What sets Vitaquest apart in terms of its manufacturing services for medium and large supplements companies?
Our approach is entirely custom. Unlike some manufacturers that white-label generic products, we work closely with brands to create unique solutions tailored to their markets. Clients come to us with ideas and goals, and we collaborate with them to turn their ideas into effective, science-based and highly marketable formulations in a wide range of innovative packaging options.
We encourage transparency and curiosity by inviting customers to tour our four facilities to see exactly where and how their products are made. From receiving raw materials to weighing and assembling kits in our pharmacy, every step is meticulously explained. Our tagline ‘Delivering What’s Next’ isn’t just a slogan; it reflects our daily commitment to innovation and excellence.
In May 2024, Vitaquest opened a new particle engineering facility. What does this mean for the company’s product offering and time to market?
Everything at Vitaquest begins with a powder, so becoming particle experts was a key part of our vision. This new facility allows us to engineer powders to enhance their physical properties, such as agglomerating, granulating, or applying coatings for delayed release or taste masking. By doing all this in-house, we strengthen our control over our supply chain, reducing the risk of stockouts for our customers.
The facility also includes a test unit for experimenting with innovations before scaling up production. Our equipment is comparable to pharmaceutical operations and allows us to produce around 4,000 different products annually using 2,700 raw materials.
Vitaquest appears to embrace stringency in industry regulations. How would you characterize its stance?
We do not just comply with regulations; we push for higher standards. Being ahead of the curve allows us to maintain leadership in the industry and build trust with both our customers and consumers.
We are involved in organizations like the Council for Responsible Nutrition, which promotes responsible practices and discourages shortcuts or “cowboy” behavior in the industry.
We are FSSC 22,000 certified, which elevates our quality standards to a food-grade level, although we focus on supplement fact sheets. This certification is increasingly demanded by major retailers and represents an extra layer of quality assurance. We are also audited frequently by customers—sometimes every other week—for one- to three-day sessions. While these audits are time-intensive, we welcome them as part of maintaining transparency and trust. This commitment to quality and trust extends to the brands we work with and even competitors we respect for doing things the right way.
What steps is Vitaquest taking to improve the environmental footprint of its manufacturing operations?
Our facilities feature solar panels, and we use recycled materials for all our packaging. We are also prioritizing solutions like gusset bags, which significantly reduce plastic usage. On the ingredient side, we partner with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and adhere to our strict code of conduct, ensuring transparency and accountability in sourcing.
We also work closely with organizations like the American Botanical Council to test and validate ingredients, minimizing issues like adulteration. Our approach ensures not only that our products are environmentally responsible but that they deliver on their claims.
What are Vitaquest’s education efforts and where are they directed?
We publish detailed weekly blogs on product trends, emerging research, and market insights. These blogs are designed not only for brands but also for consumers to provide clarity and transparency.
If we do not take the lead in educating, the void will be filled by individuals or organizations that may not fully understand the industry. Our blogs cite numerous articles and research studies, offering a comprehensive view of scientific, industry and consumer trends. By letting the experts who work on these products daily speak directly to brands and consumers, we aim to set the standard for quality education in the supplements industry.
Which nutrition trends do you anticipate will move the market in 2025?
Gut health, including probiotics and prebiotics, remains a major focus and expansion area for Vitaquest. Women's health is also gaining traction, with trends around menopause and ‘beauty from within’ products becoming prominent. Other enduring areas include protein, collagen, and multivitamins—especially those with innovative twists like on-the-go drinks or powders, as consumers move away from tablets and capsules.
The gummy trend has been significant, but we have taken a different route. While gummies are popular, we found them to be an inefficient delivery system due to issues like heat sensitivity and nutrient degradation during production. Instead, we have developed alternative chewables that taste great and provide more reliable nutrient delivery.
