Feb 1 2012 --- Alchem International Ltd. opens its first North American office in Minneapolis. The sales and marketing office will be spearheaded by Laurent Leduc, former Vice President of Frutarom Health, Inc. This office will cater to the rapidly growing demand in North America for GMP manufacturers of extracts and their purified derivatives for the supplement, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Alchem International Ltd. is the largest manufacturer of extracts and their purified derivatives in India. Approved by the U.S. FDA, the company has three facilities that comply with international GMP standards. Alchem manufactures herbal extracts and pure pharmaceuticals that conform to USP and other international standards. Its ingredient offerings include natural extracts such as vinpocetine, Coleus Forskolin, sennosides and quinine. Alchem prides itself on its product quality, customer satisfaction and commitment to the environment.

Born in France, Leduc began his international career at Sandoz/Novartis in Minneapolis. In 1995, he led the creation of Acatris Health. Leduc’s vast experience includes the release of innovative branded ingredients and proprietary blends.

“I’m very excited about opening Alchem’s first North American office and welcome the opportunity to offer to the supplement and cosmetic industries premium quality ingredients and formulations supported by science,” says Leduc. “My role will be to introduce the region to Alchem and its portfolio of high-quality ingredients, and to increase service to our customers in North America.”

Adds Raman Mehta, CEO of Alchem International, “Our goal is to build long-term supplier relations with manufacturers that, like Alchem, are dedicated to quality and that share our passion to help consumers live a healthy life. Alchem is improving the bioavailability of well-known dietary supplement ingredients, such as silymarin and curcumin, via proprietary technology and is developing new proprietary topical blends for the cosmetics industry.”

“We are already seeing an increased demand for our vinpocetine, a new ingredient launch in 2011,” continues Leduc. “Vinpocetine is used as a drug for memory enhancement in many countries, and is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S. Alchem’s pharmaceutical-grade vinpocetine is naturally-derived, and is produced in our state-of-the-art facility inspected by the U.S. FDA with zero 493s. Further, it meets European Pharmacopoeia standards.”