Institut Rosell - Lallemand

From the Earliest Discoveries to the Birth of Institut Rosell

The history of Institut Rosell begins with the story of a visionary man — José Maria Rosell. After earning his medical degree in Barcelona, Dr. Rosell went on to complete doctoral studies under the supervision of an eminent group of European microbiologists. It was the close of the century… a time when the science of microbiology was at its pinnacle, with Pasteur discovering the first rabies vaccine in France and Koch identifying bacteria and paving the way to new understanding of anaerobic organisms in Germany. After spending a few years in that country himself, José Maria Rosell returned to Barcelona to pursue research work at the Instituto de Bacteriología aplicada de Barcelone.

That is where he met Isaac Carasso. Before long, the two scientists became pioneers in the study of lactic ferments, contributing significantly to the promulgation of yogurt. Eventually, Carasso went on to found Danone, while Dr. Rosell decided to continue his work in Canada, where he introduced yogurt and pursued his research initiatives focused on probiotics. Then, at the Oka Agricultural Institute in 1932, José Maria Rosell concretized his work and impact in North America by establishing the organization that bears his name — Institut Rosell.

70 Years of Technological Innovation

Officially incorporated in 1934, Institut Rosell has given rise to significant discoveries in the fields of microbiology and nutrition over the years. In 1962, the company applied the freeze drying process to lactic bacteria, thereby extending the use of probiotics to food supplements. Subsequently, it focused its attention on developing its expertise in order to meet the formidable challenge of preserving the shelf life of microorganisms.
In 1998, Institut Rosell joined Lallemand Group Inc., while continuing to pursue its technological research objectives. In 2001 and 2002, the company’s efforts were recognized with the presentation of Frost and Sullivan Awards for the application of enteric coating technology to lactic bacteria capsules, thus conferring such organisms with improved resistance to gastric acidity (Stomach Acid Resistance).

Today, Institut Rosell continues to follow in the footsteps of its founder, José Maria Rosell, with the implementation of numerous research programs to extend the limits of the health applications offered by probiotics..

History