03.01.06
Glanbia: Fortifying its Future in Nutraceuticals
Monroe, WI-based Glanbia Nutritionals, a division of Glanbia plc, was established as a separate business unit in 2002 with a goal of focusing on the delivery of science-based nutritional solutions. Being part of a leading dairy and cheese company, its role in the nutraceuticals industry is obvious: to be a premier supplier of dairy-based nutraceutical ingredients that fit across a wide range of applications, including supplements, functional foods and nutritional beverages. To that end, Kelly Czerwonka, marketing manager, claims Glanbia’s Nutritionals division is indeed committed to the growing nutrition industry, and centered on creating solutions that will promote a healthier life. “With existing technologies and capabilities in developing whey proteins for the food industry, making the jump to the nutraceuticals industry was a logical step,” she said. “The nutritional benefits of whey are well documented, and ongoing research continues to identify new health benefits of this natural protein source.”
Glanbia Nutritionals provides nutritional solutions for beverages and bars under four main platforms. Under the “Protein Fortification” platform, the company offers Provon whey protein isolate, which is a source of amino acids and bioactive proteins, as well as Avonlac whey protein concentrate, which is manufactured from fresh whey using ultra-filtration.
With regard to “Weight Management,” the company has its Prolibra product, which is a whey mineral protein that encourages fat loss, increases satiety and manages weight.
In the realm of “Sports/Performance Nutrition,” the company says its CFM whey protein isolate is the purest whey protein isolate available for muscle regeneration and growth. Another sports nutrition ingredient available from the company is TRI-Fx, which is a bioactive whey fraction that combines anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating proteins, growth factors and cortisol-inhibiting phosphatidylserine. It has application in muscle development and sports beverages.
Lastly, under Glanbia’s “Health & Wellness” platform, the company offers Bioferrin immune enhancement protein, Salibra intestinal health solution and TruCal dairy calcium. Bioferrin contains highly purified lactoferrin isolated from milk, which has been hailed for its immune-enhancing benefits; Salibra contains bovine colostrum and is positioned for immune enhancement and intestinal well-being; and TruCal contains a balanced mineral complex derived from milk, which has the capability to build and maintain bone strength.
Ms. Czerwonka says Glanbia Nutritionals is constantly improving its technical capabilities and striving to develop nutritional and condition-specific solutions that address today’s major health concerns. “With facilities dedicated to research and development—including in-house beverage and bar processing systems—Glanbia’s team of scientists and technicians can assist customers in the development of new product concepts and prototypes,” she said.
Most recently the company became involved with Southwest Cheese Company, which is a cheese and whey production facility based in Clovis, New Mexico. Construction started in February 2004, and production began on schedule during the last quarter of 2005. Once fully operational, Ms. Czerwonka said, “It will become one of the largest and most efficient plants of its type in the world.”
Southwest Cheese Company LLC is actually a joint venture between Glanbia, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., Select Milk Producers Inc., and the other dairy cooperative members of the Greater Southwest Agency, Inc. The venture is 50% owned by Glanbia.
For the future, Ms. Czerwonka said, “There’s every indication that the nutraceuticals industry will continue to grow and develop. With an increasing consumer focus on health and well-being, people are expecting more than just basic nutrition from their foods and beverages. As a result, nutraceutical products are gaining acceptance among mainstream consumers.”—R.W.
Glanbia Nutritionals
523 6th Street
Monroe, WI 53566
Telephone: 800-336-2183
Fax: 608-329-2828
E-mail: nutritionals@glanbiausa.com
Website: www.glanbianutritionals.com