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-- WITH PHOTO -- TO BUSINESS, AND HEALTH EDITORS:
Valensa Supplier Launches Major Expansion of Natural Astaxanthin
Biomass Capacity
ORLANDO, Fla. and LA JOLLA, Calif., March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Valensa International and Contract Biotics announced today that
Contract Biotics has started construction of an additional six acres
of algae production units at the company's San Diego County facility.
Slated to come on-line in the fall of this year, the expansion will
more than triple Contract Biotics' current biomass production and thus
play a crucial role in helping Valensa meet the market demand for its
line of formulated, condition-specific Astaxanthin-based products.
Contract Biotics is a U.S. based wholesale producer of a wide variety
of high quality algae biomass. The California facility is unique
because it employs a hybrid greenhouse technology to protect the
production ponds from outside contamination unlike other producers who
employ "open" ponds. The use of U.S.-sourced biomass combined with its
Florida-based organic certified extraction facilities makes Valensa
the only "Made in America" Astaxanthin supplier on the market today.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140307/PH78998LOGO-a Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140307/PH78998LOGO-b
Dr. Rudi E. Moerck, President & CEO of Valensa, stated, "The market
supply of Astaxanthin continues to lag behind demand, in part due to
the worldwide success of Valensa's patented joint health products
containing this potent carotenoid. Contract Biotics has proven itself
as an algae biomass producer, and we are extremely pleased that
Valensa was able to help support them by making a direct investment in
the company. This investment will allow Contract Biotics achieve the
growth to help Valensa fuel its strategic initiatives."
In regard to the expansion, Contract Biotics CEO Ken Reynolds stated:
"The interest we have received in funding our most recent expansion
round was substantial, and it was a very positive validation of our
overall approach and success as a producer. We anticipate that this
will be the first of many additions to our production capabilities,"
he said.
One of the most exciting nutritional ingredients on the market
As one of the most powerful known fat-soluble antioxidants,
Astaxanthin has long been recognized for its ability to protect
against cell damage caused by oxidative stress. There has been an
added surge in demand for Astaxanthin in recent years, with health
experts such as Dr. Oz and Dr. Mercola publicly promoting the benefits
of Astaxanthin-based supplements. It is commonly produced through the
cultivation and harvesting of a naturally-occurring variety of
freshwater micro-algae. However, the specific species for this purpose
is extremely difficult to cultivate on a commercial scale.
"Contract Biotics is already in a great position to become one of the
best new Astaxanthin biomass producers in the world," said Dr. Moerck.
"As a strategic partner and a key investor in their new facility, we
look forward to working closely with the company to increase
efficiency and streamline processes with the goal of their becoming an
industry leader in terms of output volume and lower production costs,"
he added.
For further information contact: Dr. Rudi Moerck, President & CEO
Voice: 210-632-0695 www.valensa.com
Read more news from Valensa.
SOURCE Valensa
-0- 03/07/2014
/Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140307/PH78998LOGO-a
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140307/PH78998LOGO-b
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
/Web Site: http://www.valensa.com
CO: Valensa; Contract Biotics
ST: California Florida
IN: SPM HEA
SU: CXP
PRN
-- PH78998 --
0000 03/07/2014 13:29:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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