MOSES LAKE — AstaReal Inc. is always looking for ways to enhance its operations as a growing global leader in high quality natural astaxanthin. The merger between AstaReal Technologies Inc. in Moses Lake and AstaReal Inc. is expected to do just that.

In the past, AstaReal Inc. focused on sales and marketing, while AstaReal Technologies concentrated on the U.S. cultivation and production of AstaReal brand astaxanthin. With the new streamlined operation called AstaReal Inc., the company expects good things to come.

“This is an exhilarating time to be a part of the AstaReal group of companies,” national sales manager Joe Kuncewitch said. “This merger of respective forces firmly establishes AstaReal as the largest producer of natural astaxanthin in the world and solidifies our position as the absolute global leader of astaxanthin research and development.”

AstaReal Inc. is a part of a family of companies under the AstaReal/Fuji Chemical Group, exclusively dedicated to the production, research and marketing of natural astaxanthin from microalgae.

“Integrating our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Moses Lake with the sales and marketing arm into one entity helps to focus on our customer needs in a concentrated manner, by fine-tuning their specific requirements with exceptional attention to detail,” AstaReal president Arun Nair said. “This is part of our global strategy to maintain an effective leadership of astaxanthin in the United States and the world.”

In 1994, AstaReal was the first company to cultivate Haematococcus pluvialis algae for human use as a dietary supplement. More than 50 human clinical studies have shown that AstaReal astaxanthin’s antioxidant abilities have broad-ranging targeted health support, including increases in muscle endurance, reduces eye fatigue from computer use, maintains healthy blood lipids, and reduces visible signs of aging.

This unique state of the art system allows closely controlled cultivation of the Haematococcus pluvialis algae resulting in the highest quality natural astaxanthin available. The astaxanthin produced in Moses Lake is supplied to customers in the United States and around the world for use in a wide range of nutritional supplements and functional foods and beverages.

Since beginning operations in 2014, AstaReal has developed strong ties to the community in Moses Lake and Grant County, providing employment to about 50 full time employees.

“Our studies show a compelling range of benefits from systematic support (cholesterol) to lifestyle issues (eye strain from flat-screen viewing) and increased fitness ability,” Nair said. “AstaReal Inc. is now in its best position to continue scientific exploration to ensure sustainable production meets future demand.”

With the merger, Nair was named the president of AstaReal Inc., and Michelle Jenkins was named West Coast manager. Nair has previously served as president for AstaReal AB in Gustavsberg, Sweden and will now lead both cultivation/production, sales and marketing efforts.