Plant-based oils and fats supplier AAK has announced a partnership with Progress Biotech to supply the Dutch algal oil company’s DHA for infant formula.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is commonly derived from fish oils. According to AAK, it offers several clinically proven benefits and is mandatory in infant formula across the EU.
Progress Biotech secured Infant Novel Food approval in the EU for its algae-based DHA in May of this year.
The DHA is vegan-friendly and is said to be highly sustainable due to the production being carried out in a closed environment, controlling and minimising the environmental impact.
Raimund Hoenes, head of global special nutrition at AAK, said: “This partnership means we can offer infant formula manufacturers a plant-based DHA oil that meets the highest demands on quality. Our algal DHA also has neutral taste and colour, which is difficult to achieve with alternatives based on fish oil.”
He continued: “Having evaluated the DHA oil market, we chose Progress Biotech as our strategic partner because it shares our values on quality, sustainable sourcing, and the importance of a flexible supply chain. By combining the strengths of our companies, we bring an exceptional offer to the market.”
This agreement adds to AAK’s portfolio of active lipids.
The news comes after an announcement, earlier this month, that AAK had partnered with Nestlé and Musim Mas to tackle deforestation.
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