5 Jul 2012 --- Kemin, Ball Horticultural Company and Ball’s wholly owned subsidiary, Chrysantis, Inc., announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership that includes an exclusive license to Kemin of Ball’s patent-protected marigold hybrids that contain high levels of zeaxanthin. This strategic partnership will allow only Kemin to offer, worldwide, one of the few, naturally-sourced, plant-based dietary forms of zeaxanthin available for all uses, including nutritional ingredient, functional food, and personal care applications. Under the agreement, Ball and Chrysantis, recognized experts in plant-breeding, will also continue to develop new and improved patent-protected marigold hybrids that offer high levels of dietary zeaxanthin from this optimal plant-based source.

Chrysantis has specialized in marigold varieties that produce high levels of dietary zeaxanthin with a documented quality and safety profile. Kemin is the pioneer of the lutein market and market leader with FloraGLO Lutein the most clinically researched lutein brand and the lutein being used in the National Eye Institutes’ AREDS2 study. In addition to their use in dietary supplements, both FloraGLO Lutein and the licensed zeaxanthin from the patent-protected marigold hybrids are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in a wide variety of foods and beverages. 

“A plant-based, dietary source of zeaxanthin from Chrysantis is a great strategic fit for Kemin,” says Jeff Flora, president of the human nutrition and health division of Kemin. “Adding this new technology to our portfolio reinforces our continued commitment to provide quality, science-based ingredients with documented benefits for eye health and function, and overall nutrition. We are committed to continuing Chrysantis’ dedication to quality by offering the new zeaxanthin ingredient produced under the same stringent supply chain management, and good agricultural and manufacturing practices that are used to manufacture FloraGLO Lutein.”

“Chrysantis looks forward to the new worldwide distribution approach Kemin has in store for dietary zeaxanthin,” says Manuel Pavon, general manager for Chrysantis. “This strategic partnership will further strengthen promotion and understanding of the benefits lutein and zeaxanthin have in eye heath. Chrysantis is committed to expand plant breeding in species that provide natural products for better health.”

Lutein and zeaxanthin are nutrients found together in nature and naturally deposited as a protective layer in the macula, a small spot in the back of the eye responsible for central vision. These powerful antioxidants keep eyes healthy, improve visual performance and help reduce the risk of certain eye conditions as you age. Recent clinical research shows that getting 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily protects eyes, can improve visual function and may reduce the risk of certain age-related eye conditions.