Natural algae astaxanthin manufacturers Fuji Chemical, Algatechnologies and Cyanotech have announced that they will form the “Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association,” (NAXA) a trade organisation dedicated to educating the public and dietary supplement industry about the health benefits of natural astaxanthin and the major differences between sources. The three founding members say they will welcome other algae-based astaxanthin producers to the association in the near future.
“Each company faces different challenges in each market, yet we also share common goals,” said Vincent Wood, GM international sales and marketing of Fuji Chemical. “This organisation can be the platform where the scientific and regulatory needs of algae astaxanthin can be addressed effectively.”
“The natural astaxanthin market has benefitted from great publicity over the last three years and the demand remains high,” added Bob Capelli, vice president sales and marketing of Cyanotech. “We understand that consumers still need a clearer understanding about the health benefits of natural algae astaxanthin so there is a strong desire amongst the natural astaxanthin players to educate.”
“It is an opportune time to get involved,” said Efrat Kat, sales and marketing director of Algatechnologies. “The popularity of astaxanthin has fuelled the entry of other players including synthetic astaxanthin suppliers and may potentially confuse the market. An organization dedicated to promoting and researching natural algae astaxanthin should improve public knowledge while enhancing the credibility of each company.”
NAXA will meet this month to formalise the organisation and identify short to long term targets.
In the meantime, the founding members have agreed in principle that the association works on three objectives:
* To improve the awareness and promote the sales of natural algae astaxanthin to consumers and industry
* To differentiate natural algae astaxanthin from other sources
* To strengthen the regulatory position of natural algae astaxanthin
