Qualitas announces partnerships with Grupo Indukern and Gullspång Re:food

Published: 24-Mar-2021

Qualitas’ plant-based supplements are marketed under the iwi brand

Qualitas Health has announced partnerships with Grupo Indukern and Gullspång Re:food VC. The agreements are planned to help Qualitas accelerate its growth through development of algae-centered products and increase its footprint in the plant-based products market.

With the consolidation of sizeable investment by the two entities, the partnerships close Round A funding for Qualitas. In addition, this alliance opens direct access to the investors’ facilities and teams.

“We are delighted that Grupo Indukern and Gullspång Re:food are joining the Qualitas enterprise and participated in our investment round,” said Miguel Calatayud, CEO of Qualitas Health. “Both companies bring decades of experience and deep knowledge of our markets to Qualitas and will be key participants in our growing success.”

“Qualitas has a great story to tell,” said Peter Odemark, a Gullspång Re:food Managing Partner. “Its algae is cultivated in impressive pond systems built on nonarable land in the desert, place minimal footprint on the natural ecosystem, harnessing natural sun-power for energy and utilizing saltwater, while creating jobs in rural communities. We share the same values and vision for creating a better future, better nutrition and to protect the planet.”

Gullspång Re:food VC has a track record investing in foodtech companies including Oatly and N!CK’S.

Grupo Indukern is focused on chemicals (Indukern, including food solutions and flavours), animal health products (Calier) and pharmaceuticals (Kern Pharma).

“Grupo Indukern and Gullspång Re:food are the perfect partners for the current scaling stage,” said Calatayud. “They bring know-how and expertise, to iwi’s existing supplement business and wider recognition of our newly developed Nannochloropsis algae protein. They also provide a global vision, a distribution platform for Europe and other countries and regions, and unique expertise in plant-based proteins and finished products. Their knowledge, skilled technological team, and advanced technologies will help in conducting clinical research and accelerate the regulatory process for Europe.”

The company’s marine-based protein ingredient and products line will be launched in 2022. Sourced from Nannochloropsis algae, iwi protein contains essential amino acids and vital nutrients. The protein is soluble in water and very mild in terms of texture, flavour and aroma, the company says. The product is designed for applications in personalised nutrition, high-performance sport nutrition products, and adult nutrition for protein deficiencies.

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