In the fast-paced world of nutritional supplements, staying informed about market developments – and learning from the experience of others – can give your brand a valuable edge. That’s why we want to share a few updates that not only reflect recent recognition of our company and CEO Martin Guniš but also offer insights that may help you in your own entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re growing your supplement brand or just starting out, we hope these stories shed light on industry trends, product strategy, and the power of long-term vision.
The Potravinovo podcast: Finding opportunity in emerging niches
Our CEO recently shared valuable insights in the Slovak podcast called Potravinovo. The podcast that features inspiring professionals from the food industry provided a fantastic opportunity to discuss the evolution of the nutritional supplement market.
One key topic was the early days of our business, when collagen was still classified as a novel food in Slovakia. Spotting its potential, we were among the first in the region to manufacture and package collagen-based supplements. That strategic focus helped us carve out a strong position in the private label market.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation that might resonate with your business:
Adapt and innovate: Customer needs evolve. Your product range should too. Being flexible and responsive can keep your brand ahead of the curve.
Identify emerging market trends: Our early success with collagen demonstrates the potential of entering nascent product categories. It is also important to find your market niche.
Build long-term partnerships: The right business partner will support your growth, not stand in your way. Look for responsiveness, transparency, and a shared commitment to quality.
Forbes feature: Lessons from rapid growth
Our journey was also recently featured in Forbes Slovakia, which recognized our company as the fastest-growing medium-sized company in Eastern Slovakia in 2022. While we’re proud of that milestone, what’s more important is what this trajectory illustrates for other supplement brand owners.
The article explored how we grew from a small team in 2016 to reaching revenues of €24 million and a profit of around €5 million in 2023. It also covered the evolution of our product line – from a collagen-focused offering to a diverse portfolio of over 1,500 formulations.
A few lessons stood out that might apply to your own brand:
- Use what you know: Our entry into collagen came from insights gained through our founder’s family business. Sometimes the best opportunities are rooted in your existing knowledge or network.
- Great products need great sales strategies: In the early days, our website organically attracted clients. But scaling required a dedicated sales team and proactive outreach. Building a solid go-to-market plan is just as important as perfecting your product.
- Invest in flexibility: We’ve made strategic investments in technology and production capacity to support a broad range of supplement formats. That adaptability now allows us – and the brands we work with – to respond quickly to changing consumer preferences.
EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist: Vision and execution
Most recently, our CEO Martin Guniš was named a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award – an honor that recognizes forward-thinking business leaders across the country.
This nomination reflects more than personal achievement. It acknowledges the broader values that drive our company: long-term thinking, innovation, and a commitment to helping brands grow in a competitive landscape.
If you’re leading a supplement business, the takeaway is clear: Strong leadership and strategic clarity – combined with a focus on continuous improvement – can create the conditions for sustainable success.
What does this mean for you?
We share these updates not to talk about ourselves, but to offer real-world insights that can benefit your business. Whether it’s spotting trends early, building strong partnerships, or thinking long-term about your growth strategy, we hope this gives you something useful to consider.
If you’re currently exploring manufacturing options or just want to stay informed about best practices in the supplement industry, we’re always open to a conversation. Let’s keep learning and growing together.