Ganeden and Glanbia ink probiotic deal

05-Jul-2010 - Last updated on 06-Jul-2010 at 15:27 GMT

Ohio-based probiotics supplier Ganeden Biotech has formalized its business relationship with Glanbia Nutritionals in the supply of probiotics for the Irish company’s formulations.

Mike Bush, the vice president of business development at Ganeden said the deal was part of a far-reaching program that would see Ganeden contributing strains and accompanying research to Glanbia’s formulations work.

The deal confirms an informal collaboration that has seen at least one formulation utilized for an immunity product called Java Juice.

“We provide the probiotics and they do the blend,” Bush told NutraIngredients-USA.com of the non-exclusive deal.

A probiotic stick and micro-blends are the first fruits of the relationships and would be promoted at the IFT trade show coming up in Chicago this month. Probiotic yogurt covered raisins are also close to commercial release.

“But we have a bunch of research going on and have the opportunity to do things that are unique,” Bush said.

Glanbia said it had chosen to work with Ganeden because of the heat resistant qualities of the GanedenBC30 strain in functional foods and beverages. Supplement application are also on the agenda.

Ganeden claims it achieves this via a, “layer of organic material that protects the genetic core of the bacteria.”

"We have been looking for the right company to help enhance our nutritional ingredients. Ganeden Biotech is a great fit because their probiotic product meets our strict stability requirements necessary for food and beverage applications," said Dr. Cyrus Mehr, director of innovation at Glanbia Nutritionals.

"Collaborating with Ganeden and adding GanedenBC30 to our premix solutions further enables the body to better absorb the nutrients needed for optimal performance."

In the same statement, Ganeden president and chief executive officer, Andrew Lefkowitz added: "Partnering with an industry leader such as Glanbia Nutritionals will enable us to broaden the applications of GanedenBC30 into more functional foods, beverages and engineered nutraceutical applications. The experience, knowledge and high standard of quality that Glanbia Nutritionals brings to the market further supports our commitment to provide superior probiotic ingredients."