Valensa Partners with Texasta for Algae

EUSTIS, Fla.Valensa International and Texasta, Inc. announced a multi-year agreement for the supply of Haematococcus pluvialis algae biomass used to produce astaxanthin.

The agreement with Valensa is Texasta's first major commitment with an astaxanthin manufacturer and marketer, and represents an important channel to market.

The supply of raw materials for its superficial CO2 extraction facility will support Valensa's continuing drive to develop and market condition-specific formulated nutraceutical products using astaxanthin.

"Haematococcus pluvialis, as algae, is extraordinary difficult to grow successfully while maintaining the product quality and consistency that is required for high quality astaxanthin-based formulation," said Dr. Rudi E. Moerck, president and CEO of Valensa. "The growth of the astaxanthin market has been dampened by uncertainty on the raw materials side and a lack of knowledge of what types of natural stabilizers were required for the high quality extraction."

Moerck added, "Texasta has the technical savvy, the commitment and the investment to be a player in this space."

The algae that forms the basis for astaxathin, Haematococcus pluvialis, is found throughout natural ecosystems, but is also native to east Texas and thrives in this climate due to ample sunlight, warm temperatures and adequate rainfall. Texasta will be producing an all-natural, Kosher-certified algae based on a microalgae process that includes closed photo bioreactors and open raceways .

According to Valensa, it will be the only company in the astaxanthin business with domestically grown algae and U.S. based extraction. The certified-organic extraction facility operated by Valensa is located in Florida and does not extract shellfish or other known allergens.

"We are excited to be working in close cooperation with Valensa to support their existing and new product portfolio, particularly considering their market acceptance, patent portfolio and regulatory standing around the world," said Ron Erd, president of Texasta. "Valensa brings a wealth of technical experience and marketing expertise in dietary supplements and nutritional products."