July 4th 2003 - Tyson Foods, the world’s biggest processor of beef, pork and chicken is going into the functional ingredients business, announcing a licensing deal with Active Life Foods, Inc. and Active Life Pet Products, Inc., for cartilage products that deliver a natural source of glycosaminoglycans, including chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. These ingredient products will be marketed to manufacturers of human supplements as well as to suppliers of companion pet foods.
Active Life owns a patent-protected technology that offers a method for delivering joint care benefits to humans and pets using processed cartilage. Active Life developed the technology and created the initial market. Tyson will now assume responsibility for sales to the existing customers and to develop additional customers. Tyson will also produce processed cartilage. Active Life will provide technical and marketing support.
Jim Cate, senior vice president of Tyson Foods, Inc. Specialty Products Group added, "Because of the underlying product advantages of the processed cartilage products when compared to synthetic glucosamine and chondroitin ingredients, Tyson Foods is well positioned to expand the market for this breakthrough technology. Cartilage processed using the patent is an all- natural source of glycosaminoglycans. The processed cartilage has important performance advantages that will lead to its use in a wide variety of supplements and functional foods.”
Studies have shown that the products containing chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid can reduce joint inflammation and may help regenerate bone cartilage tissue. Over all sales of the arthritis and joint pain related dietary supplements are estimated at more that $750 million, with glucosamine-chondroitin products reaching over $365 million while growing at 14.2% over last year.
Tyson Foods, Inc., with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is both the
world's largest meat processor and the second largest food company in the
Fortune 500.