The core of DSM’s nutrition business stems from the acquisition of Roche Vitamins nearly a decade ago. Since that time, DSM has invested heavily in nutritional research, working with major universities, and partnered with innovative companies in the health and wellness industry to develop and deliver quality products to the marketplace.
“Through science we ultimately impact the health and well-being of people around the world,” said Jim Hamilton, president of DSM Nutritional Products USA. “No firm spends more on nutrition science and innovation than we do.” Innovation can come through in-house development, as well as through partnerships, alliances and acquisitions, he added.
Most recently, DSM acquired Martek Biosciences, Columbia, MD, for more than $1 billion. The deal is expected to provide DSM new opportunities in the infant nutrition market, as well as the omega 3 and 6 markets, given Martek’s microbial DHA and ARA ingredients. Martek also recently acquired Amerifit, a consumer business for branded dietary supplements. DSM’s global network will help extend Martek’s products to other regions, nations and market segments, according to Mr. Hamilton. “Discussions are going on now about the best way to integrate the organizations.”
Martek represents a “highly complementary business,” to DSM, Mr. Hamilton noted. “It’s a piece to the puzzle that you can connect, rather than overlap. The benefit for us is not through classic synergies, but rather complementary values.”
Looking to express its values as a company, DSM also recently introduced its new company brand: Bright Science. Brighter Living.—complete with a new, colorful logo. The brand represents DSM’s sustainability value, overall philosophy and mission to create brighter lives for people today and in the future.
A pioneer in the synthesis and production of fine chemicals, starting as early as 1935 with the first industrial production of vitamin C, today DSM offers a range of health products, including its Quali-Blends pre-mix formulations, resVida resveratrol, geniVida genistein and Teavigo green tea extract, as well as Fruitflow, a water-soluble, tomato-based ingredient with aspirin-like properties.
Originally developed by Provexis, Fruitflow has received approval for an Article 13.5 health claim in Europe, allowing marketers to claim the ingredient helps reduce platelet aggregation and “contributes to a healthy blood flow.”
DSM’s overall commitment to quality products is perhaps best symbolized by its Quality for Life seal, which assures that ingredients are safe in terms of quality, reliability and traceability, and are manufactured in a safe and sustainable way.
As the recently elected chairman of the Board of Directors at the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Washington, D.C.—a post he will hold through 2012—Mr. Hamilton said one of the primary goals for the association will be to continue fostering and supporting consumer confidence in the industry. “For example, we believe in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulations that help ensure the industry is delivering quality and regulated products,” he said.
Overall, while companies and consumers around the world have felt pressure from a struggling economy, Mr. Hamilton said he believes the nutraceuticals industry is in unique position to prosper. “The health and nutrition business is economically agnostic. Consumers aren’t prepared to sacrifice their health and well-being, regardless of the economy. We will continue to deliver on the promise we’ve made to consumers, especially in tough times.” —S.M.
DSM Nutritional Products, Inc.
45 Waterview Boulevard
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Telephone: 800-526-0189
Fax: 973-257-8420
E-mail: hnh-marketing.dnpna@dsm.com
Website: www.unlimitednutrition-na.dsm.com