Nutraceuticals World (NW): What’s your assessment of innovation in today’s dietary supplement market? How is Acme-Hardesty adapting to consumer shifts?

Iswarya Ramakrishnan, Technical Services and Application Manager – Life Sciences, Acme-Hardesty Co.: The dietary supplement market is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers demand more sustainability, organic ingredients, and holistic wellness solutions.

One of the trends is the decrease of pill-based supplements, as consumers experience pill fatigue and are looking for alternative ways to consume their nutrients. This has led to the emergence of alternative delivery formats, such as gummies, powders, liquids, and sprays that offer more variety and flexibility.

Another trend is for adaptogens, which are natural substances that help the body cope with stress and balance its functions, which are also gaining popularity as part of a holistic approach to health.

Additionally, personalized nutrition is emerging as a trend that tailor solutions to individual needs, preferences, and goals. These innovations reflect the changing preferences and expectations of today’s health-conscious and “savvy” consumers. Acme-Hardesty is adapting to this shift by offering a range of products that align with their mindset.

NW: Can you share some cutting-edge solutions your company is working on that align with the current trends in the nutraceutical industry?

Ramakrishnan: Sure, some of the products we offer include:

• Organic and vegan ingredients that are USDA-certified and Non-GMO Project Verified, such as MCT oil, fatty acids, fatty alcohols and other oleochemicals;
• Botanical extracts that contain adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, ginseng, and curcumin;
• Plant-extracted products that target specific health goals and preferences, such as immunity, energy, sleep, beauty, and mood; and
• Additives that are valuable to formulate convenient and innovative delivery formats, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, and soluble fiber.

NW: How do you formulate and strategize your products to suit the diverse, and individual preferences of customers across the globe?

Ramakrishnan: At Acme-Hardesty, we are committed to delivering superior solutions that meet the diverse and individual needs of our customers around the world. We formulate and strategize our products based on extensive research, market analysis, customer feedback, and industry trends.

We also leverage our global network of suppliers, partners, and distributors to ensure that we can provide the best solutions for each market segment and region. Our products are designed to be sustainable, innovative, and adaptable to different applications and preferences. We are always looking for new ways to improve our products and services, and to exceed our customers’ expectations.

NW: What sets Acme-Hardesty’s sustainability strategy apart from other chemical distributors?

Ramakrishnan: Acme Hardesty’s sustainability strategy is centered around three pillars of action: sourcing products from manufacturers with sustainable agricultural and manufacturing practices, optimizing the design of supply chain to minimize carbon footprint, and fostering an environment of continuous learning to promote responsible, sustainable practices.

As a leading distributor of bio-based and natural ingredients, Acme-Hardesty is committed to promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. We believe that the demand for greener and more sustainable products is not just a trend but a responsible and necessary shift in the food and beverage industry. Acme-Hardesty takes pride in representing ingredient manufacturers who prioritize sustainability and environmental consciousness, mirroring our own commitment to maintaining sustainable supply chain practices as suppliers.

We are associated with organizations and certifications such as Ecovadis, Sedex, and RSPO, demonstrating their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Since 1942, Acme-Hardesty has grown into a leading distributor by building a robust and ethical supply chain through partnerships with environmentally progressive manufacturers across the globe.