Asahi Group Foods Signs Supply Agreement with ADM Wild Valencia for International Distribution of Lactic Acid Bacteria CP2305 Gasseri
Expanding Global Reach: Leveraging Innovative Lactobacillus Ingredients to Address Health Challenges in North America, Europe, and Asia
(Tokyo, Japan - February 25, 2025)— Asahi Group Foods, Ltd., has entered into a supply agreement with ADM Wild Valencia, S.A.U. of Valencia, Spain (hereinafter ADM Wild Valencia) for the international sales of its proprietary lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 (L. gasseri CP2305). Starting in March, ADM Wild Valencia L. gasseri CP2305 to food manufacturers mainly in North America, Europe, and Asia, with the ingredient expected to be used in products such as supplements and health foods.
This marks the Asahi Group’s first-time selling L. gasseri CP2305 outside its group and to international markets. With the rising demand for healthier food and beverage options, driven by increasing health awareness and product diversification, Asahi Group Foods, the group entity responsible for foods and their raw materials within the Asahi Group, expects global need for lactic acid bacteria ingredients to grow. In response, Asahi Group Foods is strengthening its lactic acid bacteria business to meet this rising demand.
Asahi Group Foods is committed to contributing to the realization of mental and physical well-being through its food and health solutions. As a key player in Asahi Group’s food business, the company manufactures and sells functional ingredients, including lactic acid bacteria and yeast, for use in food production. While L. gasseri CP2305 has previously been available only within the Asahi Group, the company has now expanded its reach to address global food and health challenges by exploring opportunities to bring its lactic acid bacteria to international markets. By partnering with ADM Wild Valencia, a global leader in microbiology and food ingredients, Asahi Group Foods aims to leverage ADM Wild Valencia’s expertise and extensive distribution network to enhance the global presence of L. gasseri CP2305.
This unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, derived from the Asahi Group beverage Calpis over years of research and used in supplements and beverages sold in Japan by the Asahi Group, has been shown to support various health benefits. Asahi Group research finds that L. gasseri CP2305 alleviates mental stress; betters the depth and quality of sleep; improves the intestinal environment; and alleviating mood swings as well as mental fatigue, and drowsiness associated with premenstrual phases.
ADM Wild Valencia is the Valencia, Spain–based subsidiary of the Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, or ADM. ADM has its headquarters in Illinois, United States, and is one of the world’s largest agricultural processing and food ingredient manufacturers. ADM has state-of-the-art production and research and development facilities for probiotics. We supply food ingredients and health and nutrition materials globally utilizing strengths in sales networks across growth markets in North America, particularly in the United States, and in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.
Asahi Group Holdings is a global leader in a diverse collection of brands centered on alcohol especially beer, and nonalcohol beverages and food. Our mission is to deliver on our great taste promise and to bring more fun to life. We’ve been committed to innovation and quality since our establishment in Japan in 1889, and that has included bringing into the group iconic brands and the expertise of renowned breweries from around the world, many with rich heritages spanning centuries. Our approach has culminated in a globally recognized portfolio of premium beers, such as Asahi Super Dry, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch.