Christchurch-based green-lipped mussel extract company Aroma NZ is expanding as it supports the demand to fight inflammatory diseases.
Christchurch-based green-lipped mussel extract company Aroma NZ is expanding as it supports the demand to fight inflammatory diseases.
The company’s sales of green-lipped mussel products and oil is up from 2014, with the latter now on five home shopping channels in the Korean market and currently being registered in China. Director Ben Winters says positive growth since the Canterbury earthquakes means expanding the current oil extraction plant to cater for increased demand.
“Green lipped mussels are a potent source of Omega-3 and have a powerful anti-inflammatory action,” he says. “We have scientific evidence supporting the use of green lipped mussels for joint pain relief. Our world-famous green lipped mussels have been hailed as a new super food because they can be used to ease arthritis pain and provide other health benefits.
“A university clinical study confirmed significant relief for 59 per cent of arthritis sufferers who took mussel power product during a landmark eight-week trial. Our green shell mussel product definitely contains significant anti-inflammatory properties.
“We’ll be expanding our current oil extraction plant to cater for the increased demand. Inflammation is one of the most widespread diseases in the world and as people age, joints and tendons start to wear and large numbers of people experience osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.”
Since the earthquakes, Aroma NZ has opened a bigger factory east of Christchurch, which allows the extraction of omega-three fatty acids and high quality lipids from marine and botanical ingredients using super-critical fluid extraction without using toxic chemicals or solvents.
After exhibiting at trade shows in Hong Kong and Bangkok, Winters says they have made a large number of beneficial contacts who have shown interest in their green-lipped mussel products, and samples are currently being analysed and getting registered across South East Asia.
“We see there is large potential in the pet food market, especially in South East Asia. With China’s one child policy, there are a large number of pet owners who treat their pets as part of the family. Purchasing premium pet food and supplements to keep their pets healthy is a top priority.
“We’ll be looking to exhibit at the top pet food shows in China this year and carry out market visits to leading pet food companies, highlighting the benefits green-lipped mussel gives to pets.”
Winters says the company will continue to invest in research and development and work closely with marine scientists from New Zealand Plant & Food in Nelson. With an ageing population in South East Asia, Aroma NZ will also be promoting its green-lipped mussel as a natural joint care supplement.
The New Zealand aquaculture industry contributes $400 million annually to domestic and export sales.
