OptiMSM broadens footprint, gains traction in sports nutrition market

12-Sep-2013 - Last updated on 13-Sep-2013 at 20:58 GMT

Although joint health remains a key market for MSM, awareness of its pre- and post-workout benefits is gaining traction. Photo from Bergstrom Nutrition

On the heels of last week’s distribution agreement with American International Chemical to distribute its branded methlsulfonylmethane (MSM) into the Canadian market, Bergstrom Nutrition is looking to grow existing relationships and uncover new sources of untapped demand for its flagship OptiMSM ingredient.

“We have enjoyed great success over many years in Canada with a handful of very strong partners,” Tim Hammond, vice president of sales and marketing for Vancouver, WA-based Bergstrom Nutrition, told NutraIngredients-USA. “We see our new relationship with AIC as an opportunity to introduce OptMSM to some new faces and continue building long-term, successful relationships. We are also exploring the novel food ingredient path in Canada and believe it to be a complement to our GRAS status in the U.S.”

running-couple (640x455) — Photo from Bergstrom Nutrition

OptiMSM added to pre-workout supplement

This month also represents something of a small breakthrough in the sports nutrition market, where Bergstrom has been increasingly promoting MSM’s potential, particularly its effect on muscle recovery positions in both pre- and post-workout products.

Dietary supplement manufacturer Giant Sports has incorporated OptiMSM into a pre-workout supplement called Metabolic Bioshock, which will be unveiled at the Mr. Olympia event in Las Vegas later this month. A 16.75-g scoop contains 1,500 mg of OptiMSM along with 19 other ingredients, including caffeine, aspartic acid, glutamine nitrate and glucosamine.

“We appreciate Giant Sports as an early adopter of our research and the multiple benefits of OptiMSM,” Hammond said. “Our values strongly align with Giant Sport’s efforts to provide knowledgeable and informed consumers with premium branded ingredients that are supported through clinically validated dosages.”

Hammond added that the brand is well positioned for continued growth in both the pre- and post-workout product markets—among athletes and weekend warriors alike—given its role in helping minimize the oxidative stress that occurs when exercising and hastening recovery from injury by reducing the amount of damage to a muscle.

Looking beyond North America

In addition to its growing presence in the North American market, Bergstrom maintains a "small yet significant” customer base in Latin America. Having recently broadened its distribution to Argentina, Hammond noted that the firm is currently investigating the regulatory process in Brazil and other parts of Latin America, which appear “poised for growth."

Bergstrom is also pursuing growth opportunities overseas, with a recent expansion in Asia to the Philippines, and increased sales efforts in the burgeoning South African market, where it's enjoyed steady growth.