Algalif Astaxanthin Gains Novel Food Status as Ingredient Gains Traction in Europe, North America, and Asia

Photo from Algalif

New-to-market microalgae ingredient supplier Algalif (Reykjanesbaer, Iceland) announced that its proprietary astaxanthin ingredient, Astalíf astaxanthin, has received Novel Food certification from the European Commission. Last year, the company began producing the ingredient, which is sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.

According to Simon Seward, global business director, Algalif, Astalíf astaxanthin has already attracted “huge interest” in North America and Asia since it began selling commercially last year. It also continues to gain footing in Europe, with movement now propelled by the new Novel Food approval that enables the ingredient to be sold in food supplements, he says.

Seward notes that part of the attraction to Algalif is its Icelandic origin and manufacturing. The ingredient is grown in an enclosed photobioreactor cultivation system. Iceland, he says, is a global leader in sustainability, and he notes that the company uses renewable energy and pure Icelandic water to produce Astalif astaxanthin. The company says it employs strict water-conservation techniques and clean-energy practices, such as geothermal energy. In addition, it utilizes a proprietary lighting system. “Our access to pure, clean sources of water and energy is the first and primary step in bringing Astalif-a premium, high-grade astaxanthin-to the marketplace,” Seward says. He adds that these factors play well with the European market, which “is very concerned with quality, purity, and sustainability, and these elements are at the core of Algalif’s value proposition.”

Seward says the company plans to develop its astaxanthin range further this year and eventually add other microalgae ingredients to its portfolio. The company is now looking to expand further in the European astaxanthin market, which Seward says is both well established and shows potential for significant growth. According to Andrew Jacobson, CEO, Algalif, “Europe is the next key region for us to build on our existing distribution partnerships in North America and Asia.”

Algalif says its astaxanthin can be used across a broad range of nutraceuticals, and can help support brain health, eye health, healthy aging, cardiovascular health, muscle endurance and recovery, and skin health. The ingredient is available in 5% and 10% astaxanthin oleoresin, suitable for both softgel capsules and topical oil-based cosmetics, and 5% astaxanthin biomass, suitable for tablets and soft/hard gel capsules. The company says that it is currently developing new powder, beadlet, and water-soluble options.

Also read:

The Science Behind Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin Suppliers Are Innovating and Even Exploring New Algae Strains: SupplySide West Report

First Astaxanthin Product Debuts with Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association Verification Seal