FDI Industry Spotlight
Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods
In Montana, we know that good health starts with good food, made with the highest quality ingredients. Montana is home to some of the most pristine natural places on the planet, so it’s no surprise that nutraceutical and functional food firms like All American Pharmaceuticals, Montana Pure Protein, and Hammer Nutrition make their home in Montana. Here they can access existing crops that grow naturally on certified organic cropland, and collaborate with researchers at Montana State University and the University of Montana to discover and commercialize novel inputs that can expand industry boundaries. For example, in 2009, a team of researchers discovered a previously unknown microbe in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. Now, the fungus is the key ingredient in a new line of food products ranging from chicken nuggets to yogurt. In fact, Montana State University’s globally recognized Center for Biofilm Research partners with industry clients around the world.
As for industry staples, our #1 ranking in protein-rich pulse crops means Montana is the perfect location for pulse fractionation operations, fueling functional foods with high impact protein concentrates. Additionally, best-in-class specialty crops such as safflower, flaxseed, camelina, hops, hemp, cannabis, mint, and more are readily available at a relatively low cost due to lower energy and operating costs per acre and low cost of land compared to other agricultural states.
