Functional actives with proven health benefits, like curcumin, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol and vitamin D, are common across supplements, beverages and fortified foods. But their real-world impact is often limited by poor absorption. As fatsoluble compounds, only a small fraction of these nutrients reaches the bloodstream, meaning much of their potential is lost in transit. AQUANOVA AG is addressing this problem with NovaSOL®, a patented micellization technology that works at the source. By surrounding oil-based nutrients with a water-compatible shell of pre-formed micelles, NovaSOL® mimics the body’s natural digestion process, transforming these actives into a format the body can recognise and absorb more readily. But science alone isn’t enough to bring a product to market. That’s why AQUANOVA AG pairs NovaSOL® with full-spectrum support, from formulation input to regulatory guidance and co-branding expertise, helping clients translate this innovation into shelf-ready success. Each micelle, typically in the 30-nanometer-diameter range, is created through physical processing (non-chemical, non-nanotech) and stabilised using food-grade emulsifiers. This uniform structure surrounds lipophilic nutrients with a water-compatible shell, allowing them to remain evenly dispersed in the digestive tract and pass more easily through the intestinal lining, leading to significantly improved bioavailability. AQUANOVA AG has provided broad scientific evidence, e.g., for one of its major product lines, NovaSOL® Curcumin: Superior level and speed of absorption (up to 185 times) was confirmed in 4 gold standard human trials, which are published in peer-reviewed journals. This is one of the important reasons why so many b2b manufacturers for their private label products in the dietary supplement market rely on “powered by NovaSOL®”. Beyond bioavailability, research has underlined NovaSOL®´s safety and efficacy in real-world human populations. These trials are critical because they provide peer-reviewed, science-backed validation that supports product claims, regulatory compliance and credibility with both healthcare professionals and consumers.

As the demand surges for healthier and more sustainable alternatives to dairy, Fruttagel emerges as Europe’s key innovator in plant-based beverage production. Based in Alfonsine, this Italian agricultural cooperative combines deep-rooted farming expertise with modern food technology to produce a variety of plant-based drinks. Since 2017, Fruttagel’s extraction facility has facilitated the direct processing of cereals and pulses, ensuring complete control over ingredient quality, origin and traceability. By combining in-house processing with vertically coordinated sourcing, Fruttagel supports clean-label, organic and private-label offerings while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, locally rooted supply chains. Delivering Quality at Scale Fruttagel is a cooperative company specialising in the processing of fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, tomatoes and legumes into finished products intended for retail operators, food service and door-to-door distribution. The company’s cooperative model integrates and enhances every stage of the supply chain, from field to distribution, and ensures that consumers receive food products that preserve the natural properties of fresh produce while upholding quality, authenticity, and safety. It brings together 12 agricultural cooperatives and supporting partners from the Emilia-Romagna and Molise regions. These agricultural cooperatives, which supply the raw materials for processing, represent and aggregate hundreds of local farmers. “Our members not only supply premium raw materials, but contribute to a resilient agricultural model that values people, land and seasonality. Thanks to their work, we can integrate the richness of Italian farming into a modern and efficient supply chain,” says Giorgio Alberani, sales director. Where Nutritional Value Meets Sustainability Responding to today’s demands for clean-label and functional beverages, Fruttagel anchors its portfolio in the Almaverde Bio line of fruit juices, nectars and iced teas. These drinks are mostly made with organic fruits and contain no added sugars or sweeteners. The range’s success reflects Fruttagel’s expertise in developing tailor-made products that align with rising consumer interest in sugar-free, additive-free options. Beyond its brands, Fruttagel co-develops private-label drinks, leveraging rapid prototyping and tailored nutrient profiles to meet each client’s needs. Its plant-based beverages are crafted from soy, oats, rice and almonds..