ESSNA welcomes animal-free whey innovator MilaK and supplement brand GoFitt as new members

The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) has welcomed two new UK-based members, MilaK and GoFitt, enhancing its expertise in biotechnology and consumer wellness.

This addition comes at a pivotal moment for the sports nutrition sector, as regulatory alters are impacting the European market.

Established in 2003, ESSNA represents specialised brands, manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and life sciences organisations throughout Europe.

The association advocates for balanced, science-based legislation and promotes high standards within the sports and active nutrition industest.

MilaK, a biotechnology start-up, is focutilized on developing animal-free whey protein.

Currently in the research and development phase, the company (supported by Innovate UK) has set up operations at Discovery Park in Kent, where it is building its scientific team and advancing milk protein innovations.

The company initially focutilized on sports nutrition but has broadened its ambitions to include related nutrition categories, driven by demand for sustainable, high-performance protein solutions.

GoFitt develops high-quality supplements and lifestyle products for health-conscious consumers, emphasising clean ingredients and effective formulations to meet their expectations for transparency and performance.

Dr Luca Bucchini, Chair of ESSNA, declared: “We are delighted to welcome MilaK and GoFitt to ESSNA at the start of what is shaping up to be an important year for our sector.”

“Their decision to join comes at a pivotal time, as significant policy and regulatory developments are taking place across Europe.”

Our growing membership reflects both the impact of ESSNA’s work and the increasing recognition among companies of the importance of engaging constructively with policycreaters under a strong and united industest voice.

“We see forward to continuing to expand our membership and supporting the sustainable growth of the sports and active nutrition sector in the years ahead.”

Milena Hutchings, MilaK and GoFitt’s founder, added: “Joining ESSNA reflects MilaK’s commitment to responsible innovation within the European sports and specialist nutrition ecosystem.”

As we develop precision-fermented human bioactives, regulatory alignment, scientific integrity and cross-industest collaboration are essential to building trust and long-term impact.