BIO-CAT, Inc. has formed a global partnership with Kerry, the Taste & Nutrition company and their BIO-CAT Microbials, LLC probiotic products division. Effective June 2021, Kerry will lead the sales, marketing, and distribution of BIO-CAT’s proprietary probiotic strain, OPTI-BIOME MB40®.
OPTI-BIOME MB40® (Bacillus subtilis ATCC122264) is a non-GMO, highly-stable probiotic strain that the company says is an ideal ingredient for a wide array of dietary supplements and other related uses. A 2019 peer-reviewed study demonstrated promising results for the probiotic strain to support gastrointestinal health.
Kerry has extensive success marketing probiotics — the Ireland-based company has placed its GanedenBC30® (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) probiotic in well over 1,000 food and beverage products around the world. BIO-CAT CEO Chris Schuler said he envisions similar success with MB40® in the dietary supplement space.
“Given the impressive performance of the MB40® strain and its potential to have a significant impact on the dietary supplement, functional food and beverage, and companion animal industries, we have decided to work with a partner who will help scale MB40® globally,” Schuler said. “Kerry’s expertise, commitment to develop a leading probiotic platform, access to global resources, and plans to further scientifically support MB40® make them an ideal partner.”
As part of the agreement, Kerry will apply its brand development capabilities to refresh the MB40® brand over the course of the coming months. Once fully developed, the new brand name will be supported by Kerry’s global marketing and commercial infrastructure — the company currently boasts a network of nearly 150 locations across 31 countries. According to John Quilter, VP & General Manager of Kerry’s ProActive Health business, “We are delighted to partner with Bio-Cat to further develop and market this unique and highly-stable Bacillus strain, which will complement our growing portfolio of science-backed branded ingredients in our ProActive Health portfolio.”