The European food supplement market is experiencing a wave of innovation, with capsules continuing to dominate as the preferred delivery method. According to Mintel, capsules accounted for 37 per cent of product launches across Europe last year. This trend highlights consumers’ growing demand for convenient and effective methods to improve their health and well-being.
Fine Foods & Pharmaceuticals N.T.M. S.p.A., an Italian independent Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) that develops and manufactures products for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics industries, is at the forefront of this transformation. The company is pioneering innovative capsule technologies that address long-standing industry challenges, providing numerous advantages for manufacturers and consumers.
This significant innovation has been showcased at international events such as the CPHI in Milan (Italy) last October, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for pharma and nutraceutical ingredients.
While traditional capsules have long been valued for their recognisability, sleek design, ease of swallowing, and versatility with various active ingredients, they do exhibit certain limitations in specific cases. Fine Foods’ latest innovation addresses these challenges head-on, while still preserving the benefits of conventional capsules. Key advantages include:
- Enabling the development of innovative formulations previously difficult to achieve
By overcoming the technological and physical limitations of different ingredients – such as powders, crystals, pellets, or oils – this advancement opens the door to new solutions and unique combinations of active compounds. This enhances product appeal and boosts consumer satisfaction. It expands the range of formulation possibilities, allowing for products tailored to individual consumer preferences and needs.
- Minimising the use of additives/excipients and addressing technological challenges
By reducing reliance on additives and excipients, the concentration of active ingredients in the final product can be increased, aligning with the growing consumer demand for clean-label supplements. This approach aligns with modern consumers, particularly younger generations and seniors, who seek “all-in-one” solutions to simplify their daily supplement routines.
- Formulations with modified release profiles
Overcoming the challenges of producing modified release formulations in capsules allows for greater product differentiation in the market by combining fast-acting and sustained-release ingredients, with the added option of gastro-resistant properties when necessary. Sustained-release formulations, designed to release active ingredients gradually over time, provide many benefits, including improved nutrient absorption, reduced side effects, and the convenience of fewer daily doses. Gastro-resistant capsules engineered to withstand stomach acidity, release their contents directly into the intestines, protecting the stomach lining from irritants and preventing premature degradation of active ingredients. This targeted delivery system enhances product efficacy while minimising unwanted side effects.
- Resolving stability challenges
By addressing stability issues caused by interactions between active ingredients, excipients, and the capsule shell, the risk of ingredient degradation is significantly reduced. This ensures the product remains stable and effective throughout its shelf life.
- Enhancing product aesthetics
Combining various active ingredients allows for the creation of visually striking, multi-coloured capsules that increase the product’s aesthetic appeal. This visual distinction strengthens brand identity and fosters deeper engagement with consumers.
These advancements in capsule technology represent a major breakthrough for the nutraceutical industry. Fine Foods’ commitment to innovation and excellence places it at the forefront of contract development and manufacturing. By pushing the boundaries of capsule technology, Fine Foods is paving the way for a future where health and wellness solutions are more accessible, effective, and tailored to individual needs.
Fine Foods & Pharmaceuticals N.T.M. S.p.A.
Via Berlino, 39
24040 Zingonia/Verdellino – Bergamo – Italy
