Australian olive leaf extract moves into Canada
agreement with Olive Products Australia, the world's largest
specialized olive leaf grower, to distribute its Fresh Olive Leaf
Complex.
Sales in Australia for the olive leaf extract have grown by more than AU$1m (US$0.74m) per month, with annual growth of the company of more than 50 per cent since 2001.
"With Canada having 50 per cent higher population, we believe we can at least duplicate the Australian sales figures, if not exceed them. We will also approach key U.S. companies on a case-by-case basis so that number could even mushroom," said Michael Chernyak, general manager for C.K. Foods.
Chernyak told NutraIngredients-USA that, while other companies market olive leaf extract in powder form, most of the existing supplements have focused on Oleuropein, one of the more widely studied olive compounds.
"Olive Products Australia's Fresh Olive Leaf Complex is also standardized to high levels of Oleuropein, however it also contains many other important compounds that offer a highly synergistic effect. In fact, there are nearly 100 separate compounds in the product," said Chernyak.
Additionally, the powders are typically made from dried, reconstituted leaves, but the Olive Products Australia's Fresh Olive Leaf Complex was made from fresh 'alive' leaves.
This makes a "big difference in efficacy," says Chernyak
The agreement with Olive Products Australia fits in with C.K. Foods Inc. moves over the past several years to increase its presence in nutritional ingredients. Chernyak said the company plans to continue to aggressively introduce "new and innovative health ingredients, backed by science and IP, to supplement and functional food makers in Canada."
Distribution rights have been acquired for several patented ingredients targeted at nutritional/dietary supplements, and functional foods and drinks.
"We believe the Olive Leaf extract will be a hit first in health food stores, as well as internet marketers and MLM's. It will be marketed as a stand-alone ingredient although some companies may wish to include it in a 'complex'.
We will also target manufacturers of nutritional bars, beverages and salad dressings, although we don't expect a great deal of mass success with food and beverage until we establish the product in the supplement arena," said Chernyak.
The move into Canada continues Olive Products Australia's global expansion, with established regular exports to Europe and parts of Asia (Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore).
