The Ingredients Experts is now the exclusive distributor of Benexia®, one of the world's leading chia specialists, for the German and Austrian markets. The agreement covers four products from the Benexia® portfolio: two chia powder products (Xia Powder 125 LM and Xia Powder 435 LM), Benexia® Chia Seed LM, and the food supplement ChiaMucil®. For customers in R&D and procurement, this means direct access to functional chia ingredients with professional technical support.
Benexia®: The Case for Specialisation
Chilean company Benexia® is headquartered in Santiago and focuses exclusively on chia as both a raw material and finished ingredient. What distinguishes the company from generic chia suppliers is its consistently vertical structure across the entire value chain: from agricultural sourcing in Argentina and Bolivia to processing at its facility in Arica in 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.
The proprietary MicroTech® milling technology is central to the powder production process. It disaggregates chia seeds into microparticles while preserving nutritional content and stability. All products are 100 percent natural, non-GMO, gluten- and allergen-free, and certified Halal and Kosher. The clean label profile addresses the growing demand for transparent, sustainably produced ingredients.
Benexia® generates annual revenues of around USD 15 million, with 94 percent going to export markets in Europe, Asia and the United States. Customers include Nestlé, Kellogg's, Kraft, PepsiCo and Quaker. This customer base demonstrates that the products do not just perform conceptually, but deliver reliably at industrial scale.
The Product Portfolio at a Glance
Xia Powder 125 LM is a chia protein concentrate in micro-milled format with a protein content of up to 42 percent and a complete amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids. The powder also contains approximately 38 percent fibre and 6 percent 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 capacity.
Xia Powder 435 LM is a multifunctional fibre concentrate with a total dietary fibre content of up to 56 percent (a combination of soluble and insoluble fibres), approximately 25 percent plant-based protein, and 4 to 5 percent omega-3 ALA. The particle size is below 435 microns. The product is suited for bakery, snacks, pasta, beverages and sauces. Its low glycaemic index and ability to reduce the GI value of finished products make it relevant for formulations with blood sugar-related positioning. Binders and fillers such as xanthan gum or cellulose can be partially replaced, which simplifies clean label formulations.
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 ideal for non-heat-treated applications such as dietary supplements, beverages, yoghurt and fruit purées. It delivers the full nutritional density 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 based on chia seed fibre and chicory root inulin. The combination of soluble and insoluble fibres provides approximately 7 to 8 grams of fibre and 330 mg of plant-based omega-3 ALA per serving. Free from artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners, ChiaMucil® is positioned as a clean-label product for gut health, satiety management and metabolic support. The product is gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan and non-GMO.
A Partnership Built for the Long Term
Sandra Gillot, CEO and co-founder of Benexia®, has been clear about what she expects from distribution partners:
“Because our ingredients are so unique, we needed a company that knows how to successfully launch and sustain interest for branded ingredients that possess truly original technology.”
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.
