LBB Specialties supplies ingredients for applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and food flavoring. Could you tell us about the company's footprint in this space and the kinds of clients you typically serve?
We have a strong presence in this space, with two of our five verticals addressing these markets. In life sciences, we provide excipients and ingredients for medical and pharma applications, and in the food and nutrition space, we are focused on leading-edge green-label nutrients for healthier options. For instance, we recently partnered with Myzel Organics to offer plant-based, sustainable ingredients. Our team is one of the leading groups in both verticals, with technically skilled salespeople who help drive innovation across the industry.
You have previously worked at companies like Kerry and Dutch IMCD, focusing on taste, nutrition, and specialty chemicals. Is the dietary and nutritional supplements segment becoming a bigger focus for diversified companies?
Yes, I would say so. I have been in the specialty chemical industry for over 35 years, serving various verticals from nutrition and pharma to coatings and industrials. In nutrition and pharma, wellness perspectives are increasingly important for the future. Innovation, sustainability, and new solutions are key to growth in these sectors. My experience has helped me understand and foster collaborations that drive success in these spaces.
Which regions are particularly important for LBB Specialties in the nutraceutical space?
LBB Specialties operates in the North, Central, and Latin American markets. Our recent strategic expansion into Latin America is supported by a base in Puerto Rico, where we’ve invested in personnel and services to serve the broader region, recognizing Puerto Rico’s significance as a key pharmaceutical hub. While North America leads in nutraceutical innovation, trends are gradually migrating to Central and Latin America. The industry in these regions is developing, but North America remains the strongest market.
Which qualities does LBB Specialties aim to develop in its nutritional ingredients’ portfolio, and which partnerships are key in achieving this?
Our portfolio reflects the industry's shift toward healthier options. We aim to provide sustainable and plant-based ingredients, aligning with customer needs for green-label materials. While not all customers can fully transition to natural ingredients, offering these components is crucial.
We focus on strategic partnerships to strengthen our footprint and deliver innovative solutions that support wellness. We collaborate with trade associations, participate in trade shows, and work closely with the R&D departments of our customers and principal partners. This collaborative approach enables us to develop and deliver leading-edge solutions.
It is not about one type of partnership but the collective effort of multiple touchpoints that drives success.
LBB Specialties has recently partnered with The Protein Brewery to distribute Fermotein Mycoprotein across North America. Can you tell us about the product and how this partnership complements the company’s broader strategy?
Fermotein is a plant-based ingredient with a very low carbon-footprint for protein bars and other nutritional applications. We partnered with Protein Brewery to help bring this technology to market. They have trained our salespeople on their innovation, and we are working to drive adoption and brand awareness for their products. This collaboration supports the growth of their cutting-edge solutions in the industry.
We are pushing development in plant-based products by socializing the technology and working with our partners' labs to create innovative products. In North America especially, there is a growing adoption of corporate and individual sustainability goals. Partnering with companies like Protein Brewery, which offers green alternatives and near-zero carbon footprints, is ideal for us. These partnerships align with our vision to be the partner of choice in the industry by driving innovation and customer success.
You mentioned socializing technology as part of your innovation strategy. How does the company approach that?
We use a multi-pronged approach, including trade shows, digital marketing, and one-on-one collaborations with sales experts. It is about spreading the message and showcasing product attributes to help create the next generation of solutions. Expanding into regions like Puerto Rico is part of this strategy, as we aim to offer unique products and services that differentiate us in those markets.
Looking ahead to 2025, what trends - especially in healthcare - will shape LBB Specialties' business strategy?
Security of supply is a major trend. Having innovative products is not enough—you need a reliable supply chain. To address this, we have opened a new 102,000-square-foot warehouse in Bristol, Pennsylvania, featuring advanced storage capabilities, DEA compliance, and dangerous goods segregation. Trends in supplements, like plant-based materials, pet supplements, and gummies, are also growing.
Additionally, the FDA is scrutinizing additives more closely, so we are staying ahead of regulatory changes. We pride ourselves on having one of the strongest regulatory departments in the industry. We have heavily invested in this area to help our customers meet compliance requirements and gain approvals. Many of our customers do not have the infrastructure to handle these aspects on their own, so we step in to guide them through the process. This support is not only for our principal partners but also for the growing needs of our customers. Across all regions, the focus remains on healthier options, which align with consumer and regulatory demands.
