Kerry announces licensing agreement for rice-derived postbiotic

Kerry has announced a commercial agreement with Japan-based Kameda Seika to market and distribute the company’s rice-derived postbiotic across a range of applications in Europe and the Americas.

Kameda Seika is a global rice cracker company that has researched rice-based lactobacillus for over 25 years. Its postbiotic Lactobacillus K-1 (Lactobacillus casei subsp, 327) is claimed to improve both digestive and skin health and can be used in food, beverages and supplements.

Postbiotics are the metabolic by-products of fermentation. They offer similar functionality to probiotics and are backed by growing clinical evidence. Manufacturers may use them as a heat- and acid-stable health-enhancing ingredient.

Kerry will leverage Kameda’s technology portfolio, application expertise and commercial footprint to drive the commercialisation of the technology to reach users outside of Japan.

Lactobacillus K-1 was tested in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study which found that it may improve digestive health. Results were further supported by additional scientific data which found that it may improve gut and skin health.

Image caption: iStock.com/Elena Nechaeva