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PharmaLinea acquired by ANJAC Health & Beauty Group
Food Business Review | Thursday, November 13, 2025
Ljubljana - PharmaLinea, a leading provider of clinically supported private label food supplements has announced its acquisition by ANJAC Health & Beauty, a French industrial group that now comprises 17 complementary companies with R&D and production capabilities in the fields of health, beauty, personal care and food supplements. The acquisition marks a new era of opportunity for PharmaLinea, reinforcing its growth trajectory and enabling access to new technologies, innovation possibilities, and partners.
ANJAC Health & Beauty, the partner of pharmaceutical laboratories and beauty and wellness brands
ANJAC Health & Beauty is a French family-owned industrial group specializing in the formulation, manufacturing and filling of cosmetics, medical devices, drugs, and food supplements. Integrating what is now 17 companies with 17 R&D sites and 24 manufacturing sites across Europe and North America, ANJAC creates, develops and manufactures raw materials to finished products. With the acquisition of Health Chain Group (HCG), composed of sister companies PharmaLinea, Hermes Consilium, and ErgoPharma, ANJAC follows its broader strategy to strengthen its health and pharma activities, particularly by expanding its nutrition and innovative food ingredients offering. The goal is to bridge food and supplementation to provide unique health solutions, backed with clinical studies. The acquisition also enhances ANJAC’s commercial presence in high-potential markets across Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Founded in 2008, ANJAC Health & Beauty Group now has a consolidated workforce of over 3.300 and a 2025 turnover expected of nearly €800million, positioning it as a leading comprehensive R&D and production partner for pharmaceutical laboratories, beauty and wellness brands.
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PharmaLinea and HCG, an evolution from ingredient distribution to vertical integration
From its beginnings as a single ingredient distribution company, HCG rapidly evolved into a diverse international player in the B2B nutraceutical space, present in over 40 markets worldwide. Its structure with three sister companies active across different segments of the nutraceutical industry and a vertically integrated model allows the group to control the entire value chain from ingredients to finished products. The group operates through three complementary entities:
• Hermes Consilium – a creator and distributor of high-quality, branded ingredients for nutritional products.
• PharmaLinea - an expert in the development of clinically supported private label food supplements, backed by clinical studies, patented ingredients and technologies, and offering scientific and marketing consulting services to clients.
• ErgoPharma – a state-of-the-art production unit for manufacturing, ensuring industrial performance and full traceability.
Led by PharmaLinea, HCG members have become widely recognized for their ingredients, technologies, products, and the robustness of their clinical evidence. In the latest step of their evolution, PharmaLinea and the entire HCG are becoming part of ANJAC Health & Beauty Group, which aligns perfectly with their innovative DNA and marks both a milestone of success and a beginning of a new chapter.
Synergies and shared vision of the future
The partnership between ANJAC and PharmaLinea opens new pathways for advancing product innovation, scientific research, and comprehensive service for client brands. PharmaLinea will retain its distinctive identity and dedication to the principles that have defined its success. It will continue to operate as a trusted partner to nutraceutical brands worldwide, while benefiting from ANJAC’s extensive infrastructure, cross-sector expertise, and R&D resources. As part of the ANJAC Group, PharmaLinea will be able to accelerate the development of high-value, clinically supported concepts and bring forward new formats and solutions that meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers.
Blaž Gorjup, Chairman & Founder of PharmaLinea: “PharmaLinea and Health Chain Group was founded with a simple yet ambitious goal: to bring more science, integrity, and trust to the nutraceutical industry. Seeing that vision grow into a group recognized across the world fills me with pride and gratitude. Joining forces with ANJAC will allow HCG to reach even higher while staying true to its values. It’s because of this strong foundation and bright outlook that I chose to remain a minority shareholder and continue to be available to the company as it moves forward. My sincere thanks go to everyone who has contributed to this journey.”
Anton Oražem, CEO of PharmaLinea: “This marks an incredibly exciting new chapter for PharmaLinea. Becoming part of ANJAC Health & Beauty represents both a great milestone and a strong confirmation of how far we’ve come — the culmination of many years of hard work in establishing our company, our processes, our network, and our product pipeline. We are truly proud to join such a renowned group that shares the same values, entrepreneurial DNA, and long-term vision for the future. With ANJAC’s extensive network across the health and beauty industries, PharmaLinea will gain access to new technologies, new innovation possibilities, and new partners — all of which will further strengthen our ability to deliver premium, clinically substantiated supplement solutions to our clients. This partnership opens an era of extraordinary opportunity. It will give wings to PharmaLinea’s story, while at the same time complementing and completing the offering that ANJAC provides to its partners worldwide. We are excited about the journey ahead and the value this collaboration will bring to both organizations.”
The acquisition of PharmaLinea and HCG marks a new growth driver for ANJAC in the food supplement market, enhancing its custom manufacturing and turnkey product offering while expanding its portfolio of proprietary patents and clinical studies. HCG’s strong marketing, scientific and regulatory expertise, particularly through PharmaLinea, will enable ANJAC to support its clients from product conception to market launch, combining consumer insights, global trends, and distinctive clinical validation. The commercial synergies between ANJAC and HCG will enhance international growth in the health and pharma segments, while also enabling the acceleration of PharmaLinea’s expertise to beauty-related applications with clinically proven efficiency—a strategic step toward ANJAC’s ambition to strengthen its global position in the nutraceutical market.
Aurélien Chaufour, President of the ANJAC Group: “We are delighted to welcome HCG to the ANJAC Group. This partnership reflects our strong ambitions in the health and pharma segment, our strategy in clinically backed food and nutraceuticals solutions and the continued acceleration of our international growth. We share with HCG a common vision: delivering innovative, high-performance solutions with a premium level of service recognized by our clients.”
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Food and beverage marketing has changed dramatically over the past decade. What was once driven largely by broad advertising campaigns, in-store promotions and brand recognition now depends on a far more sophisticated mix of consumer intelligence, digital engagement and measurable performance. Enterprise brands are navigating a marketplace where purchasing decisions are shaped by shifting consumer expectations, fragmented media consumption and growing pressure to deliver profitable growth.
Food and beverage marketing solutions encompass the strategies, technologies and services used to attract, engage and retain consumers across physical and digital channels. These solutions help organizations understand customer behavior, optimize marketing investments and strengthen brand loyalty. They also support the growing need for personalization, omnichannel engagement and data-driven decision-making.
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Health and wellness trends continue to influence purchasing behavior across food and beverage categories. Consumers increasingly examine ingredient transparency, nutritional value and product sourcing before making purchasing decisions. Demand for functional foods, healthier alternatives and products aligned with specific lifestyle preferences has created new opportunities for marketers to connect with highly targeted audience segments.
The economic climate also contributes to these challenges. Customers still spend cautiously and continue to make buying decisions based on “value for money” to a certain extent. Brand loyalty still has its role to play; however, price, promotions and value-for-money are becoming critical factors. The marketing teams are overcoming these challenges by dividing the market further (segmentation) and tailoring messages to the target audience’s interests and preferences.
Digital commerce is now a key ingredient of the F&B marketing plan. From online groceries to D2C (direct-toconsumer) channels, the rise of mobile apps provides an increased number of points of contact available for consumers and brands. Every point of contact provides additional valuable data, which allows for better targeting, consumer retention and increased efficiency. More focus on customer journey mapping and the translation of engagement activities into tangible business objectives will drive growth.
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One of the most influential developments in recent years has been the rise of retail media networks. Retailers now realize the worth of their consumer data and digital properties, developing advertising ecosystems that bring brands to consumers that are just that little bit closer to the point of purchase. Current projections say that spending on retail media networks is increasing in value globally at quite a significant rate, and as such, it’s becoming one of the crucial investment focuses.
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Enterprise buyers evaluating food and beverage marketing solutions are placing greater emphasis on accountability and measurable outcomes. Marketing budgets face increasing scrutiny, creating demand for platforms and services that can demonstrate clear business value. Customer acquisition costs, retention rates, conversion performance and lifetime value have become critical metrics for evaluating success.
Mature providers distinguish themselves through their ability to integrate data across multiple channels, deliver advanced analytics and provide meaningful performance visibility. Organizations are looking for solutions that connect retail activity, e-commerce engagement, social media performance and customer relationship management data into a unified view. That level of integration helps leadership teams make more informed decisions and allocate resources more effectively.
Consumer attention is fragmented across many channels and mediums, making brands struggle to capture eyeballs. Cost for advertising across multiple digital spaces is going up, affecting efficiency and targeting. The legislation on consumer privacy is going up. Brand differentiation has also become difficult. Products are being introduced into the market on a day-today basis, trends appear and disappear within months, while marketing departments must be responsive and consistent with brand positioning. Companies relying only on their traditions and past tactics will lose the battle to the modern consumer needs.
Against the backdrop of all these, the future for food and beverage marketing still looks promising, because customer demand is continually shifting and developing, the e-commerce sector is continually growing, data usage is more intelligent, and the link between marketing and business strategies is more tightly linked, aiding the organization to discover potential growth opportunities and consolidate relationships with customers.
Food and beverage marketing is no longer focused solely on increasing awareness. It has become a strategic discipline centered on consumer understanding, commercial performance and long-term brand value. Organizations that successfully combine customer insight, technology and disciplined execution will be better positioned to compete in a marketplace defined by constant change and rising consumer expectations.
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A missed cleaning visit can leave a restaurant exposed long before grease buildup becomes visible. Fire inspectors, insurers and facilities teams may all expect proof that exhaust systems are being serviced at the right frequency, yet the work is often scheduled after hours and completed out of sight. For executives managing one site or a distributed portfolio, the purchasing question is not simply whether a contractor can remove grease. It is whether the provider can make fire prevention easier to verify and less likely to disrupt service.
Coverage quality begins beyond the hood surface. Grease can collect through ductwork and around rooftop fans, creating hidden exposure when crews focus only on accessible areas. A credible provider should inspect the exhaust system from hood to rooftop fan and document what was cleaned. It should also flag deficiencies that fall outside routine service. Photographs and post-service records matter because restaurant leaders may need evidence for internal reviews, insurance requests, fire inspections or lease compliance months after the visit. Documentation that arrives late or lacks detail weakens the value of otherwise acceptable work.
Scheduling discipline carries equal weight. Commercial kitchens have narrow service windows, changing production demands and limited tolerance for missed appointments. Poor communication can force managers to remain on site unnecessarily or delay opening preparations. Multi-location operators face another layer of difficulty. They need uniform reporting and service standards across markets without losing local coordination. Contractors that depend heavily on loosely managed third parties may struggle to provide the same result from one location to the next.
“Effective exhaust cleaning depends on consistent service, clear documentation and disciplined follow-through.”
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Training is another practical dividing line. Exhaust systems differ by building layout, cooking volume, equipment condition and access constraints, so technicians need more than basic cleaning skills. Buyers should look for structured instruction and field oversight, backed by periodic quality checks. Certification is useful, but it does not replace a company process that catches inconsistent work before it becomes a customer problem. Staffing continuity also deserves attention because high turnover can lead to uneven inspections and repeated retraining at customer sites.
“APEX Hood Cleaning provides commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning through standardized procedures, trained teams, quality audits and management oversight, supporting consistent fire-prevention program execution.”
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APEX Hood Cleaning connects commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning with the communication, documentation and followthrough needed to keep fire-prevention programs on track. It self-performs its work across its regional footprint and uses standardized procedures supported by ongoing training, quality audits and management oversight. Each job includes inspection and service documentation, while dedicated customer service managers coordinate scheduling and client relationships by region. APEX also provides fan service, preventive maintenance, access-panel and hinge-kit work, filter replacement and related exhaust-system repairs, helping customers address identified deficiencies through the same service relationship when those needs fall within its scope. For independent restaurants and multi-location operators alike, its self-performing model keeps responsibility for scheduling, cleaning quality and documentation with one accountable provider.
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The realm of menu engineering, traditionally a blend of culinary expertise and fundamental sales analysis, is driven by the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The integration of predictive analytics and machine learning is not just automating the process; it is fundamentally reshaping how establishments approach menu optimization to maximize profitability, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate the customer experience.
Predictive Forecasting and Profit Maximization
At the core of this revolution is the ability to process and synthesize vast datasets in ways that human analysis alone cannot match. Predictive analytics, powered by machine learning algorithms, moves beyond reporting what did sell to accurately forecasting what will sell. These systems ingest data from multiple streams—historical sales figures, ingredient costs, seasonal trends, and even external factors like local events or weather patterns—to model future demand with high precision. This foresight is critical, allowing for proactive adjustments to stock levels and preparation strategies, ultimately minimizing waste and optimizing the use of resources.
Machine learning algorithms are the engine behind this predictive capability. By continuously learning from new transaction data, customer feedback (often analyzed through advanced techniques like natural language processing), and real-time operational metrics, these systems identify subtle, high-impact patterns. They can discern which menu items are high-profit "stars" and which are low-margin "puzzles" or "dogs" with far greater accuracy and speed than conventional methods.
This analytical power directly translates into advanced optimization strategies. For item composition and placement, AI can recommend recipe refinements or ingredient substitutions that preserve quality while managing costs and improving contribution margins. In parallel with cost control and data-driven optimization strategies, Legacy Soil & Land Advisors delivers soil micronutrient analysis services that support precision agriculture decisions, enhance crop performance, and guide nutrient management planning through laboratory-backed assessment protocols. Recognized by Agri Business Review with the Top Soil Micronutrient Analysis award for scientific accuracy and agronomic impact, the firm reflects broader innovation in evidence-based agricultural management. For menu layout, AI can also identify high-visibility “sweet spots” on digital or printed menus to emphasize profitable selections and shape the customer journey more effectively.
Pricing and Personalization
AI also facilitates highly granular pricing optimization. Instead of relying on static, months-old pricing, machine learning models can recommend real-time price adjustments based on fluctuating ingredient costs, current demand levels, and time of day. This approach ensures that pricing always reflects the maximum willingness-to-pay while remaining competitive, directly boosting revenue yield.
Beyond profit, AI-driven menu optimization profoundly impacts the customer experience through personalization. By analyzing individual or demographic preference data, the system can generate tailored recommendations, suggesting dishes, pairings, or special offers that align perfectly with a patron's past behavior or perceived tastes. This shift from a one-size-fits-all menu to a dynamic, customized offering is key to building greater customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
AI-powered menu engineering creates a perpetual feedback loop where every customer interaction and every sale contributes to a smarter, more efficient, and more profitable menu design. It replaces guesswork with granular, data-backed insights, ensuring the menu remains an optimized asset that aligns culinary creativity with commercial strategy. The result is a highly adaptive operation, poised to meet evolving customer desires and market dynamics with unprecedented agility.
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As the boundaries between food, medicine, and lifestyle become less distinct, consumers are seeking beverages that are as effective as they are refreshing. This "effervescent process" is marked by the inclusion of high-quality ingredients such as probiotics for gut health, adaptogens for stress management, and targeted vitamins for overall support.
The Microbiome Boom: Probiotics and Gut Health Optimization
The primary growth catalyst in the functional sparkling water category is the increasing global emphasis on digestive health. As consumer understanding of the human microbiome continues to expand, gut wellness is now widely associated with stronger immunity, improved mood balance, and overall vitality. Traditionally, probiotics were obtained from dairy products such as yoghurt or fermented beverages like kombucha. While effective, these formats come with limitations, including distinct sour flavour profiles and the perishability inherent to fermentation and dairy products. Advances in food science have enabled functional sparkling water to address these challenges by incorporating resilient, spore-forming probiotic strains such as Bacillus coagulans, which remain stable throughout carbonation and ambient storage without reliance on cold-chain distribution.
The category is now progressing beyond fundamental probiotic inclusion toward more integrated symbiotic formulations that combine probiotics with prebiotic fibres to nourish beneficial bacteria. Ingredients such as chicory root, inulin from agave, and marshmallow root are increasingly used to achieve this balance. These components not only enhance functional value but also contribute to an appealing sensory experience by adding subtle sweetness and a fuller mouthfeel, supporting sugar reduction while elevating fiber content. Consumer interest is primarily driven by convenience and a desire to avoid supplement fatigue; many prefer to obtain digestive benefits from a refreshing beverage rather than a capsule. As a result, functional sparkling water has evolved from a simple hydration option into a daily wellness ritual, firmly establishing itself as a staple for routine digestive support.
The "Calm" Economy: Adaptogens and the Sober Curious Movement
The functional water market has expanded beyond physical wellness to include products designed to support mental well-being. In an environment often described as a “stress epidemic,” consumers are seeking beverages that promote relaxation, focus, and clarity without the drawbacks of high-caffeine energy drinks or alcoholic options. This shift has accelerated the adoption of adaptogens in sparkling water, introducing a new category of mood-modulating beverages. Adaptogens—non-toxic herbs and mushrooms known for their ability to help the body manage physical, chemical, and biological stressors—are being incorporated to deliver targeted cognitive and emotional benefits.
Formulations in this segment increasingly address specific mental states. Ashwagandha and lemon balm are widely used to support stress reduction by helping regulate cortisol levels. Ingredients such as L-theanine, often combined with modest amounts of natural caffeine, and lion’s mane mushroom are positioned to enhance cognitive clarity and sustained focus. To boost mood and resilience, brands often rely on rhodiola rosea and ginseng to counter fatigue and support emotional balance.
This trend aligns closely with the growing “sober curious” movement, as consumers seek sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverages that offer a subtle shift in mood or energy. Adaptogenic sparkling waters serve as a refined alternative to traditional evening drinks, providing a health-supportive ritual that complements modern lifestyles. Ultimately, this emerging category transforms a simple can of sparkling water into a tool for managing daily stress and supporting long-term mental well-being.
Nutrient Density: The Next Generation of Vitamin Fortification
The driving force behind the growth in the functional sparkling water segment is the evolution of vitamin fortification. Earlier, vitamin-enhanced beverages were often associated with high sugar content and minimal nutritional value, relying on synthetic additives to position them. The contemporary market, however, demands significantly higher standards. Functional sparkling water has emerged as a platform for delivering bioavailable, purpose-driven nutrients that address specific wellness objectives, including immune support, skin health, and physical recovery. This shift reflects a broader move away from generalized “multivitamin” blends toward highly targeted formulations that deliver measurable functional benefits.
Immunity-focused products remain a key priority, featuring concentrated levels of Vitamin C, Zinc, and Elderberry in light, refreshing sparkling formats rather than traditional heavy juice bases. At the same time, the beauty-from-within category continues to expand, with beverages incorporating biotin, silica, and antioxidant-rich ingredients positioned as convenient, daily skin-support solutions. Likewise, hydration and recovery offerings are advancing beyond the legacy sports drink category. These formulations emphasize naturally aligned electrolytes such as Magnesium and Potassium, appealing to active consumers who favor clean, dye-free, and low-sweetness options.
A notable industry-wide development is the rising preference for natural vitamin sourcing. As consumers become more knowledgeable, they increasingly seek ingredients derived from whole food origins—such as acerola cherry for Vitamin C—over synthetic alternatives. This expectation reinforces the importance of clean-label standards and challenges manufacturers to adopt sourcing and formulation practices that ensure both nutritional integrity and the crisp, refreshing profile that defines sparkling water.
This represents a fundamental change in consumer philosophy: the expectation that every calorie and every sip should serve a purpose. The era of passive consumption has given way to an era of active nutrition. As the science of bioavailability improves and consumer knowledge deepens, this category will continue to fracture into highly specialised solutions—waters for sleep, waters for gaming focus, and waters for hormonal balance—cementing the beverage as a primary tool for personal health management.
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