USA – Gelita, a German manufacturer of collagen proteins has signed a letter of intent with premium protein ingredients supplier Geltor to develop, produce and market the first ingestible animal-free collagen proteins – to be launched in late 2020.
Collagen is applied in the food and beverage industry as protein dietary supplements, carriers in the meat processing, edible film and coatings of products, as well as a food additive to improve quality of products.
Under the arrangement, Geltor would design and produce the premium biodesigned collagen while Gelita would conduct research and commercialize the product as an addition to its existing collagen portfolio.
Geltor has already produced through fermentation the first animal-free, topical collagen protein ingredients called Collume, a marine collagen, and HumaColl21, a human collagen.
This new agreement with Gelita marks the beginning of the firm’s expansion into the food and beverage market.
Globally, Gelita’s collagen peptides have experienced double digit market growth and the company projects further growth in the coming years.
As the pioneer in progressive collagen peptide research and production, Gelita is optimistic in Geltor’s ambitions to develop their proprietary biodesign platform to commercialize the world’s first ingestible animal-free collagen.
Hans-Ulrich Frech, Gelita’s Global Vice President of Business Unit Collagen Peptides commented, “GELITA’s decision to invest in biodesign technologies is a prime example of our commitment to innovation and satisfying market needs.”
Frech added that the impending portfolio expansion into non-animal based collagen peptides will further secure Gelita’s position as market leader and will allow for satisfying diverse markets demanding vegan products.
“This addition to Gelita’s collagen portfolio will complement the already robust portfolio of scientifically substantiated Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which are key ingredients in foods and nutritional supplements for their protein content and physiological benefits.”
Geltor CEO and co-founder Alexander Lorestani added, “This pact further solidifies our view that we have entered a new era in how proteins are being utilized to improve products that consumers around the world use every day.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to work with Gelita on delivering the next-generation of collagens to consumers. For a relatively young and rapidly growing company like Geltor, to be partnering with GELITA and their longstanding track record of success on a deal of this size and scope is a dream come true.”
Geltor was founded in 2015 by Drs. Alexander Lorestani and Nick Ouzounov, and is based in San Leandro, California.
