Arcadia expands high fibre wheat footprint with new partnerships

US-based agricultural biotechnology company Arcadia Biosciences has signed an agreement with Arista Cereal Technologies and Bay State Milling Company to commercialise its high fibre resistant starch wheat in North America, Europe and parts of Asia.

Bay State Milling will become an exclusive commercial partner in North America and will add Arcadia’s high-fibre wheat to its HealthSense brand portfolio.

Arista will gain exclusive rights under Arcadia’s intellectual property in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan and South Korea.

Arcadia Biosciences president and CEO Raj Ketkar said: “We are pleased to have entered into an agreement with Arista and Bay State Milling that will accelerate commercialisation of our high fibre wheat in key wheat markets, and capture revenue in 2019 and beyond.

“Bay State Milling is an excellent partner for North America, bringing its strengths in milling, identity preserved supply chains and technical support of customer food companies.”

Arcadia claims that its high fibre wheat has the potential to deliver additional health benefits to consumers seeking to enjoy the wheat-based foods.

Bay State Milling president and CEO Peter Levangie said: “We continue to see tremendous opportunity for high fibre wheat flour, particularly in the United States, where consumers are increasingly mindful about the nutrition their food delivers.

“As a result, our customers (food manufacturers) also are looking for ingredients with added nutritional value from natural sources.

“We are excited to add Arcadia’s high fibre wheat to the HealthSense brand and bring it to customers to help close the fibre gap and improve consumer health in North America.”

Additionally, the agreement with Bay State Milling in North America will enable the company to earn royalties from the sales of its wheat varieties, as well as other considerations.