Vitaquest opens new facility

Vitaquest International LLC, a leading supplement contract manufacturer, opened a state-of-the-art Probiotics Manufacturing Suite in Parsippany, N.J., expanding its capabilities to meet growing customer demand and support the continued growth of the probiotics market. “As customer interest in probiotics continues to accelerate, we are investing heavily to stay ahead of what’s next,” said Patrick Brueggman, president and CEO of Vitaquest, in a statement. “This new Probiotics Suite reflects our commitment to building best-in-class capabilities that help our partners grow with confidence.” The new facility, which features two blending rooms and four encapsulation rooms, offers customers several benefits: 100% increased probiotics capacity to future-proof operations; ability to formulate with additional probiotic strains; capability to develop new product formats and personalized wellness solutions; and quality that exceeds global standards to anticipate increasing scrutiny. Probiotics is one of the fastest-growing segments in the supplement industry, with demand for probiotic supplements and fortified foods and beverages increasing alongside consumer recognition of probiotics' role in digestion, immunity, cognitive health, and more, it says. “Brands that want to tap into the massive probiotics opportunity need an experienced manufacturer that understands the technicalities of working with living organisms,” said Terry Coyle, chief innovation officer, in a statement. “Vitaquest has the experience and now the enhanced facility to ensure precise handling, formulation, and environmental control throughout every stage of manufacturing to maintain product stability, ensure potency, and deliver supplements that meet regulatory and consumer quality expectations.”

Oterra launches 2030 Sustainability Strategy

Oterra, a producer of natural colors and color solutions, released its 2030 Sustainability Strategy, which sets out ambitious targets to reduce the company’s environmental impact while keeping pace with the growing demand for colors sourced from natural ingredients. The strategy has three focus areas: nature, climate and people. Each target is a step toward a more resilient, transparent and sustainable company, it says. “We believe that working with nature, not against, it drives efficiency, resilience, and long-term growth. Our 2030 Sustainability Strategy reflects this conviction. It is a roadmap for strengthening our operations, safeguarding our supply chain, and creating real value for our business, customers, partners, and society,” Oterra CEO Martin Sonntag said in a statement. The strategy includes goals for no deforestation, water stewardship, waste recycled or reused, SBTi validated greenhouse gas targets, energy efficiency and gender distribution targets, health and safety, business integrity, and responsible sourcing. “Nature, climate and people are interconnected and our strategy reflects that. The goals build on a foundation of protecting ecosystems, reducing GHG emissions, forging impactful partnerships, and advancing responsible sourcing practices,” added  Oterra’s Head of Global Sustainability Vera Karmeback. Protecting the natural systems that grow raw materials is both a responsibility and a strategic imperative for Oterra, it says. Healthy soils strengthen yields, water availability underpins the supply chain, and biodiversity ensures long-term resilience, the company notes. Oterra’s 2030 Sustainability Strategy can be downloaded from the Oterra website.

Apura Ingredients announces new addition

Apura Ingredients, a global supplier of advanced sweetening and taste solutions for the food and beverage industry, announced the addition of Leo Aguado as senior business development manager. As food and beverage brands continue to respond to evolving consumer demand for reduced sugar, cleaner labels and great taste, Aguado brings a strong blend of commercial strategy, customer relationship management and market development experience to support Apura’s expanding portfolio, the company says. His background across ingredient distribution and specialty food solutions positions him to help customers navigate formulation challenges while unlocking new growth opportunities, it adds. “Leo brings a customer-first mindset and a deep understanding of how ingredient solutions translate into real-world applications,” said Nancy Hughes, president of Apura Ingredients, in a statement. “His experience working closely with customers to develop tailored strategies aligns perfectly with Apura’s mission to deliver smarter, more effective sweetening and taste solutions.” Aguado joins Apura with more than 15 years of experience in sales management within the food and beverage ingredients industry. Most recently, he served as senior account manager at Vibrant Ingredients where he focused on strengthening customer partnerships and driving revenue growth. In addition to his prior roles at Treatt and Barentz, Aguado is fluent in English and Spanish, bringing valuable perspective to Apura’s growing customer base, it says.