Benexia, a global leader in chia seed ingredients, and chia-derived omega-3 ALA (alpha linoleic acid), has opened the Benexia Lipids Research Center in Ghent, Belgium. 
 
“The new center was formed to advance new research into the physico-chemical and application properties of Benexia ALA,” said Sandra Gillot, CEO of Benexia. “It will also advise customers on the proper market positioning of chia seed ingredients in various applications for dietary supplements, food and beverages, including fats and oils, vegetable spreads,  condiments, cooking oils, mayonnaise, dressings, and sports nutrition formulas.
 
“The Benexia Lipids Research Center will respond to global market opportunities and is also in charge of new process developments, including extraction, concentration, and purification according to market requirements and trends,” continued Ms. Gillot.
 
Managing the center will be Hans Van Daele, business director, Benexia Europe. Carolina Chica, headquartered in Santiago, will be the science and technology director.
 
Ms. Gillot added that the center will work on a partnership basis with technical institutes, universities and other companies, to collaborate on R&D projects and studies to clarify health benefits and new market opportunities.
 
In Europe, Benexia received the first Novel Food authorization to commercialize chia oil as a supplement. Benexia guarantees full traceability from sourcing of raw materials to final ingredients, and provides certified quality standards (GAP, GMP-HACCP, FSC 22000, Halal and Kosher).