Kerry (Ireland) has announced it has completed the acquisition of Natreon, Inc. (New Brunswick, NJ) a supplier of branded ayurvedic botanical ingredients.

Natreon supplies branded and scientifically studied and tested ayurvedic extracts to the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage industries across the globe. The acquisition significantly expands Kerry’s leadership position and ProActive Health portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients, furthering the company’s technology growth. The branded ingredients in Natreon’s portfolio are protected by a wide range of U.S. and foreign patents and supported by a total of 52 clinical studies which support the efficacy of their health benefits. Natreon’s portfolio consists of the following:

• Sensoril: Ashwagandha extract for cognitive health benefits including stress, anxiety, and sleep.
• PrimaVie: Shilajit extract for sports nutrition and healthy aging.
• Capros: Amla extract for cardiovascular support.
• Crominex: Chromium complex for diabetes.
• Ayuflex: Terminalia chebula extract for bone and joint health benefits.
• Ayuric: Terminalia bellirica extract for uric acid health.

The ingredients will be integrated into Kerry’s ProActive Health portfolio and leveraged by Kerry’s broad customer base. They will be supported by Kerry’s global application and R&D network, including continued investment in the science and clinical evidence supporting the brands.

Commenting on the acquisition, Gerry Behan, president and CEO Taste & Nutrition at Kerry Group, said, “Consumers are increasingly looking for nutritional benefits when purchasing food and drink, with recent proprietary consumer research from Kerry stating that 42 percent of U.S. consumers are more likely to purchase a product which is backed by research or scientific data.

“Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic and alternative wellness practices with historical roots in India. Today, we see growing use of ayurvedic and botanical ingredients which are trending in functional foods and beverages for their ability to deliver stress, cognitive, and energy benefits, for example. Our acquisition of Natreon allows us to participate in this dynamic market with on-trend and science-backed ayurvedic ingredients, including the well-known Sensoril Ashwagandha brand.

“This acquisition will allow us to deliver health benefits substantiated by clinical research to a greater number of consumers, ultimately supporting our ambition to reach over two billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. We are delighted to welcome the Natreon team to Kerry,” concluded Behan.

For more information, visit www.kerrygroup.com.