Algae Astaxanthin Association Formed by Three Leading Astaxanthin Producers

Natural Algae Astaxanthin manufacturers Fuji Chemical Industry Co Ltd. (AstaREAL®), Tokyo, Japan, Algatechnologies Ltd. (AstaPure®), kibbutz Ketura, Israel and Cyanotech Corporation (BioAstin®), Hawaii, US, announce that they will form the “Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association,” (NAXA) a trade organization dedicated to educating the public and dietary supplement industry about the health benefits of Natural Astaxanthin and the major differences between sources.  These three founding members will welcome other algae-based astaxanthin producers to the Association in the near future.

Vincent Wood, GM International Sales & Marketing of Fuji Chemical Industry commented, “Each company faces different challenges in each market, yet we also share common goals. This organization 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 & 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” notes Efrat Kat, Sales & 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 in January to formalize the organization and identify short to long term targets.

In the meantime, the founding members have agreed in principle that the association works on three objectives:

i.              To improve the awareness and promote the sales of natural algae astaxanthin to consumers and industry;

ii.             To differentiate natural algae astaxanthin from other sources;

iii.            To strengthen the regulatory position of natural algae astaxanthin.