Under the terms of the agreement, Martek will serve as Numico’s exclusive supplier for all of its ARA (arachidonic acid) and microbially-derived DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) needs for infant formula products. Numico may continue to use alternative non-microbial DHA sources. The agreement provides for a 15-year term, with Numico having the right to terminate the arrangement as of January 2012.
Steve Dubin, Martek’s CEO, said: “With this new agreement, more than 70% of Martek’s business in the infant formula market is subject to multi-year sole source agreements.”