Market Updates

Gnosis by Lesaffre Acquiring Vitamin K2 Supplier NattoPharma

The deal brings together vitamin K2 brands vitaMK7 and MenaQ7.

Expanding its capabilities as a global vitamin K2 supplier, Gnosis by Lesaffre has reached a deal to acquire Norway-based NattoPharma and its MenaQ7 brand of vitamin K2 as MK-7.
 
Gnosis by Lesaffre’s vitaMK7 and NattoPharma’s MenaQ7 solutions have been a part of formulations for nutraceutical and functional food products for over 10 years. This acquisition allows Gnosis by Lesaffre to offer a complete portfolio of solutions adapted to each market need and able to satisfy all customers, the company said.
 
Modern diets often don’t include sufficient quantities of vitamin K2, an essential nutrient for optimal bone and cardiovascular health. Only a few foods are naturally high in vitamin K2, such as natto, a Japanese fermented soybean dish, and these are not a mainstream part of diets in the U.S. or elsewhere. As a result, supplementation is necessary.
 
With the acquisition, the two players are coming together to expand their capabilities, their global reach, and to fuel future innovation as demand for vitamin K2 grows. 
 
“Vitamin K2 impacts every part of our lives,” Gnosis by Lesaffre General Manager Marc Philouze said. “From our joints to our arteries all the way down to our cells, vitamin K2 is essential for the function of several calcium-binding proteins that empower us to thrive as human beings. We’re proud to help satiate the global demand for this key ingredient by joining efforts with NattoPharma.” 
 
Gnosis by Lesaffre said it shares the foundational values of clinically validated science and product quality with NattoPharma. With this acquisition, the groups will collaborate to leverage combined capabilities between their teams in key areas to set the roadmap for the future of vitamin K2.
 
“I am proud of the entrepreneurial journey accomplished by the NattoPharma team to build the vitamin K2 market and supporting science over the past decade,” NattoPharma CEO Kjetil Ramsoy said. “Lesaffre is recognized as a worldwide key player in the fermentation industry, leveraging innovation and industrial platforms to produce fermentation products; this, paired with NattoPharma’s expertise on the various forms of vitamin K2, makes us confident that we together will accelerate research and further explore K2 benefits as the true global leader in vitamin K2 with a full range of products meeting all customer needs.” 


Sean Moloughney has been the Editor of Nutraceuticals World since 2012. He can be reached at SMoloughney@RodmanMedia.com.

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