Can you provide an overview of Mérieux NutriSciences and its purpose in the food industry?
Mérieux NutriSciences is a family-owned company dedicated to serving the global food chain. A At the close of the recently-announced acquisition of Bureau Veritas’s food testing business, we will operate in 32 countries with 140 labs and a team of 10,000 professionals. Our purpose is rooted in building trust in the food chain, which we encapsulate with the mantra: "Better Food. Better Health. Better World."
This means ensuring the quality and safety of food while helping actors in the food chain transition toward more sustainable practices. Our work spans chemistry and microbiology testing, auditing, regulatory consulting, and labeling, to name a few, and increasingly incorporates digital, data, and AI-driven services. We position ourselves as trusted partners, enabling our clients to succeed while contributing to a safer and more sustainable global food system.
How does the acquisition of Bureau Veritas’s food testing business align with your goals?
This acquisition is highly strategic for us. Bureau Veritas’s food testing operations were a smaller part of their business, but they will significantly enhance our global footprint. For instance, we will strengthen our foothold in critical regions like Asia-Pacific and Canada, complementing our existing presence across the globe. This has positioned us as either the number one or number two player across all five continents, meeting the expectations of our global clients who demand consistent quality and comprehensive services wherever they operate.
The food testing market is robust, valued at $15 billion and growing at around 5% annually. Consumer expectations for quality and safety, sustainability challenges, and technological innovations are driving this growth. With this acquisition, we are well-equipped to capitalize on these trends and better serve our clients, whether they’re looking to ensure food safety or navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
How are you addressing challenges like plastic packaging and reducing preservatives while maintaining food safety?
A few years ago, we expanded our focus to include food sustainability alongside food safety and quality. This decision was backed by both organic investments and acquisitions. For example, we have experts who guide companies in transitioning from plastic to alternatives like paper while maintaining food safety, shelf life, and taste integrity. Packaging, while often seen as a sustainability issue, plays a critical role in protecting food, and our team helps companies balance these priorities.
In addition, we’ve developed capabilities to certify compostable packaging through accelerated testing methods.
For food companies looking to shift from chemical to natural ingredients, we offer services to ensure safety and shelf stability while assessing the environmental impact.
Through acquisitions in Italy, Israel, and the Netherlands, we now have 80 consultants dedicated to life cycle assessments, helping clients quantify the environmental impact of their products and processes. These tailored solutions enable businesses to make informed decisions that align with both their sustainability goals and operational realities.
What sustainability initiatives has Mérieux NutriSciences implemented, and how do they reflect your broader mission?
Sustainability is integral to both what we do and how we do it. On the "what" side, we’ve incorporated food sustainability into our core mission, investing in R&D and developing solutions to help the food chain become more sustainable. Our acquisition of Blonk in the Netherlands, a leader in life cycle assessments, exemplifies this commitment. By bringing together food suppliers, ingredient providers, and packaging companies, we facilitate collaborative, science-based decision-making that drives meaningful change.
On the "how" side, we strive to lead by example. We’ve committed to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree trajectory and implemented initiatives like solar panel installations, reducing travel emissions, and promoting diversity within our organization. These efforts are managed locally, allowing teams in different countries to tailor initiatives to their specific energy and cultural contexts. Crucially, we avoid greenwashing by ensuring every action has a measurable impact. For example, we won’t promote electric vehicles in regions reliant on fossil-based electricity, opting instead for more impactful measures like renewable energy investments.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy and its role in shaping Mérieux NutriSciences’ culture?
Leadership today demands a balance of ambition and humility. As leaders, we must be ambitious for growth and impact while remaining humble enough to recognize when we don’t have all the answers. This balance fosters a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, and employees feel empowered to contribute meaningfully to the company’s mission.
At Mérieux NutriSciences, we prioritize creating a human-centric work environment that values freedom and creativity. Leadership is not about dictating solutions from the top down but about facilitating conversations and enabling teams to address local challenges effectively. Whether it’s sustainability, diversity, or innovation, the emphasis is on fostering a culture of accountability and authenticity. By staying true to these principles, we not only drive financial success but also ensure that our organization has a lasting positive impact on the food industry and the world.
