Azelis to Distribute Nutress Microalgae in Benelux

According to Reinier Smit, CEO of Nutress, the company has partnered with Azelis because of its dynamic approach and in-depth understanding of the markets. With its technical expertise in products and applications and the ability to combine it with commercial know-how, Azelis brings innovation to life for both our customers.

“Nutress is excited to be working directly with the Azelis Benelux team as the company has a strong track record for bringing the highest quality products to market globally, combined with a dedicated local focus and closeness to customers. ” said Smit. “Azelis has sound, exhaustive knowledge of the food market and will be positioning Nutress highly. In Azelis we have a truly capable partner that can follow our fast pace of foreseen growth in the coming years.”

Anneke Roes, spokesperson for Nutress, told FoodIngredientsFirst: “Microalgae are well known in the nutraceutical industry, as a food supplement we see it in tablets, capsules and powders. Also the high-end gastronomy uses algae as a natural flavour enhancer (natural umami) as well as texturiser. As a whole-food used as a food ingredient or extractions of microalgae, the future possibilities are endless.”

She continued: “In 2012 bread with algae won an innovation prize: by adding 5% algae onto the dry flour weight of bread, a salt reduction of 30% was established. But you can also find it in products such as spelt pasta, juices (fresh and protein), sports bars, soups and sauces, noodle products, etc. In order to feed the world in 2050 another food system i.e. another type of food is necessary. Algae are one solution.”
 
Roes says that Nutress will ensure that it remains a key player as the market grows by cultivation of algae and supplying a high quality product year-round. “We have seen the comparison to other (non-eu) algae products and can say that Nutress’ algae are of the highest quality. Due to the in-house developed proprietary cultivation system Nutress can grow according to the market growth.”

With this partnership both companies will create the ultimate value for their customers and principals. The various algae products fit perfectly into the food supplements, food- and beverage industries. Steven Swinnen, Managing Director, Azelis Benelux  believes that customers in the Benelux area will greatly benefit from this agreement, enabling wider access to Nutress’ leading algae (products) with the support of Azelis’ energetic and enthusiastic team of experts. Customers will be able to develop the next generation of superior products that meet the market trends of today. Nutress and Azelis will facilitate invaluable technical support for these innovative ingredients and add innovative value with this newest collaboration.

Steven Swinnen adds, “Nutress is a great example of the type of specialist manufacturer that we currently represent in which I see great potential. The time to engage in algae for the food, feed and pharma industry is now. At the junction of commodities and specialties we will focus on bringing Nutress’ superior algae to our current food, health and pet food client base. We have great trust in this cooperation and look forward to our future success together with great excitement.”

The distribution agreement will take effect with immediate benefits to resellers and customers.

By Kelly Worgan