Kerry, PFI enter licensing partnership for development of joint health formulas

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Kerry (Dublin, Ireland) entered into a strategic licensing partnership with Pharma Foods International Co. Ltd. (PFI; Kyoto, Japan) in which Kerry has access to the joint health technology developed by PFI. The ingredient promotes the natural production of hyaluronic acid, keeping joints lubricated and mobile and ultimately helping to reduce discomfort and stiffness in knee joints and providing benefit to people with osteoarthritis. 

“Our proprietary consumer research has revealed that consumers want healthy lifestyle products that also have a positive impact on bone and joint health,” said John Quilter, vice president and general manager for Kerry’s ProActive Health business, in a press release. “Today’s consumers are more informed about the ingredients in their functional products – with 56% reporting that they regularly research ingredients that can help improve health. We are delighted to partner with PFI, a leader in functional ingredient innovation, on this new joint health technology that will complement our portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients, including GanedenBC30 probiotic, Wellmune yeast beta glucan, and our most recent addition, Bio-K Plus probiotics.”

Because the ingredient is water-soluble, it has no impact on taste. It has already been formulated into several products in the Japanese market, and Kerry will be developing a brand positioning for the technology, supporting application and development and supplying the ingredient to customers across the world.

“We are very pleased and excited to be working with Kerry,” said CEO of PFI, Dr. Mujo Kim, in a press release. “PFI has been researching and developing original unique materials for the global market and now that we have established a cooperative relationship with Kerry, we will be able to accelerate our global expansion. We expect strong synergies between PFI’s research capabilities and Kerry’s global commercial network.”