Douglas Pharmaceuticals strikes deal with Vital Foods to acquire its Phloe® digestive health business
Auckland, New Zealand September 1, 2015: New Zealand’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, Douglas Pharmaceuticals, has
bought the Phloe® digestive health business in New Zealand, with an option for additional territories, from
Auckland-based Vital Foods for an undisclosed sum.
Vital Foods CEO Justus Homburg was pleased to announce that the sale of the New Zealand Phloe® product line to Douglas
Pharmaceuticals not only allows for the growth of Phloe® in New Zealand, but it also enables Vital Foods to focus more
effectively on the international market for Phloe® products.
Phloe® Bowel Health contains Zyactinase®, a proprietary kiwifruit extract with a unique mode of action derived from
naturally occurring prebiotics, enzymes and fibre that aids regular and efficient bowel function.
“Phloe® is well supported by clinical evidence so the brand fits in well with our existing research-based Clinicians™
range of health supplements. This acquisition provides an exciting opportunity and we intend to grow the brand in New
Zealand,” comments Douglas Pharmaceuticals’ Managing Director, Jeff Douglas.
Phloe® is widely distributed through grocery and pharmacy channels.
Jeff Douglas says the latest acquisition is in line with the organisational strategy to further develop its successful
domestic business.
Founded in 1967 by Sir Graeme Douglas, the company employs around 460 people marketing and distributing its product
domestically, and exporting to a further 45 countries worldwide.
Vital Foods, founded by a group of angel investors in 1999, has been supported since 2007 by a group of experienced
consumer healthcare sector investors including Inventages Venture Capital, Nestlé Health Science and BioPacific
Ventures. Vital Foods operates a kiwifruit extract manufacturing facility in Auckland and manufactures and distributes
products containing Zyactinase® internationally.
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