The regulatory situation around Cannabis has been in the spotlight. While the regulatory situation is clear for industrial hemp for non-food purposes, the same cannot be said for its use as food. While hemp seeds, seed proteins and seed oils became common food ingredients, national regulations may still restrict their use in food. Recently, [...]
Healthy aging continues to be a hot topic. Also, “beauty from within” is on the rise. Consumers are on the hunt for youth-boosting foods and drinks. The growing aging population, increasingly youth-centric society, and consumer motivation for self-care are drivers for these health solutions. Continuing the trend seen in previous years are pre- and [...]
Another year has gone by. We were involved in super interesting projects, had the chance to meet former and new clients, visited trade shows, and attended expert events all around the world. The a&r MatchMaking Platform, launched in 2017 to bring together companies looking for local and worldwide in/out-licensing opportunities in natural health products, hasexperienced a fast growth [...]
Dear Colleagues and Friends, The year is coming to an end and we would like to thank all our customers, business partners and friends for the great cooperation we have enjoyed last year. We wish you a very successful upcoming business year and look forward to great projects and partnerships with you and your [...]
a&r’s News Digest – We dedicate this December issue to our overview of ingredients, regulatory highlights of 2018, and recent nutraceutical market information. […]
Last month, the European Commission approved five new novel foods which may be placed on the market within the Union under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Out of the five novel food approvals, four are proprietary ingredients, meaning that they will have a period of five years from the date of entry into force of the [...]
Following the draft guidance on the scientific requirements for health claims related to muscle function and physical performance being subject to public consultation during the summer (from 16 July to 2nd September 2018), EFSA has now published the final version of the document – “Guidance on the scientific requirements for health claims related to [...]
a&r’s News Digest – We dedicate this month’s issue to EFSA’s final guidance for health claims regarding muscle function and exercise capacity, and five new novel food approvals. Also, meet Made for_, this month’s startup. […]
The European Commission published a draft report on the first authorization for a health claim made on a combination product referring to the reduction of disease risk (14.1 health claim). In 2013, EFSA had already issued a positive opinion on this health claim. Now, 5 years later, the EC Commission finally agrees. The health claim [...]
Italy just published a new Decree which includes a new list of botanicals allowed in food supplements. The Decree also includes guidelines that ensure compliance of botanicals in terms of quality and safety. This Decree will take effect on the 10th December 2018. The use of botanicals in food supplements among Members States is already a [...]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.