rer Allma, has entered the microalgae market with the development of a nutrient dense, naturally sun-grown chlorella powder which is suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications.The powder is free from contaminants and rich in phytonutrients, proteins, vitamins and minerals – creating a wealth of opportunities for new product development within the industry, especially considering the ever increasing popularilty of mircoalgae as a ‘superfood’.
“The market for microalgae ingredients is very buoyant but most of what is available today is sold as a commodity with very little focus on quality,” says João Navalho, Director of Allma. “Our Chlorella breaks the mould in the sense that while it is produced in the high volumes the industry requires, it is grown to be far superior in terms of nutrient content and purity.
“Our entry into this market is a significant development because, for the first time, companies will be able to access the very best microalgae ingredients in the quantities they require, at competitive prices and produced in accordance with demanding European food safety laws,” he says.
Allma’s chlorella is grown in closed production systems, meaning that there is far less risk of the contamination often associated with chlorella produced in uncovered ‘ponds’ that are exposed to external elements.
Allma uses a gentle spray-drying technology, to convert the chlorella into a powder that’s easy to use in a wide range of applications, including beverages, yoghurt, ice cream, cookies, snacks and dietary supplements. The company also says that its chlorella powder can be used in foods to add a natural green colour that gives a product a distinct ‘health halo’.
“Our mission is to take chlorella to the next level in terms of its value as a food ingredient,” says Navalho.
“There is growing demand for microalgae ingredients, but we believe the quality end of the sector remains relatively poorly served. Allma’s entry into the market will address this with an exceptional Chlorella ingredient proposition that is grown in the strong Portuguese sun and which is backed by Allma’s first-class customer service.”
