Agriculture

Located in the Marche region (Central Italy), this Italian SME is an IFS-certified manufacturer specialised in the development and production of high-protein, low-carb snacks and beverages. Since 2016, it has been supplying leading diet brands across Italy and Europe, with products designed for structured diet protocols, including keto and gluten-free solutions. The enterprise benefits from a dynamic in-house R&D team, able to develop tailor-made recipes based on specific nutritional requirements. It works in close co-creation with clients, following their guidelines and supporting the use of specific ingredients or formulations requested, ensuring flexibility, innovation, and fast development. This expertise allows the company to combine nutritional performance with taste, quality, and convenience. The portfolio includes bars, baked goods, and ready-to-drink protein beverages for diet programs, pharmacies, and specialized retail channels. Building on this experience, the business has recently launched a new retail-oriented range under its own brand, designed for mass market and GDO channels. This line maintains high-protein and low-carb benefits while targeting a broader consumer base. All products are also available for private label production. MOQ are flexible and designed to support long-term, win-win collaborations, enabling scalable partnerships with both emerging and established international partners. The company is looking for foreign partners for two main areas: private label collaboration for its core high-protein, low-carb range, and distribution or GDO partnerships for the retail line, either under its own brand or retailer brands. It is committed to developing long-term, win-win international partnerships, positioning itself as a trusted innovation and manufacturing partner in the functional and protein food sector. Commercial, supplier and outsourcing agreements are offered. Advantages and innovations: The SME is a reliable and experienced Italian manufacturer in the functional and protein food sector, offering a wide range of high-protein, low-carb snacks and beverages that are differentiated from standard market products in terms of nutritional profile, formulation expertise, and product versatility. It combines long-standing industrial experience with strong innovation capabilities, supported by a dynamic in-house R&D team and a co-creation approach with clients. This allows the development of highly customized products aligned with specific nutritional goals, ingredient requirements, and market positioning. The company was also among the first in Europe to develop a low glycemic index snack line on which scientific studies were conducted in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Marche, further demonstrating its pioneering role in functional nutrition research and product development. Certified IFS, it ensures high standards in food safety, quality, and production processes, meeting the requirements of leading international brands and retail chains. Its dual business model—private label production for specialized diet brands and a retail-ready product line for GDO and mass market—represents a strong competitive advantage compared to traditional manufacturers focused on a single channel. Flexibility in production, including adaptable MOQs, enables efficient collaboration with both emerging and established partners, reducing entry barriers and supporting scalable growth strategies. The company’s expertise in protein and low-carb formulations positions it as a strategic partner in the fast-growing functional food market. Technical Specification or Expertise Sought: The enterprise is seeking partners with strong commercial and technical capabilities in the food, functional food, and retail sectors. Depending on the type of cooperation (distribution or private label), the following competencies are considered essential: • Established distribution networks in retail, GDO, pharmacy, fitness, or health-oriented channels, with proven experience in introducing and scaling food or functional nutrition products in local markets; • Strong relationships with retail chains, supermarket groups, importers, or specialized distributors in the target regions (Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East, and the US); • Experience in private label development, including product positioning, category management, and collaboration with manufacturers for customized product development; • Knowledge of local regulatory requirements for food products, including labeling, nutritional claims, and import compliance; • Ability to support market development activities such as brand positioning, commercial promotion, and sales growth strategies within their territory. For private label projects, partners with input in product development, category insights, and understanding of consumer trends in high-protein, low-carb, keto and functional nutrition segments are particularly valued. Partners with a proactive, long-term approach focused on building scalable business models and strong market penetration for innovative functional food products are highly preferred.