BGG announces major new investment at world’s largest astaxanthin plant

BGG is expanding and enhancing its astaxanthin manufacturing facilities in China to boost production efficiency, quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The 100% glass-tube photobioreactor microalgae platform in Yunnan Province – the largest of its kind in the world – will now incorporate the entire value chain. As a result, farming, extraction, drying, packaging, and R&D will all be brought together within a 20km footprint.

BGG is also strengthening its resources by opening a new, cutting-edge research laboratory and more than doubling the size of its on-site R&D team. The team will focus on microalgae innovation and further advances in ingredient quality. They will also work closely with regional and global research institutes on topics including tropical plants and fungi in the local biome.

The concentration of capabilities will support greater operational efficiency and productivity through faster tech transfer times and closer collaboration between operations and R&D. The reduction of the value chain from 2,000km to 20km will also support cost efficiency and reductions to carbon footprint.

BGG’s investment in its flagship plant is being marked with an inauguration day at the facility on June 20, with industry partners and representatives from the Chinese government in attendance. It follows on from a major expansion in 2023-2024, which more than doubled BGG’s production capacity and cemented its position as the world’s largest astaxanthin producer.

Mr Chunhua Li, the founder and principal shareholder of BGG, said: “We are proud to unveil our latest investment in our state-of-the-art microalgae platform, spanning the entire value chain. The enhanced synergy between manufacture and R&D will sharpen our innovation pipeline and accelerate speed to market.”

BGG World CEO Jürgen Nelis added: “We are committed to staying ahead of global shifts to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers. By strengthening our supply chain on multiple fronts, we are building a future-ready business that can thrive no matter how the trade landscape evolves.”

BGG will be exhibiting at Vitafoods Europe 2025 from May 20-22 at Stand 4D236. Members of the team will be available throughout the event to discuss BGG’s portfolio, the site expansion, and the tariff situation.

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