Omega Biotech Corporation is a private, Canadian-owned company based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Established in 1991, its
primary aim was to develop and extract phyto-nutrients from botanicals - including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC's) from grape seeds - for use in the nutraceutical, food and beverage and personal care sectors.
Research and
development efforts were made in-house, and in cooperation with the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, and research teams from the National Research Council and the Pacific Forestry Center.
Grape seeds were
obtained from both North and South hemisphere sources to evaluate the species and varieties of material available for the production of this super antioxidant. A very rich source of material was found
in an area that had recently been subjected to volcanic activity. In general, agriculture in this area has experienced dramatic improvement in quantity and quality of harvest. Analysis of the fruit and vegetables grown in this region disclosed
very high micro-nutrient and mineral content. Laboratory analysis on grape seeds collected from this area not only indicated high antioxidant potency, but also suggested significantly higher yields per tonne.
Research in the Omega
laboratory provided information for enhancing the extraction process as well as a consistent reproducible analytical procedure for evaluating the potency of these antioxidant compounds. Capital was raised for the construction of a development
facility to advance the bench-top research to production capacity levels. Extraction protocols were proposed and the production facility provided a feedback loop that enabled the laboratory to refine protocols for production. Field research
identified important technology for seed collection and preparation and established long term associations for collection and delivery of high quality grape seed to the development facility.
Upon receipt of this seed, the development
facility was able to manufacture its first batch of high quality antioxidant product. Introduction of this product, PROTOVIN™, was well received by the
industry. Omega is accelerating production to meet the market demand, and has built the first stage of a dedicated world class production facility.
Omega will continue to form strategic alliances with formulators, manufacturers and raw
material suppliers to consolidate its market presence in this sector. Its growing customer base is looking to Omega for other high quality natural extracts, backed by scientific analysis.
Omega has penetrated the food and beverage
sector with the inclusion of PROTOVIN™ in nutritional candies and snack foods. Consumers are looking for convenience in nutritional supplementation, and this
has led to a tremendous demand for nutritional food and beverage staples.
Omega's strategy is to target the value-added beverage and nutritional markets, while competitors are still aiming at the vitamin and supplement sector. |
