GELITA and Geltor to commercialise biodesigned collagen

GELITA and Geltor signed a letter of intent for developing, producing and marketing the first ingestible animal-free collagen proteins – to be launched in late 2020. In this arrangement agreed on during SupplySide West (SSW) Expo, Geltor would design and produce the collagen, and GELITA would conduct clinical research and commercialize the product as an addition to its existing collagen portfolio.

GELITA, the official Collagen Protein sponsor of SSW and the “go-to” powerhouse in the global collagen protein market, has been the first such collagen producer to invest heavily in the potential and promise of biodesign with Geltor. It is becoming a more active partner in the design, research and commercialization of next generation collagen ingredients.

From left: Hans-Ulrich Frech, Global Vice President; GELITA, and Alexander Lorestani, CEO and co-founder; Geltor (Copyright: GELITA AG)

The agreement with GELITA marks the beginning of the Geltor’s expansion into the food and beverage market. The California-based company creates high-value designer proteins through fermentation, and is the first to tap into the animal-free collagen market, having released the first of their award-winning portfolio of completely animal-free, topical protein ingredients for the skincare market: Collume™, a marine collagen; and HumaColl21™, a human collagen.

Hans-Ulrich Frech, GELITA’s Global Vice President of Business Unit Collagen Peptides commented, “GELITA’s decision to invest in biodesign technologies is a prime example of our commitment to innovation and satisfying market needs,” He said, “The impending portfolio expansion into non-animal based collagen peptides will further secure GELITA’s position as market leader and will allow for satisfying diverse markets demanding vegan products. This addition to GELITA’s collagen portfolio will complement the already robust portfolio of scientifically substantiated Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, which are key ingredients in foods and nutritional supplements for their protein content and physiological benefits.”

Geltor CEO and co-founder Alexander Lorestani added, “This pact further solidifies our view that we have entered a new era in how proteins are being utilized to improve products that consumers around the world use every day. Today, the market is ready and eager for premium offerings of protein ingredients, and this is the need that Geltor is serving. We couldn’t be more excited to work with GELITA on delivering the next-generation of collagens to consumers. For a relatively young and rapidly growing company like Geltor, to be partnering with GELITA and their longstanding track record of success on a deal of this size and scope is a dream come true.”