Former Frutarom exec spearheads Alchem push into North America

The office, in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is headed up by Laurent Leduc, former vice president at Frutarom’s US health business unit, and will cater to the growing demand for GMP manufacturers of extracts and purified derivatives for the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

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India’s largest manufacturer of extracts and their purified derivatives, Alchem has three facilities that comply with international GMP standards and has a product range including natural extracts such as vinpocetine, Coleus Forskolin, sennosides and quinine.

Memory enhancement​

Leduc, who was president of Acatris' North American health division before moving on to Frutarom in 2006, said: “We are already seeing an increased demand for our vinpocetine, a new ingredient launch in 2011. ​

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“Vinpocetine is used as a drug for memory enhancement in many countries, and is sold as a dietary supplement in the US. Alchem’s pharmaceutical-grade vinpocetine is naturally-derived, and is produced in our state-of-the-art facility inspected by the Food and Drug Administration with zero 493s. Further, it meets European Pharmacopoeia standards.”​

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He added: “My role will be to introduce the region to Alchem and its portfolio of high-quality ingredients, and to increase service to our customers in North America.”​

Alchem International chief executive Raman Mehta said: “Alchem is improving the bioavailability of well-known dietary supplement ingredients, such as silymarin and curcumin, via proprietary technology and is developing new proprietary topical blends for the cosmetics industry.”​

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Jeff Lind is the new VP of Frutarom America’s health division.

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