Booth 3074

Monterey Nutra, a U.S. grower of highly potent mushroom powders and extracts with verified levels of bioactive compounds, has launched a new lion’s mane extract powder called ManeFocus, opened a new facility to increase capacity tenfold, and has undergone a rebrand.

“Monterey Nutra seeks to bring new energy to the functional mushroom industry,” said Molly Joo, vice president of business development. “The functional benefits of mushrooms are becoming more understood, but there is room for improvement, both in the science of functional mushrooms and in the sensory experience of applications featuring them. We’re now well positioned to help progress and lead the category.”

ManeFocus features an optimized ratio of fruiting bodies and mycelium from lion’s mane, formulated to capture all active compounds including terpenes and beta-glucans.

“By leveraging the expertise of the biotech division at our affiliate Amycel and Spawn Mate, we can create new strains like ManeFocus and conduct DNA sequencing and strain maintenance research that other suppliers aren’t able to replicate,” said Amir Karian, director of nutraceuticals at Monterey Nutra.

Monterey Nutra relocated its operations in August to one of Monterey Mushrooms’ existing farms in Watsonville, California, to significantly increase capacity and ensure customers have reliable domestic supply and stable prices.

The company also underwent a rebrand to reflect its long history and expertise in mushroom growing and strain development with an eye toward unlocking the full potential of functional mushrooms and purposeful innovation.

“Monterey has a legacy in mushrooms, but we’re not resting on the legacy,” Joo said. “We’re constantly moving forward, exploring new frontiers in mushroom potential.”