Allma, based in Portugal, has entered the market for microalgae ingredients suitable for use in food, beverage and dietary supplement products. The company supplies natural, sun-grown Chlorella powder that is free from contaminants and rich in phytonutrients, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
 
Allma’s Chlorella is grown at the state-of-the-art Algafarm production unit in Leiria, 100km north of Lisbon, in closed food-grade production systems, called photo-bioreactors. The photo-bioreactors are exposed to sunlight to encourage photosynthesis, mimicking the growth of microalgae as it occurs in nature. Sun-grown Chlorella is highly valued because it is rich in nutrients that develop naturally as a result of exposure to the sun. However, because Allma’s Chlorella is grown in closed production systems, there is far less risk of the contamination often associated with Chlorella produced in uncovered “ponds” that are exposed to external elements.
 
Using gentle spray-drying technology, the Chlorella is converted into a powder that’s easy to use in a wide range of applications, including beverages, yogurt, ice cream, cookies, snacks and dietary supplements.
 
Allma’s Chlorella is of the species Chlorella vulgaris, which offers a rich, natural and 100% vegetable source of protein, including all nine of the essential amino acids. It also contains significant levels of omega-3 and 6 oils, complex carbohydrates, phytonutrients including lutein, beta-carotene, chlorophyll and zeaxanthin, and a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals. In particular, Chlorella is renowned for its detoxification and immune system-boosting properties. In the short to medium term, Allma will have the capacity to supply 100 tons a year of sun-grown Chlorella for the global market.
 
For more information: www.allma.com