SOUTH AFRICA – Paarl-based Afriplex, a member of the Impilovest Group, is set to make entry in the local and international functional gummy market with a multi-million-rand upgrade to its plant.
Afriplex aims to be a trailblazer in Africa, becoming the first pharmaceutical company with compliant gummy production capabilities.
The upgraded facility will boast automated equipment, cutting-edge laboratories, and state-of-the-art production facilities, ensuring the production of functional gummies to the highest industry standards.
The new facility will provide full traceability with a Category A South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) license in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, reinforcing Afriplex’s reputation as a reliable manufacturer of functional products.
The move comes as functional gummies gain popularity as a safe, easy, and appealing alternative for administering pharmaceutical components, becoming the global star of the vitamin and supplements industry, estimated to be worth US$7.3 billion.
Currently, local players in the gummy market often utilize non-compliant facilities in South Africa or overseas-based manufacturers, leading to increased costs and impacting logistical, quality, and traceability issues.
Afriplex sees this as an opportunity to fill significant gaps in the market by offering compliant, high-quality products.
Donnie Malherbe, director of business development, said, “Breaking into the International market with this new dosage form proves that Afriplex is always staying at the forefront of filling market gaps and satisfying consumer needs.”
Afriplex already offers a standardized range of functional gummies tailored to various health needs, from immune support to stress relief and cognitive enhancement.
This investment aligns with its strategy of creating new avenues for existing products, including novel functional botanical extracts, cannabinoids like CBD, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Arno Roux, CEO of Afriplex, expressed excitement about introducing top-quality gummy products to customers worldwide, emphasizing the company’s commitment to meeting or exceeding expectations in terms of quality and efficacy.
Gummies can be customized to be sugar-sweetened or sugar-free, with gelatin or pectin as stabilizers, ensuring inclusiveness across various religious denominations and dietary requirements.
“Combining the knowledge of the AfriTaste team of food scientists and the experience of in-house pharmacists ensures meticulous product development and optimal efficacy without compromising taste,” Malherbe stated.
Recently, Afriplex launched AfriTaste, dubbed as a premium food and beverage brand complementing the recent development.
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