Decas Botanical Synergies (DBS): Cranberries & Beyond!

Decas Botanical Synergies (DBS), Wareham, MA, was formed in 2002 to take advantage of the growing awareness surrounding cranberries and health. This was made possible through its parent company, Decas Cranberry Company, which is one of the largest growers, processors and suppliers of cranberries worldwide. DBS was able to leverage 70 years of expertise in cranberries from its parent company and eventually move on to produce other botanically based products targeting specific health related issues to complement its already existing brands. These products position the company to serve the dietary supplement, functional food, animal feed and nutrition, personal care, cosmetics and oral health industries.

Cranberries, according to DBS, contain phytonutrients, particularly antioxidants that have been shown to help optimize human health. Specifically, it’s the proanthocyanidins in cranberries that can help prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria associated with urinary tract infections. Additionally, the company claims that the anti-adhesion properties of cranberry may also inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.

Researchers and scientists at DBS’ laboratories in southeastern Massachusetts have developed a family of technologically advanced Fruitaceutical™ specialty ingredients focused around the aforementioned health benefits. Among the products in its portfolio are NutriCran Bio 100™, a 100% cranberry-based specialty ingredient that offers increased levels of anti-microbial and antioxidant properties via unprecedented proanthocyanidins; NutriCran-AO™, a proprietary high potency powder that offers a new delivery system for a powerful antioxidant that supports urinary tract health and provides additional health and wellness benefits; NutriCran-Organic™, a certified organic spray-dried cranberry concentrate powder standardized to a minimum 90% cranberry solids; NutriCran-90™, a spray-dried cranberry concentrate powder standardized to a minimum of 90% cranberry fruit solids; and O­m­egaCran™ oil, which is derived from cranberry seeds rich in tocotrienols (vitamin E) and linoleic acid content. Its latest foray into the health and wellness products industry is NutriCran-GI™, which is a synergistic fruit powder blend that supports and enhances gastrointestinal health. This formulation contains cranberry, grape seed and wild blueberry extracts and powders. According to Doug Klaiber, general manager, up to three more products may be introduced before the end of the year.

These products were developed using the DBS Discovery Engine, which is the company’s platform for new product development. It focuses on condition-specific health issues and is based on protocols for growing better raw materials, creating science-based formulations, utilizing patented or proprietary manufacturing processes and proving biological effectiveness.

In an effort to expand, the company claims it will aggressively seek out partners to grow. The goal in the long term is to ultimately be a leader in providing the global health and wellness market with evidence-based functional ingredients, which offer maximum quality and proven health efficacy. “We believe that companies such as ourselves will do well as consumers and government regulators become more critical and mandate science-backed proof for efficacy,” said Mr. Klaiber. Making a prediction about the future, he said, “The functional food market is still in its infancy and those companies that can bridge to the food market from dietary supplements can expect growth if they find the right delivery mechanism.”—R.M.W.


Decas Botanical Synergies (DBS)
219 Main Street
Wareham, MA 02571
Telephone: 508-295-0147
Fax: 508-291-1417
E-mail: info@decasbotanical.com
Website: www.decasbotanical.com