ACI Group secures major UK distribution deal with Glac Biotech for probiotic and postbiotic ingredients

Leading UK distributor ACI Group, which works with major international food, pharma, industrial and road brands, has partnered with global experts in probiotic integrated solutions, Glac Biotech Co. Ltd (‘Glac Biotech’), to distribute its ingredients in the UK.

Based in Taiwan, Glac Biotech is one of the most innovative companies operating in the functional ingredients market today. The new partnership will enable ACI Group and its customers to tap into a growing portfolio of clinically proven probiotics and postbiotics to target the health and nutrition needs of consumers.

"Consumer trends have shown in recent years that there is a growing need for positive nutrition in the form of functional food, beverage and supplements,” said Karsten Smet, CEO of ACI Group. “This shift to a health-conscious mindset has been accelerated in part by the Covid-19 pandemic and lengthier waiting times for NHS appointments, where health-savvy consumers want to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. Last year, it was reported that 38% of Britons took vitamins, minerals or supplements daily (1), while in product innovation powders and capsules remain the most popular format for new supplements globally, closely followed by gummies (2). In addition, we are also seeing nutraceuticals being added to food applications directly.

Opportunities for health food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturers are therefore ripe in this area, especially for brands that can back up their health claims with clinically proven ingredients. Partnering with Glac Biotech to distribute its high quality and science-backed probiotic and postbiotic ingredients is a key step in helping our customers target those unmet needs in digestive health through to infant and feminine care."

Since 2008, Glac Biotech has been manufacturing high quality probiotics and postbiotics at its headquarters in Taiwan. With two factories in Chiayi and Tainan and an office in Taipei, the company first established its probiotic screening platform to identify each bacteria’s function and conduct clinical human studies followed by IRB guidelines before launching its raw material brand PRONULIFE® onto the Asian market in 2018.

Backed by 142 worldwide patents, 105 scientific publications, and more than 3,000 subjects involved in clinical human studies, PRONULIFE® remains one of the company’s major product lines, with each strain focused on delivering high biological activity to support unique benefits in gut and gastric health, immunity, reproductive health, oral health and diverse metabolic health, including sleep support, uric acid and glucose control, weight management, kidney health, and even sports performance strengthening.

Michael Hsiao, Sales Manager of Glac Biotech, commented: “At Glac Biotech, we’ve developed more than 1,000 probiotic strains through our rigorous screening methods to target specific physiological functions in the body. Our extensive research over 15 years into probiotics, which is backed by a combined 142 worldwide patents, means we can deliver industry-leading and clinically proven accreditation for our ingredients. With more consumers requiring evidence-based information at their fingertips, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly seeking versatile solutions that can deliver efficacy-driven results from clinical human trials.

“Our probiotic blend PRONULIFE®, postbiotic powder Totipro® and single strain probiotics are the key to meet this need. Thanks to our patented micro-encapsulation technology and liquid nitrogen freeze-drying system, they help improve the survival rate of these bacteria and protect them from harsh conditions. Especially, our PRONEX® and PRIMETEK® technologies, which integrate scientific research and development, functional probiotic powder production, functional application development, formulation design and contract manufacturing services, that have won us international recognition.”

Hsiao continued: “ACI Group was a clear choice for Glac Biotech with the company’s robust network of customers and its strong sense of forward direction. We look forward to working with the team as our value-added distribution partner in the UK."

Among its probiotic blended ingredients, Glac Biotech is rapidly turning its attention to a new generation of gut health with postbiotics. Its Totipro® powder promotes Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic growth, which encourages absorption in the gut to improve digestive health. This innovation, alongside the company’s probiotic blends, will also be available in the UK through ACI Group, diversifying and expanding the distributor’s portfolio.

The deal with Glac Biotech is the fourth distribution agreement in less than six months for ACI Group, with the Taiwan-based company joining companies such as Soy Austria, Caltron Clays and GR Herbals.

For more information on ACI Group or its activities, please visit acigroup.biz

References: (1). Mintel, UK Vitamins and Supplements Market Report 2022 (2). Innova Market Insights, 2023