The seven categories include digestive, cognitive, heart, joint, women, infant health, as well as immunity.
The Ireland-headquartered firm, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has traditionally focusing on food ingredients and taste but increasing attention has been placed on human health and nutrition in recent years.
Last year, the firm acquired Spanish biotech firm Biosearch Life and completed the acquisition of US-based Ayurvedic botanical ingredients firm Natreon in April this year.
The former specialises in both marine and plant-based omega-3, botanicals, and probiotics, while the latter specialises in botanicals such as amla and ashwagandha.
“We recognised that globally, a lot of new health needs have emerged.
“The focus was more on gut health and immunity, but we are started to learn more about stress, joint health, sleep, and mental clarity, which is why we have decided to focus on these seven health needs,” Jackie Ng, strategic marketing director, Applied Health and Nutrition, APAC, Middle East and Africa at Kerry Ingredients told us.
Earlier in 2015, the company acquired yeast beta-glucan ingredient brand Wellmune, as well as probiotic ingredient branded BC30 in 2017 – also the same year when Kerry started its ProActive Health division that focuses on human health needs.
With these acquisitions, the company also sees opportunities in satisfying the needs of the Asian markets.
“Why are we so excited about the Asian markets? This is because all the companies that we have acquired were mainly focusing on the North American and European markets,” Ng said.
To expand its presence, the company is building up its resources in Asia by partnering with new distributors to open the route to market, as well as growing its business development team.
Not just supplements
On the other hand, Ng highlighted that the firm also hopes to work with brands to introduce its functional health ingredients not just into supplements, but also food and beverages across Asia.
One example is a leading Malaysia coffee brand, which has launched a range of coffee last year containing Wellmune – which has been shown to support immune health.
Ng added that the firm has also successfully worked with an infant formula firm in Vietnam in incorporating its omega-3 into their products.
