Recognizing consumer demand for hemp-derived nutraceutical products, Avrio Ventures has invested in Manitoba Harvest, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, supporting future growth in current and new distribution channels.

“We are extremely pleased that Avrio Ventures has chosen to invest in Manitoba Harvest,” said Mike Fata, CEO of Manitoba. “Their understanding of vertically integrated food technology companies, the nutraceutical and functional food industries, and their unique regulatory requirements, will help our company to capitalize on the multiple opportunities we see in the market. There continues to be a growing demand by consumers for hemp-derived nutraceutical and functional foods products including protein that offer scientifically proven health benefits which are of high quality and based from non-chemical, natural ingredients.”

Hemp food, along with supplements and functional foods containing hemp-derived nutraceuticals are among fastest growing categories in the natural products industry. Hemp oil, extracted from hemp seed, is one of the plant kingdom’s richest sources of essential fatty acids. As one of the most nutritious food oils for humans, it contains the essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 as well as amino acids and antioxidants. Hemp foods have health benefits ranging from the prevention or attenuation of diabetes, cancer, lupus, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and hypertension. The potential role of essential fatty acids in growth and development as well as diseases like coronary heart disease is a fast growing area of research.

“Manitoba has a proven track record of innovative product development and of bringing to market the highest quality hemp based nutraceutical and functional food products,” said Jim Taylor, managing partner of Avrio Ventures. “They are the main supplier and market maker for these products and work in concert with consumer products manufacturers to create unique products that compliment and extend their brand portfolios. The company is well positioned to extend its leadership in the natural functional foods and nutraceutical industries.”