In addition to creating 58 new permanent jobs, the new production plant makes the company the “only one in Europe capable of producing all active forms of vitamin B12”, according to Alexandre Valls-Coma, CEO at HTBA.
“Our origins in citrus flavonoids and vitamin B12 date back more than 45 years, and this innovation project marks a huge milestone for HTBA,” he said.
The Barcelona-based company produces three types of vitamin B12: MecobalActive, its methylcobalamin (MeCbl) ingredient; HydroxylActive, a hydroxocobalamin ingredient; and adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), branded as AdenoActive.
MeCbl is essential for methylation reactions, including the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, which is important for DNA synthesis and neurological function, and AdoCbl is involved in energy metabolism, specifically in the mitochondria, where it assists in the conversion of methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA, a key step in fat and protein metabolism.
Hydroxocobalamin is not biologically active by itself, but it can be converted into active forms in the body.
HTBA’s investment involves advancing vitamin B12 production through ‘green-chemistry’ processes and also enabled the modernization of the company’s existing citrus flavonoid production plant.
This has allowed for further development of its unique, patented manufacturing process for a specific type of flavonoid, diosmin—an ingredient that can help promote blood circulation and address vascular discomfort.
This new production process replaces artificial solvents with water. As a result, HTBA is now the only company in the world capable of manufacturing diosmin without the use of artificial solvents.
Rising demand for heart and brain health supplements
The company expects to see a continued increase in demand for functional health solutions, particularly in heart and cognitive health.
As Valls-Coma explained, the cardiovascular health supplement market is set to expand at CAGR of 7.9% by 2032, primarily driven by consumers seeking better physical performance, energy and endurance.
Cognitive health is also gaining traction, with a reported 80% of consumers valuing brain health as much as physical well-being.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for cognitive health because it plays a key role in brain function, nerve health and red blood cell production.
It helps the formation of myelin, the protective coating around nerves that ensures smooth communication between brain cells and is important for neurotransmitter production which regulates mood and cognitive function.
“In addition to the €25 million capital expenditure in the production site, we have also made significant investments in research and development over the past four years," Valls-Coma said. “We’re therefore perfectly poised to meet demand with our range of science-backed vitamin B12 and flavonoid ingredients.”