KERRVILLE, TEXAS — Applied Food Sciences Inc. is partnering with Finland-based company KÄÄPÄ Biotech, who specializes in fungi cultivation and research. 

The partnership will enable AFS to expand its botanical portfolio by adding Nordic grown functional mushroom extracts for use in food, beverages, and supplements, according to the company. 

“We felt that we could strategically add value to KÄÄPÄ’s unique functional mushroom supply chain,” said Loretta Zapp, chief executive officer of AFS. “We are working on enhancing functionality as well as bringing greater awareness and access to the market.”

With the addition of the mushroom extract, AFS is launching six organic powdered mushroom extracts: lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, shiitake and maitake. 

Through the partnership, the mushrooms will be grown and cultivated at KÄÄPÄ Biotech in Finland while using their mycological technology. The extracts are made from mushroom fruiting bodies, which are free from excipients and grain fillers, and are standardized to primary activate compounds for bioavailability, according to the company. 

“Finland has the cleanest air and cleanest water ever measured in the world,” said Eric Puro, chief executive officer and co-founder of KÄÄPÄ Biotech. “Mushrooms are strong bio-accumulators, so when we grow them, it’s very important that their environment is clean.”

KÄÄPÄ Biotech is a biotechnology company who focuses on novel fungal applications for taking a wide range of mycological solutions to market, according to the company.