Gelita and Geltor have signed a letter of intent for developing, producing and marketing what the companies say is the first ingestible animal-free collagen proteins – to be launched in late 2020.

In this arrangement, Geltor would design and produce the premium biodesigned collagen; Gelita would conduct clinical research and commercialize the product as an addition to its existing collagen portfolio.

The agreement with Gelita marks the beginning of the California-based company’s expansion into the food and beverage market.

Gelita, Geltor to partner on animal-free collagen

Globally, Gelita says its collagen peptides have experienced double-digit market growth – with no sign of slowing in the future. The company says it is optimistic about Geltor’s ambitions to develop their proprietary biodesign platform to commercialize the world’s first ingestible animal-free collagen.

Hans-Ulrich Frech, Gelita’s Global Vice President of Business Unit Collagen Peptides said: “Gelita’s decision to invest in biodesign technologies is a prime example of our commitment to innovation and satisfying market needs. Frech continued to say that the impending portfolio expansion into non-animal based collagen peptides will further secure Gelita’s position as market leader and will allow for satisfying diverse markets demanding vegan products. This addition to Gelita’s collagen portfolio will complement the already robust portfolio of scientifically substantiated Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which are key ingredients in foods and nutritional supplements for their protein content and physiological benefits.”

Geltor CEO and co-founder Alexander Lorestani said: “This pact further solidifies our view that we have entered a new era in how proteins are being utilized to improve products that consumers around the world use every day. Today, the market is ready and eager for premium offerings of protein ingredients, and this is the need that Geltor is serving. We couldn’t be more excited to work with Gelita on delivering the next-generation of collagens to consumers. For a relatively young and rapidly growing company like Geltor, to be partnering with Gelita and their longstanding track record of success on a deal of this size and scope is a dream come true.”