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Vivici, the Dutch dairy ingredients innovator, has announced the US commercial launch of Vivitein™ LF, a high-purity lactoferrin ingredient produced via precision fermentation. The launch represents a significant breakthrough for the functional nutrition sector, solving the historical supply constraints and prohibitive costs that have largely kept the highly prized whey protein out of mainstream consumer packaged goods (CPG).

Often referred to as "pink gold" within the dairy industry, traditional lactoferrin has long been recognised for its potent bioactivity. However, its extremely low natural abundance in cow's milk has historically made it too rare and expensive to be commercially viable for widespread product innovation.

The Precision Fermentation Solution

By utilising precision fermentation, Vivici has effectively decoupled lactoferrin production from traditional animal agriculture. This technology allows the company to produce a bio-identical, multi-functional protein ingredient at a scale and cost structure that enables health and wellness brands to formulate with it efficiently.

With self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) status secured for the US market, Vivitein™ LF is cleared for immediate use by nutrition innovators. It marks the second product to launch under the Vivitein™ portfolio, following the successful commercialisation of the company's flagship beta-lactoglobulin ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG.

Functional Applications: Gut Health, Recovery, and Vitality

Vivici is positioning the new ingredient to address several of the fastest-growing consumer need states in the $938 billion global health and wellness food market:

• Gut Health: Vivitein™ LF supports the optimisation of microbiome balance and strengthens the intestinal barrier.

• Performance Recovery: The ingredient helps manage the body's inflammatory response, making it highly applicable for sports nutrition products targeting chronic low-grade inflammation driven by repeated exercise.

• Sustained Vitality and Women's Health: Lactoferrin gently mobilises iron to improve its utilisation within the body. This offers a specific formulation pathway for products targeting the millions of women experiencing low iron levels and associated fatigue.

'Health From Within'

Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici, framed the launch as a necessary tool for the next generation of functional foods.

"The question that will define the health and wellness industry for years to come is how we can help the body's own system maintain health from within," van Sint Fiet stated. "Innovators who effectively fulfil this unmet consumer demand with innovative and transformative health products leveraging breakthrough proteins, such as Vivitein™ LF, will succeed."

Corporate Context

Founded in 2023, Vivici has moved rapidly from proof-of-concept to commercial scale. The company stated that it is currently expanding its global manufacturing footprint to establish a resilient supply network, aiming to accelerate market access for its precision fermentation portfolio across multiple geographies and food categories.