Kemin and Valensa International Partner to Introduce Algae-Sourced Beta-Glucan for Immune Health

Kemin Industries and Valensa International announced a partnership to jointly supply and market BetaVia™ ingredients, immune-supporting beta-glucans sourced from a proprietary strain of algae (Euglena gracilis), in the U.S. dietary supplement and functional foods and beverages markets.

The new microalgae ingredients launched on Wednesday, September 27 at the SupplySide West tradeshow in Las Vegas and are marketed under the brand names, BetaVia Complete (whole cell Euglena gracilis) and BetaVia Pure (Paramylon/Linear beta-1,3-glucan). The pro-immunity ingredients will be offered as stand-alone ingredients and as part of Valensa's proprietary synergistic combinations.

“We are enthusiastic about the launch of our BetaVia ingredients," said Anita Norian, President of Kemin Human Nutrition and Health. "Kemin’s expansion into immune health highlights our continued initiative to become the supplier of choice for science-backed, high-quality dietary ingredients across platforms. Partnering with Valensa, a leader in the microalgae space, will help propel this ingredient forward in the U.S. market.”

The BetaVia product line offers a new, patented standard in immune support using Euglena gracilis microalgae. BetaVia ingredients are naturally-sourced, GMO- and gluten-free for functional applications. Both in vitro and animal studies show that algae-sourced BetaVia ingredients can prime key immune cells to strengthen the body’s immune defenses.

“Valensa and its affiliate Parry Nutraceuticals are market leaders in microalgae-based supplements with well-established ingredient brands in over 30 countries,” said Umasudhan C.P., CEO of Valensa. “The relationship with Kemin allows us to introduce novel immunity supplement formulations made stronger by BetaVia, to our omni-channel customer base in the U.S. and internationally.”

This partnership creates a two-armed sales approach to the U.S. dietary supplement and functional foods and beverages markets. The Kemin sales team will service the functional food and beverage customers while Valensa’s sales team will service customers producing dietary supplements.

“We believe in a ‘partner and grow’ model that helps both companies leverage our mutual strengths to quickly penetrate the market and achieve sustainable growth. We take pride in partnering with Kemin, a company which has a strong reputation and credibility in the marketplace, and has shared values to help our customers create differentiated and effective dietary supplements that enhance health,” continued Umasudhan.

BetaVia ingredients will enhance Valensa’s patent-protected and clinically-supported Immunum® dietary supplements, which are available in bulk powder blends. Valensa’s patented BetaVia formulations for consumers include: Immunum Pro, containing BetaVia and proprietary spirulina extract for dual-action adaptive and innate immunity; Travel Armor™, containing BetaVia with fast-acting antioxidant protection for the frequent traveler; and Immunum Active, which delivers BetaVia with Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin for recovery, stress support and year-round, balanced immune support.

With this launch, Kemin adds to its catalog of ingredients for functional foods and beverages, building on its industry leadership in vision and cognition health.

To learn more about BetaVia products and immune health, visit www.kemin.com/betavia.