Overview: Joint Venture Formation and Strategic Vision
In a significant move consolidating leadership in the collagen and gelatin industry, U.S.-based sustainable ingredient innovator Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) and Belgium’s diversified industrial group Tessenderlo Group (XBRU: TESB) announced the formation of a joint venture named Nextida. The new entity combines Darling’s Rousselot brand with Tessenderlo’s PB Leiner business to focus exclusively on collagen-based health and wellness products.
Under the agreement, Darling Ingredients will own 85% of Nextida, while Tessenderlo Group will retain a 15% stake. The initial projected annual revenue of the venture is approximately $1.5 billion, with production capacities totaling 200,000 metric tons across 23 manufacturing sites in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia.
Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in 2026.
Market Trends and Product Innovations
The global collagen market—especially animal-derived collagen—is undergoing rapid expansion. According to Verified Market Reports, the 2024 market value stands at $4.5 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% between 2026 and 2033, reaching $8.2 billion by 2033.
Nextida GC: Pioneering Clinical-Backed Glycemic Support
Nextida’s flagship innovation is Nextida™ GC, a collagen peptide composition targeting postprandial glycemic control through enhancement of the body’s GLP-1 response. Clinical trials demonstrated that consuming 5g or 10g of Nextida GC 30 minutes before a meal reduced blood glucose spikes by an average of 42% in healthy adults.
SOLUGEL® Supra: Breakthrough Tripeptide Absorption
PB Leiner, part of the new venture, unveiled SOLUGEL® Supra—the market’s first ultra-low molecular weight (500 Da) collagen tripeptide. It features a rapid absorption rate four times faster than standard collagen peptides and contains up to 45% di- and tripeptides, delivering enhanced bioactivity for joint strength, antioxidant properties, and cellular regeneration.
Additional innovations include:
- SOLUGEL® Grass-Fed Collagen Peptides: the only certified grass-fed collagen peptides on the market, verified by LIAF Control SRL (U.S. Grass-Fed Association).
- gelwoRx® GFS: a fast-setting gelatin designed for functional gummies, improving texture, taste, and production efficiency.
Company Backgrounds and Global Positioning
Darling Ingredients
Founded in 1882, Darling Ingredients is a global leader in sustainable ingredient solutions. Operating 260+ plants across over 15 countries, it processes approximately 15% of the world’s animal by-products, contributing to the production of 30% of global collagen, including both gelatin and hydrolyzed forms. The company is also among the largest renewable energy producers worldwide.
Tessenderlo Group
Tessenderlo is a Belgium-based industrial conglomerate focused on agriculture, bio-residual valorization, engineering, electronics, and water-centric solutions. The group operates in 100+ countries with a workforce of 7,000+ employees. PB Leiner, its collagen and gelatin division, ranks among the top three global manufacturers in the sector.
Competitive Landscape and Export Outlook
With Nextida’s creation, the partners aim to fortify their presence in key global markets including the United States, China, Japan, and the European Union. Major competitors in this space include:
- Nitta Gelatin (Japan)
- Gelita AG (Germany)
Export prospects for Nextida are strong, leveraging established supply chains from Rousselot and PB Leiner. The combined strength enhances their access to health, nutraceutical, and food sectors globally.
Industry Impact and Future Growth
The joint venture underscores a growing industry shift toward science-backed, functional collagen ingredients. With clinical data, patented formulations, and sustainable sourcing, Nextida is poised to become a dominant force in collagen-based health and nutrition innovation.
