09.01.01
Fortitech: The Nutrient System Specialists
Fortitech, Schenectady, NY, was founded in 1986 for the purpose of supplying nutrient systems to food, beverage and pharmaceutical companies. The founders, according to president Walter Borisenok, came from the infant formula arena and expanded into different markets from there. Today the company has a global distribution network consisting of international facilities and an extensive range of distributor relationships spanning several continents.
Working closely with each customer, Fortitech formulates single ingredient blends from a comprehensive selection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleotides, nutraceuticals and other specialty ingredients. Fortitech’s premixed nutrient systems are used to fortify a wide range of products including baby formulas, cereal bars, dairy products, nutrition and sports drinks, juices, snacks, candies and supplements.
The custom premixes offer process efficiencies, quality and consistency and are available in liquid or solid form in quantities of any size; they can also comply with kosher and halal standards. In addition, Fortitech can develop custom formulations that assist manufacturers in differentiating products and meeting desired label claims. Beyond those basics, the company also addresses key issues such as flavor, texture, bioavailability, cost, shelf life and marketability.
Fortitech is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company and manufactures each nutrient system under the strictest GMPs. Before shipment each batch is carefully tested for potency and consistency as well as labeled with a certificate of authenticity. Further, the company uses in-house laboratories to analyze nutrient systems down to their trace elements, putting each batch to the test for potency and uniformity before it leaves the plant.
On the cyberspace front, Fortitech has launched FortiSource™, a searchable online bionutrition database that can be found on the company’s website, www.fortitech.com. FortiSource presents the science behind the claims for a wide range of nutrients, allowing users to do instant searches by specific nutrient, health concern or body system. It also allows users to check information on benefit claims, interactions and precautions for each nutrient. Finally, this resource provides “research grades” showing how well benefit claims are scientifically substantiated.
Recently Fortitech forged a strategic alliance with BASF’s Human Nutrition Group, Mount Olive, NJ. According to Mr. Borisenok, Fortitech will leverage BASF’s R&D resources and production capacity to bring critical advantages to its customers in product innovation, quality and supply efficiencies. “Fortitech will use BASF’s products in the development of its nutrient systems for foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals whenever applicable. And while BASF’s strengths lie in the chemistry, Fortitech maintains its application expertise.”
Both Fortitech and BASF will remain independent companies but will work cooperatively in terms of the sales and marketing of human nutrition premix products in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Commenting on BASF’s behalf was Mike Doyle, business director, Human Nutrition. “Under the agreement, BASF will seek to transfer its former North American human nutrition premix customers to Fortitech and will work with Fortitech in maximizing sales in the human nutrition premix market within North America,” he said. The customized premixes provided through this partnership will feature any of a variety of ingredients. Discussing the state of the industry and Fortitech’s hopes for the future, Mr. Borisenok concluded, “We hope this business grows and that we can generate excitement and help our customers achieve their goals and give them a competitive edge.”—R.M.
Fortitech
Riverside Technology Park
2105 Technology Drive
Schenectady, NY 12308
Telephone: 800-950-5156, 518-372-5155
Fax: 518-372-5599
E-mail: info@fortitech.com
Website: www.fortitech.com
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