exception is for infant formula manufactured from protein hydrolysates, which must [...]
CBD products are widely available on the European market but are not properly authorized as CBD is considered a novel food. Any novel food requires an authorization by the European Commission, which is preceded by a thorough safety evaluation by EFSA. Currently, three CBD applications have been submitted to the EU Commission. Apparently, EFSA [...]
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MeriCal, a contract manufacturer and packager of high quality probiotics and nutritional supplements, has recently signed a final commercial agreement to acquire Global Health Industries (GHI).
GHI is highly specialized in the manufacturing of probiotics. MeriCal’s acquisition of GHI will increase market competitiveness and will drive international expansion.
It has been reported by Bloomberg that Nestle is currently the top bidder for Merck KGaA’s, offering up to $5 billion. According to the sources, companies previously interested in this business have dropped out of the bidding, including Perrigo and Bain and Cinven, while Reckitt Benckiser and Mylan are still in the running. Nestle, frontrunner at the moment, has been strengthening its health business, and acquired Atrium Innovations for $2.3 billion last month.
Global ingredients company DSM has acquired Biocare Copenhagen, expanding their gut health portfolio for an undisclosed price. With this acquisition, DSM will increase its gut health portfolio with probiotics. The company has showed interest in gut health ingredients beyond the well-known indications for digestive and immune health.
Earlier this month, Nestlé announced that it agreed to acquire Atrium Innovations (transaction to be completed Q1 2018). Atrium is globally recognized for the development, production, and commercialization of innovative and scientifically-proven natural health products. Its strategy is complementary with Nestlé science-based natural solutions for consumers and health care professionals. With this acquisition, Nestlé will extend its consumer healthcare nutrition portfolio, and Atrium will compete more effectively in the global market place.
A clear evidence that silos between industries will be breaking down in the future.
Walgreens has announced that it will invest $416 million to acquire 40% stake in Sinopharm Holding GuoDa Drug Store Co., Ltd (GuoDa). Walgreens is the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the US behind CVS Health. GuoDa retails pharmaceutical and healthcare products across China.
Walgreens was already present in China through Alliance Boots. This new investment highlights the interest of Walgreens in the Chinese fast-paced retail pharmacy business.
Walgreens investment took place in the same week that CVS announced to spend $69 billion to buy Aetna, the third largest health insurer in the U.S. CVS also has international operations but has not revealed interest in China yet.
Frutarom licensed AB-FORTIS in 2012 and now is buying the patent. AB-Fortis is a micro-encapsulation system that allows delivering 100% of the recommended daily amount of iron in a single dose, with high bioavailability and no adverse effects in taste or during digestion. “AB-Fortis expands Frutarom’s diverse product portfolio in the growing field of specialty healthy ingredients,” says Dr Raimund C. Hoenes, General Manager of Frutarom Health. With this transaction, AB-BIOTICS will focus on its probiotics business, which represents 87% of its total sale. In addition, the sales of AB-FORTIS will support the great R&D investment that AB-BIOTICS has done to reinforce their current probiotics concepts.
Relevium has signed a non-binding agreement to acquire an American nutraceutical e-brand that sell their products mainly through Amazon.
Relevium is a publicly traded company focused on growth through the acquisition of businesses, products and/or technologies with a focus on e-commerce in the growing health and wellness market. The value of this transaction is currently estimated at 1,15 mill EUR and it is foreseen to be closed on the 30th of November this year.
Last summer, Relevium completed the acquisition of BioGanix, another e-commerce brand and they have plans to conclude more transactions with e-retail brands in the future.
In September, color-ingredients manufacturer Roha (India) completed the acquisition of New Foods Industry S.p.A., an Italian company.
Roha is a leader in the color-ingredients market worldwide, and New Foods Industry is specialized in dry ingredients for the food and beverage industries.
This is the third acquisition for Roha during this year, enabling its further consolidation in the color business.