Bio-Cat partners with Kerry for global distribution of its Opti-Biome MB40 probiotic strain

Photo © iStockphoto.com/skynesher

Bio-Cat Inc. (Troy, VA) has announced a global partnership between its probiotic products division, Bio-Cat Microbials LLC, and Kerry. Effective June 2021, Kerry will lead the sales, marketing, and distribution of Bio-Cat’s proprietary probiotic strain, Opti-Biome MB40 (Bacillus subtilis ATCC122264). The strain is non-GMO and highly stable, making it suitable for a range of dosage formats.

Given Kerry’s success marketing probiotics such as Ganeden BC30, which has been incorporated into thousands of food and beverage products globally, Bio-Cat’s CEO Chris Schuler envisions similar success for MB40.

"Given the impressive performance of the MB40 strain and its potential to have a significant impact on the dietary supplement, functional food and beverage, and companion animal industries, we have decided to work with a partner who will help scale MB40 globally," Schuler said. "Kerry's expertise, commitment to develop a leading probiotic platform, access to global resources, and plans to further scientifically support MB40 make them an ideal partner."

As part of the agreement, Kerry will refresh the MB40 brand over the coming months. Once fully developed, the new brand name will be supported by Kerry’s global marketing and commercial infrastructure. "We are delighted to partner with Bio-Cat to further develop and market this unique and highly-stable Bacillus strain, which will complement our growing portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients in our ProActive Health portfolio,” said John Quilter, vice president and general manager of Kerry’s ProActice Health business.