Specialty Enzymes & Biochemicals: Leading the Way in Natural Enzymes and Probiotic Development

In 1957, Specialty Enzymes & Biochemicals Co. (SEB), Chino, CA, pioneered the production of papain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from papaya. From humble beginnings to today, its state-of-the-art production facilities employ the most advanced solid state and submerged culture fermentation technologies to produce more than 200 enzymes and enzyme blends. Using only non-GMO sources, SEB currently provides enzyme solutions for over 25 different industries in more than 30 countries throughout the world. In recent years, SEB has expanded its portfolio to incorporate probiotics, including Lactobacillus sporogenes, a spore-bearing probiotic that is resistant to the low pH of the stomach.

Today, SEB has become one of the largest manufacturers of serratiopeptidase (also called serrapeptase) in the world. The company produces several enzymes, from amylase to xylanase and everything in between. SEB has also developed numerous proprietary blends.

The company provides enzymes to support digestion, sports nutrition, meal replacement products and many others. Specialty Enzymes is also one of the few manufacturers that produces a full spectrum of enzymes derived from all four natural origins: plant, fungal, bacterial and animal.

In March 2007, SEB opened its second high-tech manufacturing facility in Indore, India. This 50,000 sq. foot facility complements the original manufacturing plant in Nasik, and will more than double manufacturing capacity.

According to Mike Smith, sales and marketing manager, the most exciting area from a nutraceutical standpoint is in systemic enzymes like serratiopeptidase and nattokinase, along with the expanding use of probiotics.

“Enzyme applications are really just beginning in the nutraceutical field,” he said. “As more and more research is completed on the various uses for supplemental enzyme and probiotic products, growth should continue in the double digits for many years to come.”

Even though the nutraceuticals industry faces some challenges as it continues to grow, Mr. Smith is confident that companies who are innovative and create unique products will do just fine in the future. “Supplements are promoted in magazines, convenience stores, mailing lists, Internet, cable TV, mass market and traditional health food stores,” he said. “Competition is greater than ever. To complicate things, there seems to be more and more negative press about supplements. Yet, consumers keep buying. They want to be thinner, have more energy, be sexier and stave off the aging process. The reality is the market will continue to grow because the demand is there.”

Mr. Smith says it’s the products that have been trademarked, patented and have substantial research behind them that will maintain the integrity of the industry in the future. Further, he said, “The Specialty Enzymes research and development team is consistently focused on new application development. The result of this effort is increasingly innovative products, several of which are now patented. Our goal is not only to remain a leader in enzyme and probiotic development, but also to help our clients become leaders in their fields.”—M.Z.

Specialty Enzymes and
Biochemicals Co.
13591 Yorba Ave.
Chino, CA 91710
Telephone: 909-613-1660
Fax: 909-613-1663
E-mail: info@specialtyenzymes.com
Website: www.specialtyenzymes.com