Business boost: CJ FNT gets a foot in active and sports nutrition with its new functional ingredients brand

07-Jun-2023 - Last updated on 07-Jun-2023 at 03:48 GMT

CJ FNT aims to expand further in the sports nutrition space by 2025 through diversification of its portfolio. ©CJ FNT

CJ Food & Nutrition Tech (CJ FNT) is pushing for greater presence in the global nutra market, as it diversifies its portfolio to target consumers with active lifestyles, athletes and esports players.

A part of South Korean conglomerate CJ CheilJedang-owned CJ FNT’s business expansion plans, the newly launched ActiveNrich supplies functional ingredients aimed at the active nutrition and sports nutrition categories.

The brand also provides manufacturers with the technology to customise the application of these ingredients in health foods and dietary supplements.

According to CJ FNT, the global nutrition market size is expected to reach USD556bn in 2025, of which the sports nutrition sector is estimated to take up nearly USD32bn.

“The sports nutrition category shows a high growth rate (CAGR of 7.7%), with its target demographic increasingly expanding from the younger consumers to middle-aged ones.

“CJ FNT plans to expand further in this sector by 2025 through diversification of portfolio to include functional nutrients that enhance the effects of physical exercise and athletic performance,” CJ FNT told NutraIngredients-Asia.

After more than four years of development, ActiveNrich will be launching its first product — a natural antioxidant material called ActiveNrich BOOST — for B2B customers across the globe in June.

“The product was developed using CJ’s fermentation know-how accumulated over 60 years. We are currently testing its application for various functional foods and beverages by working with companies in Korea, the US and Europe,” the firm said.

ActiveNrich BOOST claims to be able to reduce free radicals produced by physical stress during a workout and elevate antioxidant functions in the body, which in turn raises the efficacy of other nutrition products.

In addition, the brand is looking to push out a second product that helps with fatigue recovery, in a bid to capture the e-sports market.

Expanding product line

Produced via natural fermentation, ActiveNrich BOOST contains glutathione as a key component.

“Glutathione is a widely recognised antioxidant. Recently, it has become a trending topic due to its potential benefits for anti-ageing, skin health, and detoxification. It works by removing free radicals from the body and supporting the functions of other antioxidants. For example, when formulated with vitamin C, glutathione creates a synergy that results in stronger antioxidant effects.

“ActiveNrich BOOST can be applied to nutraceuticals in many formats, such as tablet, effervescent tablet, gummy, capsule, powder, and more. It can also be used to fortify a vast range of foods and beverages like energy drinks and hangover cures.”

To cater to the needs of the global market, CJ FNT is working to obtain various certifications, including non-GMO, vegan, halal, and kosher.

With a primary focus on antioxidants, ActiveNrich has also added products specialising in skin care and detox to its NPD drawing board.

“CJ FNT is a leading supplier of fermentation-based bioproducts for human nutrition and specialty taste solutions. Starting with ActiveNrich BOOST, we will continue to introduce new and improved products that cater to the diverse health and nutritional needs of consumers worldwide,” the firm said.