AstaReal, Inc. and AstaReal Technologies Inc., Moses Lake, WA, have formally merged into one fluid singular entity, AstaReal, Inc. Previously functioning as separate but related companies, AstaReal, Inc. focused on sales and marketing while AstaReal Technologies, established in 2014, concentrated on the U.S. cultivation and production of AstaReal brand astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis).
 
National Sales Manager Joe Kuncewitch expressed the positive outcome of this move. “This is an exhilarating time to be part of the AstaReal group of companies,” he enthused. “This merger of respective forces firmly establishes AstaReal as the largest producer of natural astaxanthin in the world and solidifies our position as the absolute global leader of astaxanthin research and development.”
 
In addition the merger, the newly streamlined company has announced two key appointments.
 
Dr. Arun Nair has been named president of AstaReal, Inc. He had previously served as president for AstaReal AB, Gustavsberg, Sweden. He will now lead both cultivation/production and sales and marketing efforts to fulfill growing demand for astaxanthin-based supplements and functional foods and beverages.
 
Dr. Nair has held executive positions at the Fuji group of industries for the past nine years managing the group’s business in various positions. He obtained his PhD in molecular biology from the University of Kagoshima, Japan. Dr. Nair has a wealth of experience in managing biotech startups and a total industry experience of over 24 years. His focus is on functional molecules like astaxanthin that help improve performance and health, which in turn gives an opportunity for consumers to enjoy increased well-being and active lives.
 
Commenting on the merger, Dr. Arun Nair, “Integrating our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Moses Lake, WA with the sales and marketing arm into one entity helps us to focus on our customer needs in a concerted manner, by fine-tuning their specific requirements with great speed and exceptional attention to detail. This is part of our global strategy to maintain effective leadership of astaxanthin in the United States and rest of the world.”
 
In addition, nutraceutical ingredient sales veteran Michelle Jenkins was named as West Coast Manager. Ms. Jenkins was most recently West Coast sales manager for Blanver, and prior, served as vice president of sales at B&D Ingredients, where she developed key nutraceutical accounts. At AstaReal, Inc., her territories include the entire Pacific Coast, states west of the Rockies, parts of Texas as well as key clientele interspersed throughout the region.