• Signs manufacturing agreement to grow and process algal biomass, enters into distribution agreement for branded DTC sales of Zivolife^TM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. / Jul 26, 2023 / Business Wire / Zivo Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZIVO) (“ZIVO” or the “Company”), a biotech/agtech R&D company engaged in the development of therapeutic, medicinal and nutritional product candidates derived from proprietary algal cultures, announces the commercialization of its proprietary algal biomass as a food or food ingredient.

ZIVO has engaged an independent distributor, ZWorldwide, Inc., who will launch the product, branded Zivolife^TM, with an initial focus on North America. ZIVO and ZWorldwide are parties to an exclusive commercial agreement that is expected to result in ongoing product sales by ZIVO.

ZIVO also announces the signing of a contract manufacturing agreement with Alimenta Algae SAC (“Alimenta Algae”) to grow and process the algal biomass at facilities previously utilized by ZIVO for development in Peru. Alimenta Algae is the microalgae subsidiary of Grupo Alimenta, a global, multi-generational, family-run agribusiness with headquarters in Lima, Peru.

“Zivolife^TM is the Company’s first revenue-generating product, and its commercial availability and the establishment of a cohesive supply chain marks our entry into the global algae food market. After years of rigorous R&D and product testing, we’re proud to make Zivolife^TM available to consumers who are looking for a sustainable, whole-food product that delivers a wide range of nutrients that contribute to their overall health. We look forward to growing the market for Zivolife^TM, launching more products based on our proprietary algae, and will also continue to aggressively pursue the opportunities we have in the biotech and pharma markets,” said John Payne, CEO and Chairman of ZIVO Bioscience.

The global food and beverage microalgae market is projected to reach $247 million by 2033. The Company’s dried algal powder is a whole-food entrant into this fast-growing and premium segment. The rapid growth in demand for plant-based protein sources is being driven by trends in healthy living, environmental sustainability and ethical considerations. The target market for Zivolife^TM is consumers of microalgae and so-called “green drinks” who would benefit from a whole-food supplement to their diet, as well as conscious consumers who value sustainable products with exceptional nutritional profiles.

“ZWorldwide is delighted to partner with ZIVO Bioscience to bring Zivolife^TM to market for the first time. This is a premium product in the microalgae market as Zivolife^TM is a proprietary algae strain. Consumers are increasingly looking for nutrient-dense whole foods to supplement their diets. With our team’s expertise in DTC sales, e-commerce and brand marketing we are looking forward to helping grow this exciting category in cooperation with ZIVO,” said Greg Consiglio, Chairman of ZWorldwide.

“Alimenta Algae is looking forward to bringing our international agriculture expertise to support the scaleup of Zivolife^TM. Our prior experience with microalgae along with our commitment to food quality and safety will ensure that Zivolife^TM is a high-quality, premium product,” said Vasco Masias, President of Grupo Alimenta and Alimenta Algae, SAC. “Alimenta Algae has worked extensively with microalgaes through its pursuit of sustainable superfoods, and believes this partnership with ZIVO will bring much-needed products to the food market.”

Zivolife^TM is natural, non-GMO and a source of plant-based protein, naturally occurring beta glucan and fiber. ZIVO’s dried microalgae is a source of essential amino acids, polyphenols, iron, potassium and vitamins A, E and B12. Zivolife^TM supports digestive and gut health and helps to support a healthy immune system. It has a mild taste compared with other microalgae and has been tested as shelf stable for up to two years. Zivolife^TM is 100% made from ZIVO’s proprietary microalgae. For more information about ZWorldwide and Zivolife^TM, please visit www.zivo.life.

Zivolife^TM is cultivated at a single-source, sustainable aquaculture facility in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes Mountains using proprietary cultivation processes developed in partnership with ZIVO. The partnership has established quality-control testing at facilities in Ica, Peru, Ft. Myers, Florida and certified third-party laboratories. Zivolife^TM will initially be available in limited quantities as ZIVO scales up production. For more information about Grupo Alimenta, please visit www.alimenta.pe.

The revenue received under the agreements described in this news release is expected to fund ZIVO’s ongoing development of therapeutic and pharmaceutical product candidates. ZIVO Bioscience is currently working to complete its latest coccidiosis treatment study in broiler chickens as part of its efforts to secure a corporate partnership for this application.

About ZIVO Bioscience

ZIVO Bioscience is a research and development company with an intellectual property portfolio comprised of proprietary algal and bacterial strains, biologically active molecules and complexes, production techniques, cultivation techniques and patented or patent pending inventions for applications in human and animal health. Please visit www.zivobioscience.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for any historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although ZIVO believes that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our expectations of the future, about which we cannot be certain. Our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect due to factors largely outside our control, including risks that our strategic partnerships may not facilitate the commercialization or market acceptance of our products; risks that our products may not be ready for commercialization in a timely manner or at all; risks that our products will not perform as expected based on results of our pre-clinical and clinical trials; our ability to raise additional funds; uncertainties inherent in the development process of our products; changes in regulatory requirements or decisions of regulatory authorities; the size and growth potential of the markets for our products; the results of clinical trials, our ability to protect our intellectual property rights and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward–looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and ZIVO undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward–looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.