For readers unfamiliar with SuanNutra, could you provide an overview of your operations and the strategy behind your recent expansion to the United States?
SuanNutra is an organisation focussed on providing ingredients for the dietary supplement market. We operate through three key businesses: one in Alicante, Spain, specializing in branded, science-backed ingredients with rigorous clinical studies, and two others in Barcelona and USA, providing functional ingredients for dietary supplements. Our presence in the USA, with a base in New Jersey, is growing and meeting the demand for high-quality, scientifically validated products in the American market. Our expansion is driven by the U.S.'s significant consumer trust in supplements—data shows around 74% of adults in the U.S. consume them—so establishing a more robust and sustainable presence here is crucial for our growth.
Our strategy centers around strengthening our customer support and business development teams in the U.S., as well as promoting our branded ingredients with clinical studies to ensure credibility. The U.S. market's acceptance and demand for science-backed ingredients align well with our philosophy, so this expansion enables us to serve American consumers better while driving forward our reputation for reliability and scientific integrity.
Given the global rise in obesity and metabolic health issues, how does SuanNutra aim to address these challenges?
One of our core products, Metabolate, is targeted specifically at metabolic health and weight management. It’s a unique, science-backed formula supported by eight clinical studies and 10 scientific publications, which is relatively rare in our industry. This extensive research underscores its benefits for weight management and metabolic health, which includes supporting natural GLP-1 pathways. While we need to be careful with claims, we see Metabolate as a valuable supplement, especially as GLP-1 interest grows globally. This product has seen substantial growth and interest, particularly in the U.S. where it aligns with current health trends.
We recognize that lifestyle changes are essential alongside supplementation, as no single product can address all health issues alone. Our holistic approach combines lifestyle adjustments with supplements that support metabolic health naturally and effectively. Our products are not “silver bullets,” but they offer scientifically backed support that can complement healthier living choices.
You mention a commitment to scientific rigor. How important is this to SuanNutra’s identity, and how do you differentiate from companies with less rigorous standards?
Scientific validation is foundational to SuanNutra’s identity. All our products are backed by at least two clinical studies, with flagship products like Metabolate supported by as many as eight studies. This rigor allows us to provide substantiated claims, enabling customers to trust the benefits of our products.
To enhance this we are expanding our R&D team, investing more significantly in scientific studies and exploring further the use of new technologies and advances in AI. . For us, proving efficacy through human studies is paramount, as is transparency in communicating these results.
We recently appointed Karin Harmoni, a respected scientist in the industry, as our head of science and innovation. Karin’s role, along with our U.S. presence, will ensure that we continue advancing our research standards. By aligning with organizations like the Council for Responsible Nutrition, we support industry-wide efforts to uphold high standards, helping consumers make informed decisions.
How does SuanNutra decide which health areas to target? Is it influenced by current health trends?
Our product development is a collaborative process involving R&D, marketing, and commercial teams to ensure relevance to consumer needs. We carefully monitor health trends, as seen with Metabolate, which was developed well before the GLP-1 trend emerged but has proven timely. Although predicting exact future trends is challenging, we focus on pressing global health concerns like obesity and cognitive health to create products that will remain relevant.
Apart from metabolic health, we’re also expanding into beauty-from-within products, targeting skin and hair health. By understanding global health challenges and lifestyle trends, we’re investing in areas that align with consumer needs. Our approach is holistic, aiming to support overall health and wellness through targeted, science-backed solutions.
Considering that you’re a B2B company, do you see an opportunity to influence the end consumer’s perception of dietary supplements?
As a B2B company, our influence on end consumers is indirect. Instead, we focus on supporting our clients, who then inform/influence their customers. However, we are active in industry organizations like the Council for Responsible Nutrition, which advocate for responsible supplement use and influence regulatory decisions. Through these organizations, we can contribute to consumer awareness and the industry’s credibility on a larger scale.
Our commitment to transparency, quality, and safety in our products resonates through our partnerships. By adhering to stringent standards and actively supporting influential industry bodies, we indirectly help shape consumer perceptions and contribute to public understanding of science-backed supplements.
