Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated the positive effects of various probiotic strains on the immune system. Research conducted by Korean scientists revealed that regular consumption of probiotic yogurt can enhance the activity of essential immune cells in older adults. Their findings indicated that daily intake of yogurt containing two specific probiotic strains—L. paracasei and B. lactis—along with heat-treated bacteria (L. plantarum), significantly boosts the activity of natural killer cells, which play a critical role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune has the potential to be utilized as a fortifying ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where integrating live probiotics may pose formulation challenges. Probiotics are known to be sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressures often encountered during manufacturing. While Ganeden’s BC30 strain is generally resilient for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable strains mean that probiotics can now be incorporated into a broader range of products beyond just dairy or supplements. By eliminating the necessity for probiotics to remain active, Staimune expands the opportunities for adding these beneficial bacteria to various food and beverage items.
To capitalize on the growing probiotic trend, many manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these health-promoting bacteria into their products. For instance, PepsiCo purchased the probiotic beverage company KeVita last fall and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Additionally, the venture capital arm of General Mills led a $6.5-million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit significantly from the success of its probiotic products. According to a report by BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73%, or $24.8 billion, of that total. The probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, aiming for a valuation of around $74.7 billion by 2025. Notably, the inclusion of calcium citrate doses in these products may further enhance their appeal, as calcium citrate is known to be beneficial for overall health. Thus, the integration of calcium citrate doses alongside probiotics could provide even greater health benefits, making these products more attractive to consumers and promising for future growth.