Beyond The Headlines: General Mills acquires pet nutrition business, Yeastup nets funds for upcycled ingredients

This week in industry news, General Mills acquired Whitebridge Pet Brands’ North American pet nutrition business for US$1.45 billion. Yeastup, a Swiss-based startup, secured CHF 8.9 million (US$9.9 million) in Series A funding to scale its upcycled ingredients from brewers’ spent yeast. Meanwhile, US nutrition sector stakeholders raised concerns regarding the US Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) latest draft recommendations advising against the use of vitamin D and calcium for preventing bone fractures among the elderly.

Business news

General Mills acquired Whitebridge Pet Brands’ North American premium Cat feeding and Pet treating business from NXMH in a transaction valued at US$1.45 billion. The business, which includes the Tiki Pets and Cloud Star portfolio of brands, is active in the Cat feeding and Pet treating segments. The business generated approximately US$325 million in retail sales in the past twelve months, predominantly in the pet specialty and e-commerce channels. As part of the acquisition, General Mills assumed operations of two manufacturing facilities in Joplin, Missouri, US. NXMH retains Whitebridge Pet Brands’ European business and brands. This marks General Mills’ fifth acquisition in the Pet category.

Yeastup secured CHF 8.9 million in Series A funding to scale upcycled ingredients from brewers’ spent yeast (Image credit: Yeastup).Yeastup, a Swiss-based startup, has secured CHF 8.9 million in Series A funding to scale its production of high-quality proteins and fibers from brewers’ spent yeast. The company uses a patented process to extract functional ingredients such as protein, beta-glucan and mannoprotein, which have applications in the food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. The new production site in Switzerland, repurposing a former dairy facility, will upcycle over 20,000 tons of spent yeast annually and support Yeastup’s global expansion. The company’s vegan yeast-based protein, Yeastin, is marketed as environmentally friendly, offering 74% less CO₂ emissions than alternative pea protein, while its fibers, branded Upfiber, provide advanced gelling and water-binding properties.

Product launches

Himalaya Wellness, an herbal and plant-based supplements and personal care brand, launched its 28-count PartySmart bottle. PartySmart, the brand’s best-selling herbal formula, is now more convenient for sharing with large groups. PartySmart's clinically studied herbal blend claims to support the liver’s ability to process alcohol and helps eliminate acetaldehyde — the byproduct of alcohol breakdown that often causes next-morning discomfort.

Regulatory developments

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) raised concerns regarding the USPSTF’s latest draft recommendations advising against the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements for the prevention of falls and fractures in community-dwelling older adults. The CRN argues these recommendations are limited to a small segment of the population and fall short in “several key areas.” It warns that misinterpretation of the recommendations as broadly advising against supplementation could lead to the dismissal of other health benefits associated with these essential nutrients. CRN also highlighted findings from its “Supplements to Savings” report, which show that consistent vitamin D and calcium supplementation among at-risk populations could help prevent significant numbers of fractures annually, translating into substantial healthcare cost savings.

Clinical studies

Sulfodyne, a branded broccoli seed extract standardized at 5% sulforaphane, exhibited potential in combating viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2, through a preclinical study. The study demonstrates Sulfodyne’s multi-target action, including antiviral properties, activation of the Nrf2 pathway and immunomodulatory effects, which help reduce viral symptoms and support recovery. In vitro results reveal that Sulfodyne inhibits viral replication, restores antioxidant gene expression and regulates inflammation, improving immune response. In vivo studies in hamsters and mice further support its protective role against SARS-CoV-2. These findings highlight Sulfodyne’s potential as a health supplement for boosting immunity and managing viral infections, with applications in immunity, joint health and detox.

A preclinical study highlighted Sulfodyne’s potential as a health supplement for boosting immunity and managing viral infections, with applications in immunity, joint health and detox.True You Weight Loss, a US-based endobariatric weight loss center, announced two new FDA-authorized clinical trials aimed at providing non-surgical solutions for long-term weight loss without GLP-1 medications. Earlier this year, True You Weight Loss introduced a weight loss procedure called gastric fundal mucosal ablation (GFMA). GMFA is a non-surgical technique in which a gastroenterologist uses an endoscope to ablate (thermally treat) the inner lining of the gastric fundus, the top portion of the stomach. This procedure reduces levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, resulting in decreased appetite and rapid weight loss. In one of the new trials, True You Weight Loss is evaluating the impact of GFMA on weight maintenance after discontinuing GLP-1 medications. The second is assessing whether the mucosal ablation procedure can promote weight loss in patients who have regained weight after vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

Initiatives and recognitions

Canadian grocer Rabba joined forces with Danone, Kellanova, J.M. Smucker Co. and various produce partners this holiday season to help families in need through a donation to Food Banks Mississauga. Over 2,500 lbs of food, including thousands of items such as plant-based beverages and yogurt, holiday treats, flour and fresh produce, were delivered to support local families. Last year, Food Banks Mississauga served over 56,000 individuals, equating to one in 13 residents in Mississauga. The number of children receiving food support has increased by 42% compared to the year before, with children now making up almost 30% of food bank visitors.

Ingredients supplier Sabinsa was honored by India’s Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) with the Environmental Sustainability award for “outstanding performance in environment, health and safety” of the company’s Sami Kunigal manufacturing facility. The award noted the plant’s amenities in safety compliance, fire safety, health and first aid, environmental compliance and water conservation.