Lycored to Distribute Algatechnologies’ Astaxanthin in Beadlet Form

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Lycored (Secaucus, NJ) has announced a joint venture with astaxanthin supplier Algatechnologies (Ketura, Israel). The company will market and distribute Algatech's proprietary AstaPure natural astaxanthin in the North American market in the form of vegan beadlets.

In beadlet form, the astaxanthin can be used in both dietary supplements and in food and beverages, says Lycored, including dry blended beverages and nutrition bars. Algatechnologies CEO Hagai Stadler says, “Lycored’s microencapsulation technology…is the right partner for Algatechnologies and will contribute significantly to the development of the astaxanthin market.”

Lycored, which has primarily specialized in the carotenoid lycopene, is extending its reach into astaxanthin. The company recently patented a combination of lycopene and astaxanthin with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Algatechnologies derives its AstaPure astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae. Golan Raz, Lycored’s head of Global Health Division, says that Lycored will have “complete access and transparency” of Algatechnologies’ supply chain. Raz adds, “Lycored wanted to evolve its astaxanthin offerings while maintaining our commitment to distributing premium-quality ingredients that consumers and industry partners can trust. We are able to maintain vertical integration through this partnership as it is the process Algatech takes when developing their astaxanthin ingredient.”