Maypro Group, a nutraceutical ingredients producer, has received an investment from Japanese general trading company Itochu.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
As part of this partnership, Itochu has acquired a 25% stake in Maypro Group.
Founded in 1977, Maypro Group includes five nutrition-focused companies in the US, Japan, and China.
The company is vertically integrated through its subsidiaries, Maypro Industries and Quality of Life Labs.
It specialises in clinically validated ingredients, collaborating with B2B partners and B2C brands to bring products to market.
The nutraceutical-focused firm has launched glucosamine, CoEnzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, PQQ, and AHCC, among others.
It partners with nutritional ingredient manufacturers in Japan, the US, Canada, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Taiwan, New Zealand, and other countries.
Additionally, the ingredient maker holds technology licences for ingredients, including the MicroActive line, produced in the US and India.
Itochu general manager Toshiyuki Fukai said: “By leveraging Maypro’s commitment to innovative, high quality natural products, ITOCHU looks to unlock new avenues for corporate expansion.
“With the Itochu Corporation’s global network, we will be able to offer market knowledge and resources to expand Maypro’s customer base. Our mutual experience in vertical integration should also support greater product and service offerings worldwide.”
The partnership will focus on health, innovation, and responsiveness to global consumer needs. Initially, both firms will concentrate on the US health food market.
Maypro Group and Itochu will also aim to tap into opportunities in Japan, which has a rising aging population and an increasing number of health-conscious consumers.
Additionally, the partnership will explore expansion into high-growth markets, including China, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Both companies will use their vertical integration. Maypro Group will provide its portfolio of ingredients and finished products, while Itochu will utilise its vast global distribution network and retail strength in Asia.
This includes ownership of Family Mart, a Japanese convenience store chain with over 16,000 stores in Japan and 6,000 across Asia.
Maypro Group CEO May Yamada-Lifton said: “With Itochu’s support, we plan to expand our product offerings, pursue new geographic market opportunities, and develop new investment projects.
“We are confident that this collaboration will fuel our growth trajectory and drive long-term value for our stakeholders.”
