AIC inks deal to distribute Algarithm’s algal omega-3 in North America
Massachusetts-based American International Chemical was founded 46 years ago, in the business of specialty chemical and ingredients distribution. It distributes a portfolio of nutritional ingredients ranging from botanical extracts to carotenoids to fibers.
“We’re very excited about this partnership. There are only a couple of companies in North America that provide algal Omega-3 ingredients for food, beverage and dietary supplement application,” said Ben Kelly, Managing Director of Algarithm Ingredients.
The Canadian company, spun out of parent company POS Bio-Sciences, first introduced its omega-3 ingredients at the IFT 2017 show in Las Vegas, focusing on opportunities in the plant-based functional food, nutraceutical, and beverage ingredient markets.
Increased market demand for plant-based products drove the creation of both the ingredient and the spin-off company. “We have a marketplace ready for change and we plan to be the de facto source for high value ingredients from algal oil,” CEO of POS Bio-Sciences Dale Kelly said at the time of its launch.
“We’re not the first to put omega-3s in food and beverage but we think Virun’s technology is providing something that hasn’t been done before,” Kelly added, referring to partner company Virun Nutra-Biosciences, a California based manufacturer that helped develop the product. “The market is ready for an alternative to Martek/DSM.”
On the new partnerhip, Mark Robertson, executive VP of marketing at AIC said: “Algarithm is rich in history and technical expertise in Omega-3’s. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with them on their Algal Omega-3, expanding our portfolio of plant-based, non GMO products for the North American Market.”
Kelly from Algarithm added: “Our ingredients stand apart due to flavor and odor characteristics (or lack thereof) and superior stability. With our plant-based, toxin-free and sustainable ingredients, we are revolutionizing functional ingredient sourcing. This is backed by over 40 years of quality controlled and internationally recognized contract R&D and manufacturing of algal ingredients from our parent company, POS Bio-Sciences.”
US retail sales of plant-based foods and beverages rose 8.1% to $3.1 billion in the 52 weeks to August 21, FoodNavigator-USA reported, citing Nielsen data.
WATCH: Algarithm and Virun collaborate on O3 Smoothies to combat pill fatigue
Retail shelves in the US and Canada will soon be stocking O3 Smoothies, decadent yet functional products delivering DHA omega-3 from algae and coconut MCTs. (Originally published 2/19/18)
