nellson news

December 2017

Nellson, LLC to acquire Genysis Brand Solutions

Nellson Nutraceutical, LLC (Nellson), a leading North American formulator and manufacturer of branded and private-label nutritional bar and functional powder products, today announced that it has acquired Genysis Brand Solutions Inc. (Genysis). Genysis is a Salt Lake City-based manufacturer of functional powders. Genysis affiliates Dyad Labs (formerly Genysis Labs) and Sensapure Flavors have been spun out as independent entities and are not included in the transaction.

The business combination strengthens Nellson’s powder production capabilities, expands its product lines and channels, and diversifies its customer mix. “The combination with Genysis, together with the recent opening of our state-of-the-art bar-making facility in Ontario, California further strengthens Nellson’s position as a strategic partner of choice within the fast-growing nutritional bar and functional powders sectors” said Jamie Better, Chief Executive Officer of Nellson. “This acquisition replicates in powders what we achieved in bars three years ago through our acquisition of Multibar, as it combines two respected functional powder manufacturers to create the clear category leader with remarkable capabilities in new product development and best-in-class manufacturing.”

Genysis will operate as a subsidiary of Nellson. Adam Schwinghammer, President of Genysis, who will stay on as a key member of the executive management team, said, “We are excited about merging with Nellson and capitalizing on the respective strengths of the two companies in order to benefit our current and prospective customers.”

The combined company will have five manufacturing and R&D facilities, offering greater capabilities to customers both in the U.S. and Canada, as well as internationally.

Nellson is a portfolio company of Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C (Kohlberg), a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York.

Seth H. Hollander, Partner at Kohlberg, commented, "Since our acquisition of Nellson in 2013, we have been focused on identifying acquisitions as a means to grow and expand our capabilities, product offering and customer base. Genysis represents a key step toward that end." Hollander added, "Nellson and Genysis are highly complementary businesses, and we are pleased to capitalize on this unique opportunity to create a larger, more diversified company capable of better serving our combined customer bases."

Antares Holdings provided Nellson with fully committed credit facilities sufficient to close the transaction. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal counsel to Nellson. Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisor to Genysis.

September 2017

Nellson Introduces Customer-Driven Blog: 'Nellson in Motion' – Resource Offers Market Insight and Formulation Solutions for Successful Nutrition Bars and Functional Powders

Nellson LLC, the leading full-service nutrition bar and powder provider in North America, recently introduced ‘Nellson in Motion’. The blog, written by Nellson’s team of experts, offers insight and information on the nutritional bar and functional powder markets. Content is designed to highlight current consumer trends, methods to overcome formulation challenges, and tips for successful product launches.

Bart Child, Nellson’s Sr. VP Commercial Development, said, “We developed the ‘Nellson in Motion’ blog as a tool to communicate the latest news and market insight around nutritional bars and functional powders. At Nellson, we have an incredible wealth of in-house R&D expertise and market information, and we want to share that knowledge with our customers. We hope they will find our blogs to be insightful, as we dive into current consumer trends, examine formulation challenges, and share tips for successful bar and powder development."

The Nellson team of experts post blogs that cover news and information on topics and trends such as:

• Making Clean Label Simple–This post examines the challenges of creating clean label products, current consumer perceptions, as well as the future of the category.

• Customized Vitamin and Mineral Pre-blend Powders–Nellson’s R&D team discusses current challenges in the development of nutraceutical powders, as consumers seek products that meet specific nutritional criteria. The post also highlights Nellson’s custom pre-blend solutions that are available to meet specific label claims, with products that offer ideal shelf life and more.

• Quality Matters–Nellson weighs in on which certifications and standards are most important in today’s nutrition marketplace.

Please visit the Nellson in Motion blog and view posts from Nellson's team of experts.

August 2017

Nellson Assists Manufacturers Seeking Plant-Based Solutions - Company Shares Insight on Successful Nutritional Bars and Functional Powders

The next generation of plant-based food and beverage products are sprouting new life as consumer interest in healthier options grows. According to a recent Mintel report, consumers’ preference for a natural, simple and flexible diet will continue to drive food and beverage manufacturers to further expand offerings with new vegetarian, vegan, free-from, and other plant-focused formulation options. Nellson’s team of formulation experts can help manufacturers overcome plant-based manufacturing obstacles by delivering customized high-quality nutritional bars and functional powders.

Bart Child, Nellson’s Sr. VP Commercial Development, said, “We are seeing an increased demand for plant-based formulations in both nutritional bars and powders that fulfill consumers’ desire for products with functional benefits from natural sources and simple labels with a short list of recognizable ingredients. Our customers are seeking formulation assistance with plant-based proteins, such as: pea, rice, potato, pumpkin, black bean, algae, chia, hemp, and soy. As the leading full-service nutrition bar and powder provider in North America, we are uniquely positioned to help manufacturers find the next winning combination for successful plant-based nutrition bars and functional powders.”

Plant-source protein bars and powders align with consumer desire for better-for-you functional attributes, high protein, and free-from claims. Mintel reports consumers are willing to spend more on products offering a specific nutritional benefit. So as manufacturers move to develop a new generation of plant-based foods, it is important to remember that plant-based formulating can be tricky for many manufacturers. Plant proteins can vary in degree of nutrient density, distinct flavor, and texture. Nellson’s formulation experts understand these base proteins, which is critical to obtaining an optimal amino acid profile, flavor, and texture that is sustainable throughout the product’s shelf life. And, all products are backed with strategically sourced ingredients to ensure a consistent, high quality product, competitive pricing, and consistency of supply.

Child added, “As our new facility in Ontario, California comes online, we are able to offer additional capabilities that further aid customers seeking improved and differentiated plant-based products. For example, we are introducing new technologies that will allow us to expand our offerings with new formats like multi- and single-serve bites. Ongoing investments in manufacturing technologies demonstrate our commitment to providing our customers with flexible capabilities, strategic technology, and progressive innovation.”

Nellson formulations experts have developed many successful plant-based products, including:

A wide variety of plant-based beverage powders–These plant-based beverage powders are not just for vegans. Sold in powder form, these beverages offer convenience in addition to their powerful nutritional benefits like complete and balanced amino acid profiles, superfood combinations, and the nutrients of supergreens, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, these beverage powders are gluten-free and non-GMO. Consumers will love their delicious and nutrient packed, clean formulations.

On-trend plant-based nutrition bars–Trend-right offerings like our matcha citrus bergamot plant-based nutrition bar give consumers an experience, not just an ordinary bar. It features a unique appearance to appeal to hungry eyes and a soft layer atop a crispy texture, for sensory appeal. Pea and potato protein make this bar perfect for vegan consumers, while great taste and texture make it great for consumers hungry for the latest flavorful experience.

April 2017

NELLSON LLC EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM– Adds Martha Hudak-Roos as Vice President Quality and Food Safety, Jack Spallone as Senior Director of Corporate Purchasing

Nellson LLC, the leading full-service nutrition bar and powder provider in North America, recently announced the addition of Martha Hudak-Roos as Vice President Quality and Food Safety, with Jack Spallone joining as Senior Director of Corporate Purchasing.

Jamie Better, Nellson’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “I am happy to announce the addition of Martha (Marty) Hudak-Roos and Jack Spallone to Nellson’s management team. As we prepare to open our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ontario, California later this year, Marty and Jack’s expertise in their respective areas further strengthens Nellson’s solid foundation as the only full-service nutrition bar and powder provider in North America.”

Martha Hudak-Roos will oversee all of Nellson’s quality, food safety and regulatory activities, as well as serving as a member of Nellson’s Executive Leadership Team. Hudak-Roos brings more than 30 years of experience in Quality and Food Safety along with a demonstrated track record of success in the food industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wagner College in Biology and Chemistry.

Jack Spallone will lead Nellson’s corporate procurement activities, while also working closely with the purchasing functions at the company’s manufacturing facilities. Spallone brings more than 12 years of proven industry expertise. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in Business Logistics.

November 2016

Nellson Nutraceutical Announces Realignment of Organization - Names Jean Filion, Chief Operating Officer and Bart Child, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development

Nellson Nutraceutical, the leading full-service nutrition bar and powder provider in North America, announced a realignment of their organization naming Jean Filion as Chief Operating Officer and Bart Child as Senior Vice President of Commercial Development.

Jamie Better, Nellson’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Over the past two years we have aggressively transformed Nellson, tripling it in size through the acquisitions of MultiBar, as well as the bar and powder operations of NBTY. This reorganization furthers the integration of those strategic initiatives to better serve the needs of our customers by streamlining communication, reducing functional and geographic barriers, and strengthening critical business processes. As President of Nellson Canada, Jean Filion successfully integrated the former MultiBar business with Nellson’s Canadian operations. With the additional role of Chief Operating Officer, Jean now will oversee all Nellson operations and will harmonize our business processes across our West Coast and Canadian footprint.”

Better continued, “Bart Child will take on a new role as Senior Vice President of Commercial Development. This functional group now will include Research and Product Development in addition to Bart’s previous responsibilities for Sales and Marketing. This change will allow us to sharpen our customer focus by tightening product development efforts, accelerating Nellson’s time-to-market for new products, and enhancing collaboration in providing turnkey solutions for our customers.”

“This realignment, along with our recently announced plan to build a new state-of-the-art bar manufacturing facility in Ontario, California to meet the growing demands of our customers, reflect Nellson’s determination to be the co-manufacturing partner of choice for leading brands in the nutritional bar and functional powder marketplace,” stated Better.