Valensa International Recognized by Frost & Sullivan for Promoting Astaxanthin as an Eye Health Ingredient

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the eye health astaxanthin market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Valensa International with the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement. Valensa has expanded the market for astaxanthin by positioning its Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin product as an eye health ingredient and not just an anti-oxidant for general well-being. It holds the Tso Patent, which allows it to promote the use of astaxanthin for eye health support and also as an ideal combination ingredient with lutein and zeaxanthin in eye health supplements. It also offers blend formulations of astaxanthin with AREDS2-backed Omega-3 fatty acids for eye health. Such a focused approach toward product application has helped it carve a niche for itself in the market.

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The rising demand for pesticide-free and allergen-free astaxanthin has caused a consequent demand for high-quality raw material (microalgae) and strict quality control during the manufacturing process. Acknowledging this need, Valensa follows a strict procedure in screening its suppliers and raw materials, using superior supercritical carbon dioxide extraction technology, and practicing a stringent quality control management system.

The company's proprietary DeepExtract™ supercritical CO2 extraction process is responsible for maximizing the yield of micronutrients contained in the natural botanical-sourced materials. Its O2B™ Peroxidation Blocker stabilization technology is completely natural and ensures long-term stability and efficacy of this product, with a reported shelf-life of four years.

Since 2008, Valensa International's integrated formula containing the three key carotenoids, namely astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein, has greatly boosted the acceptance of astaxanthin as an eye health ingredient. Valensa's astaxanthin, in combination with its proprietary O2B™ package, is compatible with all Omega-3 sources. This is another effective product positioning strategy employed by the company.

Valensa International held approximately 29.0 percent share in the U.S. astaxanthin market in 2007, with almost 48.8 percent share in terms of volume in the eye health sector alone, evidencing the degree of emphasis the company places on the eye health attributes of astaxanthin.

"Owing to astaxanthin's higher anti-oxidant capacity compared to that of lutein, and established by relevant tests, diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, retinal, arterial, and venous occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, and depth perception issues are expected to be mitigated by fewer per-day doses of astaxanthin compared to that of lutein," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Sneha Pasricha. "This validates the cost effectiveness and proficiency of astaxanthin as a valuable eye health ingredient and Valensa International's vision to recognize the potential of the ingredient and tap it through suitable strategies."

In March 2010, Valensa launched Deep Ocean Krill™ (DOK), a new premium krill oil ingredient that boosts the natural astaxanthin levels found in krill oil.  The new ingredient employs Aker BioMarine's  Superba® Krill Oil as a base and is fortified with Valensa's ultra-stable Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin to increase astaxanthin levels to create a premium krill oil.  Additionally, DOK will feature Valensa's proprietary botanical O2B™ Peroxidation Blocker technology to provide the most stable krill-based ingredient on the market today with a guaranteed shelf-life of two years. DOK provides effective Omega-3 and astaxanthin health, antioxidant protection and stability in a small, efficacious dose. Valensa will use Deep Ocean Krill as a foundation for its own formulated joint-health and eye health products.  

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in implementing strategies that proactively create value for its customers with a focus on improving the return on the investment that customers make in its services or products. This award recognizes the company's inordinate focus on enhancing the value that its customers receive, beyond simply good customer service, leading to improved customer retention and ultimately customer base expansion.

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Valensa International

Headquartered in Eustis, Florida USA (near Orlando), Valensa International is a leading science-based developer and provider of high quality nature-sourced products for nutritional supplements and functional foods. Valensa's certified organic production facilities are located in a protected pine/saw palmetto grove.

Valensa Omega-3 brands include Tresalbio™ Supercritical Chia Seed Extract ChiaGold™ Stabilized Chia Seed Oil, ChiaMax™ Low-Fat Whole Grain, Z-Omega™ 3-6-9, Cranberol® Cranberry Seed Extract and AstaCran® Astaxanthin-Cranberry Seed Extract.  Other branded ingredients include Zanthin® Natural Astaxanthin, SpiruZan™ Spirulina & Astaxanthin Complex, USPlus® Prostate Formula and Palmetto Rosso™ Saw Palmetto Extracts. Functional food brands include ChiaMax™ Omega-3 Low-Fat Whole Grain products. Condition-specific brands include Cran-Gyn™ Women's Health Formula and Nanocosanol™ Policosanol Dispersion.

Valensa is committed to production and processing that supports the environment and fair labor practices for those that work the land and participate in the production process.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.awards.frost.com.

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan