A scientific study of Maria Branyas has sparked global interest in her daily yogurt brand. The Catalan supercentenarian died in 2024 aged 117. Researchers analysed her biology and cited her gut microbiota.
The study mentioned her consumption of La Fageda yogurts. This revelation triggered worldwide demand for the product. The cooperative traditionally sold only in Catalunya, though it expanded to the Balearics, Valencia, and Madrid in 2023.
Esther Carreras handles communications for La Fageda. She explained the cooperative received as many requests in two weeks as it normally gets in a year. The surge followed publication of the Josep Carreras Research Institute study.
The report represents the most detailed examination of a supercentenarian to date. It points to numerous factors, including ‘a microbiome dominated by beneficial bifidobacteria’. Scientific institutions from the UK and US participated in the research.
Carreras noted most requests came from those countries. However, La Fageda has no intention of expanding markets or production. The reason relates to the cooperative’s core mission.
La Fageda operates as a non-profit foundation. It employs people with disabilities and vulnerable situations, integrating them into the labour market. Most of the 650 current staff fit this profile.
Psychologist Cristóbal Colón launched the project in 1982. The foundation maintains his original vision. Carreras emphasised their goal isn’t market growth.
She stated they won’t use this attention to expand. Their objective focuses on improving people’s lives above economic returns. The cooperative prioritises social impact over profit.
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