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Bars are a globally popular format for nutrition on the go. But when it comes to satisfying key consumer trends, two major stumbling blocks are holding the market back: it’s difficult to add lots of protein without a negative impact on texture, and it’s tricky to create cereal bars that are not high in sugar.

At least that was the case until we perfected a new ingredient that makes their production (almost literally) a piece of cake. By harnessing the superior dissolution and functional properties of natural collagen peptides, OPTIBAR^® is a game changer.

Key consumer demands

High protein and low sugar are two of the biggest consumer demands in sports nutrition and cereal bars.

Research shows that the top two most influential claims in the sports nutrition sector are ‘high source of protein’ and ‘low sugar’. (1) However, there is a gap in the market for low sugar products. While 26 percent of consumers are influenced by this benefit, just 11 to 16 percent of recent launches have cited it. (1)

Orthopedics Expert Panel recommends Specific Collagen Peptides

Bone health is crucial for menopausal women and the aging population due to the increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures associated with age-related bone loss. Maintaining optimal bone density is essential for reducing the likelihood of fractures and preserving overall mobility and quality of life. Osteoporosis, characterized by reduced bone density, increased fracture risk, and impaired quality of life. It is a global problem, affecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide, with the number expected to rise to over 300 million by 2050.

In India - according to statistics - approximately 61 million people have osteoporosis, with women being disproportionately affected compared to men.

However, osteoporosis is not exclusive to women; one in eight men also experiences this condition. Fractures, particularly hip fractures, are a major concern, with over 250,000 hip fractures occurring annually in India alone, severely impacting the affected individuals’ quality of life.

In a society where beauty often seems synonymous with shallowness and vanity, it's crucial to acknowledge its deeper meaning as a reflection of our overall well-being. Beauty transcends mere appearances; it's a currency that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

When we talk about beauty, we're not just talking about flawless skin or perfectly styled hair. Beauty reflects our inner vitality: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep form the basis for a glowing appearance. Nourishing our bodies with nutritious foods and staying hydrated not only promotes healthy skin and hair but also enhances our energy levels and immune system.

True beauty, therefore, involves maintaining an equilibrium in every aspect of life, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, nurturing relationships, and prioritizing self-care.

Prioritizing self-care aligns with the increasing demand over the past decade for foods and supplements aimed at enhancing skin, hair, and nail health. These products often feature ingredients such as collagen, biotin, and antioxidants.¹

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, and painful disease affecting a significant number of dogs, with up to 80 percent prevalence in older canines (1). Traditional treatments often focus on managing pain but come with potential side effects, which is why more studies are examining the benefits of nutritional supplements like PETAGILE^® Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®). These supplements offer a promising alternative for supporting joint health without adverse effects.

Treatment options for Canine OA

OA in dogs typically presents as stiffness, lameness, and an unwillingness to exercise, jump, or climb (2). As the disease progresses, it leads to loss of cartilage within the synovial joints, subchondral sclerosis, synovitis, and thickening of the joint capsule (3). While non-surgical pain management approaches can alleviate symptoms, they do not address the root cause. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but they are associated with gastrointestinal issues, renal failure, lethargy, and, in severe cases, even death (4).

To explore alternative treatment options, a recent study assessed the efficacy of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®), specifically PETAGILE^®, in the management of canine OA.

Capsule leaks may be tiny, but they can cause major problems in softgel manufacturing. Keen to learn more about how the occurrence of leakers affects the production process, we interviewed 20 softgel manufacturers. Most of the interviewees worked in R&D, operations and quality in both health & nutrition and pharmaceutical companies. Here are the key findings:

Age-old problem

100 per cent of respondents said they had experienced leaking softgels at some point during the process (drying, production, storage, stability testing, transport and packaging). However, most leakers are detected during or after drying process, in rotating tumblers but also on trays. Furthermore, 85 per cent of softgel manufacturers had noticed a link between leaking softgels and their fill. According to the interviewees the occurrence of leakers is highly depending on the fill system. Lecithin, pastes and (herbal) powders are the most challenging fills. Interestingly, most softgel manufacturers accept leakers within certain parameters, imposing limits of between one and five per cent. This may demonstrate that a certain tolerance for leaker occurrence is necessary, as there has been no reliable solution to fully avoid leaking softgels.

In today's dynamic business environment, leaders at GELITA face a myriad of challenges, from financial management to team leadership and project initiation. The GADP addresses these challenges head-on, providing participants with essential skills and knowledge crucial for driving success within the company, and thus guarantees that our customers reap the rewards of the top-tier expertise of our leaders now and down the road.

Designed to equip our talents – experts and leaders – with the skills needed for the ever-evolving landscape of leadership and management, GELITA has already seen a total number of 34 colleagues across 11 functional areas and 9 countries successfully complete the GADP since it was initiated in 2022. Led by Melanie Borner, Head of Global Human Resources Development & Culture, the GADP aims to build and cultivate our internal leadership talent pool while fostering international exchange and a robust network. Through a series of program modules and GELITA-specific project work, each cohort of participants embarks on an eight-month learning journey, with support from esteemed partners such as the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.