Gnosis by Lesaffre is expanding its capability as a supplier of vitamin K2 with the acquisition of NattoPharma.
Vitamin K2 is a nutrient which promotes bone and cardiovascular health, however the modern diet does not include sufficient quantities of it, Gnosis says. Only a few foods are naturally high in vitamin K2, such as natto, a Japanese fermented soybean dish, and these are not a mainstream part of diets.
Gnosis’ vitaMK7 and NattoPharma’s MenaQ7 solutions have been on the market, formulated in nutraceutical and functional food products, for more than 10 years. This acquisition allows Gnosis to offer a portfolio of solutions, adapted to each market need.
“Vitamin K2 impacts every part of our lives,” Gnosis by Lesaffre General Manager Marc Philouze said. “From our joints to our arteries all the way down to our cells, vitamin K2 is essential for the function of several calcium-binding proteins that empower us to thrive as human beings. We’re proud to help satiate the global demand for this key ingredient by joining efforts with NattoPharma.”
Gnosis and NattoPharma share foundational values, the companies say, prioritising clinically validated science and product quality. With this acquisition, they will leverage combined capabilities between their teams to set the roadmap for the future of vitamin K2.
“I am proud of the entrepreneurial journey accomplished by the NattoPharma team to build the vitamin K2 market and supporting science over the past decade,” NattoPharma CEO Kjetil Ramsoy said. “Lesaffre is recognised as a worldwide key player in the fermentation industry, leveraging innovation and industrial platforms to produce fermentation products; this, paired with NattoPharma’s expertise on the various forms of vitamin K2, makes us confident that we together will accelerate research and further explore K2 benefits as the true global leader in vitamin K2 with a full range of products meeting all customer needs.”
With the acquisition, NattoPharma joins the Lesaffre Group. The teams of both companies are now beginning to work together.
