Robertet enters hemp extract JV for Swiss market: ‘Switzerland is well regulated for CBD, but there is more flexibility’
The yet-to-be-named joint venture will leverage Alponics’ infrastructure, Klersun’s hemp cultivation and extraction expertise, and Robertet’s knowledge in natural ingredients, to serve businesses looking to incorporate Swiss-made hemp extracts into their products.
“By vertically integrating in Switzerland with Robertet and Klersun, we will be able to provide the highest level of traceability and transparency to the Swiss customers of food and beverage, nutrition, supplement, cosmetics and pharma, who want to use CBD and hemp extract solutions in consumer products,” said Alponics’ Alan James Chaytor.
According to Olivier Maubert, who heads up Robertet’s Healthy & Beauty, and Flavors divisions, the decision to focus on Switzerland, rather than Robertet’s native France, was two-fold.
“The first reason is that our partner Alponics is based out of Switzerland and has fields and greenhouses there as well as an extraction facility,” he told FoodNavigator.
“The second reason is linked to CBD regulation,” he explained. “Switzerland is well regulated for CBD but there is more flexibility compared to the French market, for instance.”
Robertet plans to use its flavour and formulation expertise to incorporate the broad spectrum hemp extract into any food and beverage product.
“We have been working on clear microemulsions for any type of beverages, on powder system for dry mix, confectionery and baked products or in direct solution in MCT oil for fat compatible recipes (gummies, soft gel and tinctures for droppers),” Maubert continued. “Each of these systems loads between 10% to 30% of CBD, making their use level and their cost impact quite low.”
