With the return of Australia’s largest food manufacturing industry event foodpro after a six-year hiatus, Food & Drink Business profiles foodpro’s advisory committee exhibitors about their business and the expo.
This week we talk to leading ingredient producer Gelita, which will be marking a significant milestone at foodpro 2023.
Gelita celebrates 20-year milestone by showcasing bioactive collagen peptides
The Queensland based company recently hit two major milestones regarding some of their bioactive collagen peptides.
“It was 20 years ago that FORTIGEL first hit the market and, two decades on, it remains the only collagen product proven to regenerate joint cartilage,” said Gelita’s Technical Sales representative for ANZ, Brittaniee-Jane Lawler.
Another producer, VERISOL, meanwhile, has been the go-to ingredient in the nutricosmetics market since its launch in 2012, with more than 3.5 million consumers now taking it daily for its skin health benefits.
Gelita will be showcasing their bioactive collagen peptides range at the event.
“Each product is backed by multiple scientific that highlight how these products support collagen production in many parts of the body,” said Lawler.
“Whether it be for skin, bones, joints, tendons, or muscles, the peptides are particularly popular in supporting beauty, sports, and health industries.”
gummie bears (Source: Gelita).
Gelatine – an in-demand food ingredient
Additionally, the company also manufactures gelatine for the food industry and will be showcasing their gelatine products.
“Gelatine which is clean labelled and high in protein are always in demand. Without it, you could say goodbye to your favourite gummies, marshmallows, desserts, yoghurts, ice-cream, cakes, meat products and more. Gelatine can work as a gelling agent, stabiliser, binder, emulsifier, film former, foaming and whipping agent or carrier. It’s valuable for new product development and reformulation,” Lawler said.
From Europe to Australia and new challenges
Gelita was founded Germany in 1875 by Amalius Schmitt. Originally named DGF Stoess AG, Gelita now has 22 sites globally and is still family owned.
The Australian factory in Beaudesert, Queensland has been producing gelatine since 1995. Prior to this their gelatine had been manufactured in Botany, New South Wales since 1917.
“The key challenge in this sector is keeping up with the demand for collagen peptides with raw material availability. As new science is expected to be uncovered, this will only increase the demand for collagen peptides in the future.
“In terms of growth opportunities, Australasia is currently the fastest-growing region for the number of new collagen peptide launches worldwide. This is an exciting time to continue to support our region and our customers even further researching and developing new products and avenues for the future,” Lawler said.
Supporting new opportunities
Lawler said the key market trend the company is currently observing is that collagen can be added to everyday food items.
“Collagen is being adding to everything from gummies to cookies and even soft drinks. We are also seeing product launches with multiples of our bioactive collagen peptides in the same product but targeting different areas of the body. For example, using FORTIGEL and VERISOL in a hot chocolate to help with skin and joint health at the same time. The beauty of our collagen peptides is they can be used in almost every food and beverage application – it just comes down to our imagination.”
With a company mission to “improve the quality of life”, Gelita is hoping to make new connections at foodpro this year.
“We are always looking to support new companies and the opportunities that they bring. We are eager to make a variety of valuable contacts at this year’s foodpro,” she said.
foodpro is on 23-26 July 2023, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. For details visit: https://foodproexh.com
