Despite the rapid growth of the nutraceutical industry in recent years, the industry faces considerable challenges in the supply chain. These problems can affect production quality and efficiency.
Some main issues faced by nutraceutical companies manufacturing supplements and other products include:
- Meeting any relevant regulations
- Quality standardization and control
- The challenge of sourcing high-quality ingredients
- Looking for innovative formulas
- Ensuring product stability and optimal shelf life
Manufacturers who are aware of the challenges to expect could better prepare to overcome them and minimize their negative effects. In the following guide, read more about the main issues and what you can do to resolve the issues.
Complying with Relevant Regulations
Nutraceutical companies have the tricky task of meeting various regulations, especially if operating in different markets. The rules can be different in various states or countries, and the regulations might even depend on the product. That makes this an even bigger challenge for companies aiming to compete in international or multi-state markets.
On top of that, the laws are frequently changing, making it challenging for nutraceutical companies to keep track of any adjustments. Manufacturers that fail to comply with the latest regulations risk paying fines, withdrawing their products, or other legal consequences like closing down the entire business.
Overcoming this challenge will require paying close attention to any changes made to regulations. It’s best to have a single person or a team focused solely on complying with laws and other guidelines. Alternatively, a nutraceutical company could hire an external consultant or an expert who would communicate with various authorities to ensure manufacturers are aware of any regulatory changes.
Quality Standardization and Control
A certain level of quality is expected from nutraceutical products, and manufacturers face the challenge of maintaining consistency with each unit. That’s a crucial task, especially since it’s also necessary to comply with various regulations.
Nutraceutical manufacturers are dealing with natural-based ingredients, which can vary in composition. Too much inconsistency can compromise the trust of the consumers and also affect the effectiveness of the supplements made.
Different approaches can help achieve maximum quality control and standardization. Here are some tips that manufacturers could apply:
- Have clear specifics for each active compound in the product. That means setting the preferred potency and purity, which should help achieve optimum quality throughout all product batches.
- Work only with trustworthy suppliers. Check the supplier’s reputation and what they do to comply with regulations and industry standards.
- Apply and follow rigorous quality control procedures. These include anything from testing raw ingredients to applying quality assurance protocol and testing finished products regularly.
The Challenge of Sourcing Quality Ingredients
Acquiring top-quality ingredients is a priority for a nutraceutical manufacturing company. Premium compounds are those that can grant you an edge over the competitors and establish trust among buyers in different markets. However, many challenges come when trying to source top-quality ingredients for your products.
The main challenges to consider include:
- Restricted ingredient availability. The pandemic has caused big problems when it comes to sourcing ingredients throughout many industries. Geographical limitations, such as the fact that some compounds are only available in certain parts of the world, could make it expensive to acquire them. Also, some ingredients are only available seasonally, and you need to consider potential replacements or ways to preserve them during other seasons.
- Ingredient traceability. It’s vital that you can track the origin of each compound used in your products. Apart from origin, it’s crucial to be aware of how the supplier processes and handles the compounds. Tracking the ingredients throughout the entire chain will ensure they maintain the highest quality when entering the manufacturing process. Also, it’s recommended to specify details about obtaining and producing ingredients since that helps establish trust with the consumers.
- Different prices. The market can be volatile, especially with unpredictable events like natural disasters or a pandemic. Different suppliers might also have different prices, so it’s up to the manufacturer to find the best options. Otherwise, you risk raising the ingredient price and the product cost, which could lead to losing consumers.
Experts recommend trying your best to maintain a strong relationship with each supplier, especially after identifying trustworthy ones. That includes communicating in an effective and polite way, responding to e-mails and other inquiries promptly, and paying everything on time according to the contract agreement.
Asking for occasional feedback from the suppliers to understand the relationship and how you can improve it can help you maintain a strong bond and ensure long-term cooperation.
Looking for Innovative Formulas and Ingredients
The nutraceutical market is constantly involved, and new potent ingredients are discovered regularly. Also, mixing different formulas could secure the best possible result and deliver just what the customers seek. It’s why manufacturers should adapt to the changing market conditions and always consider new ingredients and formulas.
Following the latest research regarding potentially interesting ingredients can be a way of identifying potent products and including them in your formulas before the competition. Applying for different newsletters, visiting relevant conferences and seminars, and contacting and exchanging ideas with suppliers and other parties in the nutraceutical industries can help optimize your formulas.
Ensuring the Products Are Stable in Different Conditions and Securing Optimal Shelf Life
Natural-based ingredients are sensitive, and we can say the same for most nutraceutical formulas and products. If they aren’t kept in optimal conditions throughout the supply chain, that could compromise the product’s quality. Increased humidity and heightened temperature, as well as fluctuating values in these categories, could affect sensitive ingredients and their potency.
Nutraceutical manufacturers should consider the most suitable packaging options for their products. The idea is to protect the ingredients against any environmental factors that could compromise them. You can test how different methods affect the shelf life of your product or consult experts to pick the best choice.
Manufacturers shouldn’t underestimate potential options to alter product formulas to prolong their shelf life. On the other hand, don’t forget that the customers want their nutraceutical products to be as “natural” as possible, so don’t go too far with adding artificial ingredients.
Educate and Inform Consumers
One of the reasons why the nutraceutical industry has progressed so far is that consumers have become more interested in natural-based and healthy supplements and other products. That also means they are more knowledgeable when it comes to choosing the desired ingredients.
However, a significant portion of customers are still unaware of the recommended product dosages or which formulas they can mix. This is why manufacturers should focus on educating them about how to best use the combinations of their products. You can do this by posting detailed descriptions of each formula and also making blog posts about your products’ specifics.
It’s all about providing detailed product information. That means you should leave no room for guessing when it comes to optimal dosages and how to consume the formulas. Also, make sure to mention potential medication interactions and any side effects. The label should provide concise information that’s easy to understand for any customer.
Final Thoughts
The huge potential of the nutraceutical industry is the reason why an increasing number of manufacturers have been trying to make their way to success. But it’s not only about the stiff competition since the nutraceutical chain also comes with many other challenges.
Sourcing the right ingredients, ensuring you meet regulatory compliance, and providing detailed information about products to customers are only some issues to tackle. However, understanding the problems is the first step to overcoming them. Coming up with the right tactics and being dedicated to every detail of the manufacturing process is the surefire way to success and a guarantee you’ll establish customer trust quickly.
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