GELITA Aims to Reshape Active Nutrition with Collagen Innovation

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – February 25, 2026 – As the global wellness market continues its explosive growth, ingredient manufacturers are racing to meet consumer demand for products that are both healthy and convenient. At the upcoming Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, global collagen leader GELITA is set to showcase its answer to this demand with its "BE ACTIVE!" theme, highlighting a portfolio designed to power the next generation of functional foods and supplements.

Central to its presentation is a suite of Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®) and tailored gelatins aimed at the sports nutrition, healthy aging, and beauty-from-within categories. The company's presence at the expo underscores a significant trend: collagen, once a niche supplement, is now a cornerstone ingredient in the mainstream pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle, with the global market projected to surpass $7 billion by 2030.

Revolutionizing the Snack Aisle

A major highlight of GELITA's showcase is OPTIBAR®, an innovative ingredient that promises to solve a persistent headache for food technologists in the rapidly expanding protein bar sector. The market for high-protein, low-sugar bars is booming as consumers seek guilt-free, on-the-go nutrition. However, creating a bar that delivers high protein content without sacrificing taste and texture over time has been a significant challenge.

Traditionally, high concentrations of milk or plant-based proteins can lead to a dry, crumbly texture, while the removal of sugar syrups results in a loss of binding and moisture. This often leads to the dreaded "bricking" effect, where bars become unpleasantly hard long before their expiration date. OPTIBAR® is engineered to address this directly. As a specific blend of collagen peptides, it functions as a sugar-free binder that improves texture and extends shelf-life.

"Consumers want it all: high protein, low sugar, and a great sensory experience," noted a food industry analyst. "Ingredients that can deliver on that trifecta are game-changers." GELITA's solution allows manufacturers to formulate bars with protein content exceeding 60% while maintaining a desirable soft, homogenous texture. This innovation, which won an "Ingredient Idol" award in 2025, enables brands to meet consumer demand for clean-label products that don't compromise on quality or performance.

Collagen's Expanding Universe

Beyond snack bars, GELITA's "BE ACTIVE!" platform speaks to the incredible versatility of collagen in modern wellness. The company has invested heavily in research and development to create specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides, which are optimized through a proprietary hydrolysis process to target different physiological functions. This scientific approach has been crucial in elevating collagen from a generic protein to a targeted functional ingredient.

This strategy aligns perfectly with key consumer trends:

• Beauty from Within: The largest segment for collagen, this trend is driven by consumers seeking to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance through nutrition. GELITA's portfolio includes peptides scientifically demonstrated to support skin health.

• Sports Nutrition: Athletes and active consumers are increasingly turning to collagen for its role in supporting connective tissues. Specific peptides are designed to bolster tendons, ligaments, and joints, aiding in both performance and recovery.

• Healthy Aging: As the global population ages, demand for products supporting mobility and vitality is surging. Collagen is a fundamental component of bones, joints, and muscles, and specialized peptides like GELITA's FORTIBONE® and FORTIGEL® are marketed for their roles in supporting bone density and regenerating joint cartilage, respectively.

The company's ability to offer tailored solutions for these distinct but overlapping markets demonstrates a deep understanding of the modern consumer, who views health holistically and seeks products backed by scientific evidence.

Beyond Ingredients: The Rise of the Knowledge Partner

In a crowded and competitive market, GELITA is positioning itself not just as a supplier but as a "global knowledge partner." With over 150 years of experience and more than 20 locations worldwide, the company leverages its vast institutional knowledge to help customers navigate the complexities of product development.

This partnership model is becoming increasingly vital. Brands face pressure to innovate quickly while adhering to clean-label standards, managing complex supply chains, and navigating a patchwork of international regulations. For example, while collagen peptides are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the United States, European regulations under the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have stringent rules regarding health claims and sourcing.

By providing deep formulation expertise and technical support, GELITA helps its customers overcome these hurdles. Whether it's developing a protein-enriched gummy, a sugar-reduced confection, or a bar with a six-month shelf life, the company's R&D teams work alongside brands to bring their concepts to market. This collaborative approach is essential for creating the standout products needed to succeed in today's competitive landscape, where established giants like Rousselot and Nitta Gelatin also vie for market leadership.

As consumers continue to prioritize health and demand more from their food, the role of scientifically advanced, functional ingredients will only grow. By combining cutting-edge innovation like OPTIBAR® with a deep-seated commitment to scientific validation and customer partnership, GELITA is making a powerful case that it is ready to help build the future of active nutrition.