The Ingredients Experts has become the exclusive distributor of Benexia®, one of the world's leading chia based ingredient specialists, for the German and Austrian markets. The partnership gives customers direct access to a focused portfolio of high-value chia ingredients, including: Xia Powder 125 LM, a micro-milled chia protein concentrate designed for protein enrichment texture improvment; Xia powder 435 LM, a multifunctional chia fiber concentrate supporting fiber enrichment, water binding, and improved texture across food applications; Benexia® Chia Seed LM and the food supplement ChiaMucil®, a ready-formulated dietary supplement for digestive health, satiety, and metabolic support. For customers in R&D and procurement, this means direct access to functional chia ingredients with full technical support.
Benexia®: The Case for Specialisation
Chilean company Benexia® is headquartered in Santiago and focuses exclusively on chia from raw material sourcing to the development of value-added ingredients. What sets Benexia apart from generic chia suppliers is its consistently vertical structure across the entire value chain: from agricultural sourcing in Paraguay and Bolivia to processing at its facility in Arica, northern Chile, through to the finished product. The Arica plant is strategically located close to the growing regions, enabling short transport distances alongside complete traceability.
Benexia´s proprietary MicroTech® milling technology is at the core of its powder production process. It disaggregates chia seeds into microparticles while preserving nutritional content and stability. All powder products are 100 percent natural, non-GMO, gluten- and allergen-free, and certified Halal and Kosher. This clean label profile responds the growing demand for transparent, sustainably and naturally functional ingredients.
Benexia® generates annual revenues of around USD 15 million, with 94% of it sales exported to markets across Europe, Asia and the United States. Its customer base includes leading global food companies such as Nestlé, Kellogg's, Kraft, PepsiCo and Quaker, demonstrating that Benexia ingredients are not only innovative in concept but also proven to perform reliably at industrial scale.
Xia Powder 125 LM is a high-concentration chia protein powder in micro-milled format, designed for protein enrichment. It contains up to 42 % protein with a complete amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids. The powder also contains approximately 38% fibre and 6 % omega-3 fatty acids (ALA). With a fine particle size below 125 microns, it disperses well and is particularly suited for beverages, protein shakes, bars and dietary supplements. Technically, the product offers emulsifying, thickening and gelling properties as well as high oil and water binding performance.
Xia Powder 435 LM is a multifunctional fibre concentrate with a total dietary fibre content up to 56 % (a combination of soluble and insoluble fibres), approximately 25% plant-based protein, and 4 to 5 % omega-3 ALA. The particle size is below 435 microns, it is well suited for bakery, snacks, pasta, beverages and sauces. Its low glycemic index and formulation functionality make it relevant for products targeting improved nutritional profiles, while its binding and texturizing properties can help partially replace ingredients such as xanthan gum or cellulose.
Benexia® Chia Seed LM is a low-moisture chia seed produced through a natural, chemical-free process including a 5-log reduction kill step, ensuring no residual microbiology or pathogen contamination. This makes it particulary suitable for non-heat-treated applications such as dietary supplements, beverages, yoghurt and fruit purées. It delivers the full nutritional value of chia seeds, including omega-3 ALA, dietary fibre, protein, and minerals such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
ChiaMucil® is a ready-formulated food supplement made with chia seed fiber and chicory root inulin. The combination of soluble and insoluble fibres provides approximately 7 to 8 grams of fibre per serving along with 330 mg of plant-based omega-3 ALA. Free from artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners, ChiaMucil® is positioned as a clean-label product for gut health, satiety management and metabolic support. It is also gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan and non-GMO.
A Partnership Built for the Long Term
Sandra Gillot, CEO of Benexia®, has been clear about what she expects from distribution partners:
“Partnering with The Ingredients Experts marks an important step in strengthening Benexia’s presence in Germany and Austria. This collaboration allows us to bring our innovative chia ingredient portfolio closer to customers who are looking for natural, functional and clean-label solutions, supported by strong technical expertise and full traceability across the value chain. We are confident that together we can create new opportunities for innovation in the European food and nutrition industry,”
For The Ingredients Experts, that is a direct brief: not just to ensure availability and logistics, but to actively bring the technical profile of these products into the market.
"This partnership brings together two specialised companies that both place a premium on quality, transparency and technical excellence. For our customers, it means access to one of the most innovative chia portfolios on the market, backed by the support they expect from us."
- Tino Heiden, Managing Director
Want to Learn More?
Detailed product information, technical data sheets and samples for the Xia Powder products will be available shortly. Customers from R&D and procurement are welcome to contact The Ingredients Experts directly for information on availability, specifications and application possibilities.
