News

Algatechnologies becomes major shareholder in NZ's Supreme Health

4 Apr 2018

Algatechnologies has become the major shareholder in Supreme Health of New Zealand, to supply China and Asia-Pacific with astaxanthin and other algae-based products.

Algatechnologies has become the major shareholder in Supreme Health of New Zealand, to supply China and Asia-Pacific with astaxanthin and other algae-based products. The company notes that the Asia-Pacific market for such products is currently valued at several hundred million dollars, and forecast to experience rapid growth.

Supreme Health identified and cultivated a unique strain of the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis in Nelson Lakes, northern New Zealand, for the production of natural astaxanthin. Algatech says it will provide its know-how, innovative science, and advanced microalgae cultivation technologies to leverage the capabilities of the New Zealand-based company.

Supreme, led by CEO Kerry Paul, is said to enjoy strong recognition for its natural astaxanthin, and its cutting-edge science. The company, with well-established marketing channels in China, New Zealand, and Australia, will focus on marketing microalgae ingredients and astaxanthin-based products to food, dietary supplement, and cosmetic industries throughout Asia-Pacific, with special emphasis on China.

Prior to joining Supreme Health, Paul was the Founder and CEO of Manuka Health New Zealand. He started Manuka Health in 2006, growing it from a start-up to $70M in sales in 2016, with distribution in 50 countries. Manuka was sold to an Australian private equity firm for US$110M.

Algatech, located in the Arava desert in Israel, is a rapidly growing company specializing in the commercial cultivation of microalgae. It manufactures natural astaxanthin, marketed in 35 countries under its AstaPure brand.

“This investment is in line with our core strategy to expand the potential of microalgae derived products, especially natural astaxanthin which is our key ingredient,” said Hagai Stadler, CEO of Algatech. “Collaborating with Supreme allows us to increase our service of Asia-Pacific, especially in China. We identified a rapidly growing interest in those regions for quality astaxanthin and other quality algae-delivered products.”

“We believe that the synergy between companies, together with Mr. Paul’s wide experience and proven track record, will help Supreme to become a major player in the global market,” contributes Algatech chairman Ed Hofland, who will also serve as Supreme’s president.

Securing this partnership with Algatechnologies places us at the forefront of micro-algal production globally, and help us to build a global sales and distribution capabilities”, said Paul. “Products derived from microalgae produced in a sustainable system are on-trend and supported by strong scientific research. The key bioactives in microalgae show increased efficacy in higher concentrations.”