NIU’s Global Round-up: Probiotic taxonomy changes, DSM’s nutrition CEO on sustainability, and more

Europe​

Taxonomy update for the ‘Lactobacillus’ genus ​

Proposed taxonomy changes for the ‘Lactobacillus’ genus could be a ‘wonderful marketing opportunity’ for probiotic firms, according to a panel of regulatory experts.

This is the first time a taxonomy change has been proposed for a species so broad and economically important, but during a panel discussion at the European Probiota event in Copenhagen in February delegates were told this update should be taken as an opportunity to boost awareness of specific strains.

The public doesn't generally pay any attention to the specific strain names, explained Dr Elinor McCartney, president of Pen & Tec Consulting, so changes to names are unlikely to cause any concerns amongst the general public.

However, she argued that this provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the strains and the health benefits associated with them.

“Every threat is an opportunity, and this is a wonderful marketing opportunity,"​ she said.

For more on this story, please click HERE​​.

Europe/Asia​

DSM nutrition CEO on why innovation and reduction are both crucial for sustainability ​

In an exclusive interview with NutraIngredients-Asia​, DSM’s Nutritional Product’s President and CEO Chris Goppelsroeder said that two of the key strategies the company is adopting as part of its sustainability efforts are significant investment in innovation plus ambitious CO2 reduction targets.

Goppelsroeder also said the company is well-equipped to contribute to five of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, affordable and clean energy, climate action and responsible consumption and production.

Earlier in 2019 DSM announced that it had committed to reducing 30% of its greenhouse gas emissions from direct production and purchased energy in absolute terms by 2030 compared to 2016. In addition, such commitments have been embedded in the firm’s financial and incentive structures.

“We now go as far as to charge internally for the for our CO2 footprint,”​ he said. “My business gets charged €50 per tonne of emissions, which is far higher than the market average. The upshot of this is that if I make progress, it is better for our bottom line.”​

Goppelsroeder also discussed China and India in this extensive interview.

LATAM​

Plant-based Brazil startup eyes mass retail expansion – it's the 'main avenue' for growth​

Plant-based foods are hot across the globe. Rio de Janeiro-based protein startup Mother Nutrients has big plans to ignite mass appeal this year.

Speaking with NutraIngredients-LATAM, the one-year old company, which offers two lines of plant-based protein blends – 'sports nutrition' and 'wellness and greens' – is aiming to move from the online space to large retailers to reach a wider consumer group, said Eduardo Phillips, chief marketing officer (CFO) at Mother Nutrients.

“What are we doing to get more people to try Mother? We're now going to the big supermarket chains. Most of them – 80-90% of them – have never sold a supplement or food complement for athletes in their shops, so we have a big challenge because we have to educate them and educate the consumer,”​ said Phillips.

“...This is something we're working really hard on because this is the main avenue to grow supplement revenues and sales here in Brazil, in our opinion.”​

The large majority of dietary supplements in Brazil were still sold in specialty stores known as 'body shops' or, more recently, natural and organic stores, he said.

For more on this story, please click HERE​​.