Extract company flexes export mussel — Exporter Magazine

A Christchurch green-lipped mussel extract company is expanding as it supports demand to fight inflammatory diseases.

Aroma NZ has experienced positive growth since the earthquakes, especially over the last several years, with the sales of green-lipped mussel powder and green-lipped mussel oil up from 2014. The New Zealand aquaculture industry contributes $400 million annually to domestic and export sales.
 

Aroma director Ben Winters Jr says their green-lipped mussel oil is present in five home shopping channels in the Korean market and is currently being registered in China where it could really take off.
 

“We’ll be expanding our current oil extraction plant to cater for the increased demand. Clinical trials have shown that our green lipped mussel powder capsules, GlycOmega-Plus significantly reduced joint pain by 59 percent among arthritis sufferers.
 

“Green lipped mussels are a potent source of Omega-3 and have a powerful anti-inflammatory action. We have scientific evidence supporting the use of green lipped mussels for joint pain relief. Our world famous green lipped mussels have been hailed as a new super food because they can be used to ease arthritis pain and provide other health benefits.
 

“A university clinical study confirmed significant relief for 59 percent of arthritis sufferers who took mussel power product during a landmark eight-week trial. Our green shell mussel product definitely contains significant anti-inflammatory properties,” Winters says.
 

Since the earthquakes, Aroma NZ have opened a bigger, new factory east of Christchurch which allows them to extract omega-three fatty acids and high quality lipids from marine and botanical ingredients using super-critical fluid extraction without using toxic chemicals or solvents.
 

After exhibiting at trade shows in Hong Kong and Bangkok, Winters says they have made a large number of beneficial contacts whom have shown a great interest in their green-lipped mussel products and samples are currently being analysed and getting registered across South East Asia.
 

“We see there is large potential in the petfood market especially in South East Asia. China had a one child policy so there are a large number of pet owners who treat their pets as part of the family. Purchasing premium pet food and supplements to keep their pets healthy is a top priority. We’ll be looking to exhibit at the top petfood shows in China next year and carry out market visits to leading petfood companies, highlighting the benefits green-lipped mussel gives to pets.
 

“We continue to invest in research and development and work closely with New Zealand Plant & Food in Nelson who have excellent marine scientists. With an ageing population in Southeast Asia we’ll be focusing on promoting our green-lipped mussel as a natural joint care supplement. 

“Inflammation is one of the most widespread diseases in the world and as people age, joints and tendons start to wear and large numbers of people experience osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.
 

“Thousands of consumers and pets worldwide use our green-lipped mussel products so if we can spread the word on the healing benefits of green-lipped mussels, people and pets’ daily lives will prosper.”

Photo: Aroma GM John Gallagher and director Ben Winters.