Darling Ingredients Inc.’s DAR food segment is increasingly benefiting from the global shift toward preventive health and functional nutrition, particularly through rising demand for collagen-based products. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Food Ingredients segment generated $405.2 million in sales, up 16% from $349.2 million a year earlier, while segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $80.8 million from $70.9 million. Management attributed part of the improvement to stronger collagen and gelatin demand across Europe and Asia.
The company said collagen and gelatin sales improved year over year due to expanding applications in food, nutrition and health products. Darling Ingredients also noted that its Rousselot business continues to see favorable collagen and gelatin margins globally. The trend aligns with broader consumer demand for high-protein, wellness-focused products targeting healthy aging, mobility and active lifestyles.
A key growth initiative is Nextida, Darling Ingredients’ glucose-control ingredient aimed at metabolic health. Management said the product is currently awaiting U.S. patent approvals tied to production processes and its use as a dietary supplement ingredient designed to help lower blood glucose levels. The company positioned the product as a non-pharmaceutical alternative benefiting from rising interest in “food as medicine.”
