Kerry’s postbiotic partnership poised to bring gut health-boosting ingredients to Americas and Europe

15 Dec 2022 --- Kerry is progressing in the postbiotics and wellness space through a new licensing agreement for the postbiotic K-1, made by Japanese rice cracker leader Kameda Seika. The deal will see Kerry distributing the ingredient across America and Europe.

The rice-derived postbiotic Lactobacillus K-1 has been found to provide several health benefits, such as improving digestive and skin health. Postbiotic immunity and scientifically evidenced wellness claims are in demand from consumers post-pandemic. Kerry’s new deal represents a response to these demands.

Speaking with FoodIngredientsFirst, Dan Benson, applied health and nutrition lead for Kerry APMEA, examines Kerry’s entry into the immunity market and the specifics of the K-1 postbiotic. 

“We continue to investigate new and emerging science in the digestive space and our knowledge of the gut-brain barrier continues to grow. We believe this science will continue to open up new opportunities and education on the digestive health benefits of pro-, pre- and post-biotics,” he says.

“Postbiotics offer similar benefits to probiotics and are also backed by growing clinical evidence. However, they are inanimate and as a result are heat-tolerant and highly stable. This makes them easier to process and also much more versatile, so we can incorporate into a broad range of supplement, food and beverage applications.”

“As lifespans increase globally, the search is on to find innovative and sustainable solutions which will help consumers to stay active and healthy for as long as possible,” he says.

Kerry will distribute K-1 across America and Europe. Backed by science
Benson stresses Kerry’s business focus on scaling ingredients which are backed by scientific evidence. 

“We are continuously committed to improve health and well-being at every life stage. Understanding the needs of all members of society is key for us to create the next generation of science-backed branded ingredients,” he explains. 

“We are consistently focused on identifying new ingredients that are based on true consumer needs but which are also supported by strong science. There is without doubt a growing consumer interest in postbiotics and this interest is driven by the increased importance being placed on health and wellness.”

Looking ahead, Benson highlights the potential applications postbiotic solutions have for health over lifetime needs.

“We have an expanding range of science-backed branded ingredients, which improve both infant and women’s health. We recognize that women have specific health needs at different stages of their lives and our women’s health ingredients have been carefully formulated to deliver maximum effect during each stage.” 

Women’s changing health needs over their lifetime was a trend underscored at this year’s Food ingredients Europe (FiE). 

Kameda Seika's K-1 postbiotic has proven health benefits.

Expansion through partnership
Dr. Lekh Juneja, chairman CEO Kameda Seika is glad to benefit from Kerry’s knowledge of scientifically proven health claims. 

“Kerry is an ideal partner, with deep expertise in science-backed branded ingredients, including probiotics and postbiotics, and their footprint of dedicated innovation and application centers of excellence across the globe,” he says.

“We are extremely proud of the development of Lactobacillus K-1, which has already demonstrated many health benefits in clinical trials. We look forward to this partnership with Kerry, who will bring this postbiotic to a much larger global audience.”

Biotics get post-pandemic boost
Immunity is a strong trend in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to an increase in immunity-boosting ingredients, especially biotics.

As research continues into the relationship between the gut microbiome and general health, greater time and investment is going into the postbiotic space, especially in regard to infant health.

Post-pandemic, consumers are proving to be more aware of the variety of types of immunity, and their buying habits reflect this.

By James Davies