All Blacks alright in sports nutrition product launch with Healthspan
Launched in the UK this week, the range utilises the expertise of All Blacks Nutritionist Kat Darry in its creation with batch-testing performed by certification programme Informed Sport.
Also included in the product range is the CurraNZ blackcurrant extract; five protein powders including whey isolate and a night-time protein blend, as well as vegan-friendly protein bars available in three flavours.
Energy gels and performance powders such as Pre-Workout Fuel, Beta-Alanine and Performance Greens make up the range that is said to be suitable for all fitness enthusiasts.
“I’m delighted to have worked with Healthspan Elite to create a range of sports nutrition supplements that the team can be assured are of the highest quality and safe for use,” says Kat Darry, All Blacks Nutritionist for almost 14 years.
“Good nutrition is critical for the performance of the All Blacks, and although we try first and foremost to get adequate nutrition through high-quality foods, there are occasions where we need to supplement their diet for an extra edge on performance or recovery.
“We are proud to have created this range with Healthspan Elite, not just for needs of the team but to make good nutrition accessible for everyone.”
Close collaboration
The partnership stretches back to 2015, where Healthspan became the supplement supplier to the All Blacks, with the UK-based supplement provider later becoming the rugby team’s official vitamin, protein & sports nutrition partner in 2020.
According to Healthspan, the product range is the culmination of 18 months of close collaboration with the All Blacks.
The products boast sustainability credentials with the commitment to adhere to a new “clean, lean, green” ethos backed up by the use of 100% recyclable pouches reducing plastic waste by 85% versus a standard tub.
The range also uses the natural sweetener stevia along with natural fruit extracts in as many of its flavoured supplements as possible.
Also considered is the use of New Zealand based ingredients wherever possible. The protein powders for example include Actazin, a kiwi fruit powder sourced from New Zealand to aid absorption of protein.
“Healthspan Elite has already been supporting the All Blacks with supplements to aid their health and performance for more than six years, so being able to have a co-created range with such a prestigious rugby team is a privilege,” says Healthspan CEO, Martin Talbot.
“Our values and beliefs are complementary, and we both share a passion for health and performance.
“We will launch in New Zealand and in other international markets, and have secured distribution in retail in New Zealand, both online and marketplace.
“We are also working on retail in the UK and Ireland. This is an incredible range for people to try, from the everyday elites to professional athletes, it ‘Works for all’.”
Leaders in respective fields
The launch is the latest venture for Guernsey based Healthspan, who are also official vitamin and supplement partner for British Cycling and British Athletics, both since 2021.
Other official partnerships include British Tennis for the last three years and the English Institute of Sport (EIS).
Commenting on the All Blacks product launch, Chris Fisher, Healthspan Sales & Marketing Director adds: "For several years, we've been supporting the All Blacks with our Elite supplements to aid their health and performance. Healthspan is honoured to have been chosen as the All Blacks' first ever supplement partner.
“As leaders in our respective fields, the potential for us to collaborate on ground-breaking initiatives that bring this partnership to life is something very exciting."
