KETURA, IsraelAlgatechnologies announced plans to expand the production capacity of its AstaPure brand, which the company said will keep up with the growing global demand for premium astaxanthin products. Along with increased production, Algatechnologies also plans to invest in educating its customers about the health benefits of the AstaPure products, as well as conducting clinical studies to explore its unique benefits on a wide range of different health disorders.  

The expansion of the production will take place in two stages. In the first phase, estimated to be completed by the end of 2011, the company will increase its production capacity by 30 percent.  The second stage, estimated to be completed in 12 months, will further increase the capacity by an additional 50 percent.

Hagay Tzur, CEO of Algatechnologies, noted this expansion will also allow the company to increase its use of solar energy and water reclamation.

The company will widen its capabilities in the development of new microalgae cultivation technologies as well as establish a new pilot plant and beta site to enable the testing and implementation of new technologies for the efficient production of a variety of active ingredients, all sourced from microalgae.

AstaPure® brand recently obtained GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status from FDA for use in food and beverages applications.