BifidoB HN019 and LactoB HN001 probiotics, which NMZP said are considered ‘super-strains’, were first discovered and commercialized by Fonterra. They have been extensively researched, with more than 60 combined human clinical trials, and are among the most extensively-studied strains in humans.
Clinical trials have shown a range of consumer benefits, including digestive health, immunity, skin health, women's health and post-natal depression.
According to a FMCG Gurus Q4 2020 Probiotic Survey, the proportion of North American consumers who stated they purchased probiotic products in the past 12 months increased from 45% to 61% from 2018 to 2020. NZMP said the new agreement will help customers meet this growing consumer demand.
NZMP's probiotics strains have comprehensive certifications, including vegan, vegetarian, non-dairy, organic, halal, kosher and non-GMO project verified and have proven stability in a variety of traditional supplement applications such as capsules and sachets, yogurts, ice creams, chocolate and coatings and high-pressure processed juices.
Through the agreement, Maypro can immediately supply NZMP's BifidoB HN019 and LactoB HN001 to customers. As a large global supplier of nutraceutical ingredients, Maypro will utilize NZMP's clinical evidence, coupled with its experience in probiotics, to give customers a variety of viable options in an environment of continued supply chain challenges.
"This agreement with Maypro is important to brands already using probiotic ingredients as well brands looking to develop new products with health claims in mood, stress, anxiety, skin health, digestive health and immunity," said Chris Ireland, senior manager business development, NZMP.
"This agreement will allow us to both extend our sales force and harness Maypro's valuable supplement customer network."
NZMP said with a network of 14 global locations with customers in more than 130 countries, NZMP can support North American customers with export ambitions.