Lycored enters omega-3 market

The Israeli supplier is employing its microencapsulation technology to deliver low-dose premixes and stand-alone ingredients targeting global niche markets such as bakery and confectionery products for children and the elderly at dosages of about five milligrams per serving.

It is buying in the algae sourced DHA (docosahexaenonic acid) that will sell for about €40 per kilogram depending on volumes from an unspecified third party.

Vice president of global marketing and sales, Udi Alroy, said his company’s first non-carotenoid venture was driven by a desire to broaden the use of its proprietary microencapsulation capacity, and was not a reaction to the performance of its core lycopene, lutein and other carotenoid divisions, which he described as “growing nicely “.​

“We have been working on this with microencapsulation for a few years now,”​ Alroy told NutraIngredients at Vitafoods. “We tried out numerous formulations but it took time to resolve flavour and odour issues and deliver on heat resistance.”​

Chocolate and cracker prototypes were being displayed at the show, which he said highlighted the non-mainstream approach it was taking with the launch.

“Consumers have omega-3 fatigue,”​ he said. “Many have been launched to broad audiences and failed so we believe a high-end, niche approach is the way forward.”​

Lycored was also promoting its carotenoid offerings at the show, which Alroy said had evolved to a new stage of targeting foods and beverages.

Smoothies and gum prototypes had been developed, with the elderly viewed as a key demographic.

The company was also working on an article 13.5 European Union health claim dossier linking lutein and eye health but sought a clearer picture on claim requirements before submission, which was unlikely this year.