Half a mile north of the Mexican border and nine miles west of Columbus, New Mexico, Qualitas Health’s 900-acre site currently has 98 acres in cultivation.
Qualitas Health, Ltd., DBA iwi, the plant-based omega-3 pioneers in southern New Mexico, has announced a partnership with Grupo Indukern in Barcelona, and Gullspång Re:food VC in Stockholm. This 3-way strategic partnership will enable Qualitas Health to accelerate company growth through development of innovative, algae-centered products and increase its footprint in the plant-based products market.
With the investment by the two entities, the partnership closes Round A funding for Qualitas. Additionally, iwi will have direct access to the investors’ advanced facilities, teams and expertise.
“We are delighted that Grupo Indukern and Gullspång Re:food are joining the Qualitas enterprise and participated in our investment round,” says Miguel Calatayud, CEO of Qualitas Health. “Both companies bring decades of experience and deep knowledge of our markets to Qualitas and will be key participants in our growing success.”
Gullspång Re:food VC
Gullspång Re:food VC brings an impressive track record in food tech companies that contribute to a more resilient food system, such as Oatly and Nick’s. “Qualitas has a great story to tell,” said Peter Odemark, a Gullspång Re:food managing partner. “Its algae, cultivated in impressive pond systems built on nonarable land in the desert, place a minimal footprint on the natural ecosystem, harnessing natural sun-power for energy and utilizing saltwater, while creating jobs in rural communities. We share the same values and vision for creating a better future, better nutrition and to protect the planet.”
Grupo Indukern
Grupo Indukern, a well-established family-owned business, is a leading distributor of chemical products, as well as a key player in the formulation, production, and provision of technical advice in the Food, Flavors and Fragrances, Pharmaceutical & Animal Health sectors.
“Grupo Indukern and Gullspång Re:food are the perfect partners for the current scaling stage,” said Mr. Calatayud. “They bring know-how and expertise to iwi’s existing supplement business and wider recognition of our newly developed Nannochloropsis algae protein. They also provide a global vision, a distribution platform for Europe and other countries and regions, and unique expertise in plant-based proteins and finished products. Their knowledge, skilled technological team, and advanced technologies will help in conducting clinical research and accelerate the regulatory process for Europe.”
The new marine-based protein ingredient and products line will be launched in 2022. The primary markets for iwi’s marine-source algae protein will include personalized nutrition, high-performance sport nutrition products, and adult nutrition for protein deficiencies.
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