Indian carotenoid player enters Europe

Bangalore-based lutein and carotenoid specialist Katra Phyto has enlisted UK-based ingredient player and distributor Gee Lawson as its European partner.

Lehvoss Group-owned Gee Lawson will distribute Katra’s mostly marigold-sourced wares into the food supplements, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Gee Lawson bring deep insight on nutritionals, strategies for research-backed value addition and a large customer network,” said Katra Group chair Ramesh Vangal. “In addition, other Katra group companies actively work with a wide range of medicinal herbals and formulations validated by extensive research and clinical trials.”

Gee Lawson head of nutrition Jonathan Shorts praised Katra for “working continuously to improve product from the seed through to formulation.”

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Carotenoids like lutein are most strongly associated with eye health although this link has not as yet been authorised under the European Union nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR).

20-year-old Katra Phyto partners with Valensa in North America and Koyo Mercantile Company in Japan.