In Switzerland, Evolva is forecasting a big jump in product sales as it readies two major product launches for 2018.
EverSweet, a zero-calorie stevia sweetener produced via fermentation, remains on track to launch in 2018 while U.S. approval of nootkatone for mosquito and tick control is expected in the latter half of next year. Potential applications of nootkatone as well as valencene are also expected to expand, Evolva adds.
Meanwhile, demand for the dietary supplement resveratrol led a 125% year-on-year increase in first-half 2017 product sales.
“There is a considerable demand to bring natural ingredients to the market for health, wellness and nutrition and related fields,” says CEO Simon Waddington. He admits, however, that growth is limited by supply chain issues. The company does not intend to invest in its own manufacturing facilities, but rather partners with companies with existing assets. “Similarly, we are now exploring a commercial strategy to rapidly expand product sales, working with market leading companies to bring products to market,” Waddington says. “We are evaluating our organisational structure to fit this focus. We will provide further details in Q3.”
Under an agreement announced in April, Cargill will produce EverSweet at its Blair, Nebraska plant, with Evolva receiving up to 30% of the profits.