Step Change Innovations

We’re onto something BIG at Step Change Innovations... Navigating the functional food and supplement space is overwhelming. It’s fragmented and frustrating for science-backed ingredient companies and independent retailers alike. Here’s what we’ve noticed: ⛔ Independent retailers are stuck with outdated, cookie-cutter private-label programs that fail to connect with wellness-focused consumers ⛔ Science-backed ingredient companies struggle to secure early wins, often stuck in lengthy enterprise CPG launches that slow momentum What if we could fix this together? These challenges are two sides of the same coin, creating an opportunity for something bold: ✨ Exclusive black label innovation ✨ This isn’t about the tired, "me-too" private-label programs of the past. It’s a new solution, focused on wellness powered by science backed ingredients and structured with purpose: ✅ For Retailers: On-trend, value-driven products to meet growing wellness demand, faster and with less complexity ✅ For Ingredient Companies: A platform to showcase your technology and connect with consumers and retailers who care Introducing our WellWerks / NuWerks line and program launching nationwide in January 2025. This isn’t just about selling products. It's about creating real connections and driving meaningful differentiation. More announcements around this launch are coming. Trust me, if you are an ingredient company or independent grocer this is a movement you’ll want to be part of. #Innovation #ControlLabel #RetailTrends #Wellwerks #StepChangeInnovations #PLMA #privatelabel #ingredients #sciencebackedingredients #storebrands #independentgrocery #progressivegrocer #naturalproducts

If this isn't yet on your calendar, it should be! Come listen to Step Change's VP of Science and Innovation, Devon Gholam, Ph.D., on this informative webinar with Women In Nutraceuticals - Trends & Innovations in Developing Nutraceuticals for Women. Hope to see you there!

Who's your cheerleader? I'm grateful I have several, but perhaps my biggest cheerleader in my professional career is none other than Joe Bradley. I'm sharing this amazing leadership profile on him in the latest issue of Whole Foods Magazine because I know he will never share it himself. Joe has a knack for identifying talent, building teams, and pushing the envelope with ideas and strategies. He's always seen things in me I've never seen in myself. He always encourages me to be myself and brings out the best work in me, but also makes sure I prioritize myself and my family. I couldn't ask for a better boss, friend, colleague, "brother from another mother", and I'm so grateful to be on the Step Change Innovations train with him and our whole team! Is there someone who always keeps you going in your career? Tell me about them in the comments! https://lnkd.in/gqx2e9sA

After a wonderful Thanksgiving, today’s all about reflection, rest, and recharging for the week ahead. As a Libra, I’m all about balance, and Amabie sparkling immunity tonics feel just right—the perfect harmony of Japanese heritage and modern science with IMMUSE® postbiotic from our colleagues at Kirin to support immunity. Here’s how I’m incorporating them into my day: • Serenity (Cherry Blossom Lychee): A calming sip while I reset my mind. • Focus (Ume Plum & Sencha Green Tea): Keeps me sharp during planning meetings. • Energy (Yuzu Honey): My go-to when it’s time to tackle the to-do list. Finding balance that keeps me running during the holidays never tasted so good! 🌸🗻🏯🇯🇵 Check them out at drinkamabie.com. What’s your post-Thanksgiving ritual? Thank you Devon Gholam, Ph.D. For suggesting this fun post and Step Change Innovations for creating this new line! #ShowUsYourCans #Friends&Family

Proudly Launching Amabie Sparkling Tonic! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Amabie Sparkling Tonic, a wellness beverage that beautifully blends tradition and science. This premium functional beverage was inspired by the Japanese legend of the Amabie, a mythical figure said to bring hope and protection, and powered by IMMUSE®, a cutting-edge postbiotic ingredient from our partners at Kyowa Hakko USA, clinically shown to support immune health. This project is a shining example of what we aim to achieve with our Premium Fast Track program: ✅ Bringing science-backed ingredients to market, fast ✅ Crafting consumer-ready brands that resonate ✅ Creating a beacon in the marketplace that opens doors for future sales opportunities Thank you to Kyowa Hakko USA for trusting us to bring this vision to life, and to everyone who contributed to this milestone. We’re proud to see Amabie Sparkling Tonic on shelves and in the hands of consumers, delivering both meaningful storytelling and tangible health benefits. This is what happens when innovation, tradition, and collaboration come together. ➡️ Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/eYYW_9Ng #DrinkAmabie #FunctionalBeverage #FunctionalFoods #FastTrack #FoodInnovation #BeverageInnovation #EmergingBrands

A legend comes to life ... Introducing Amabie Sparkling Tonic! I couldn’t be prouder to share the launch of Amabie Sparking Tonic. This project has been a true labor of love, combining rich cultural storytelling with cutting-edge science. Inspired by the Japanese legend of the Amabie, a symbol of hope and protection, this sparkling tonic highlights IMMUSE®, a revolutionary postbiotic ingredient designed to support immune health. This launch wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible partners Kyowa Hakko USA, who trusted us to help bring their vision to life. Collaborating with their team on this meaningful project has been an absolute privilege. To everyone who contributed to this success ... thank you! Amabie Sparkling Tonic is a shining example of what happens when innovation, tradition, and partnership come together.  https://lnkd.in/eYyUTva9 📌 https://lnkd.in/e6AeFfBa #ProductLaunch #FunctionalBeverage #FoodTechnology #FunctionalFoods #ImmuneHealth #Tradition #Amabie #AmabieChallenge #healthybeverage #postbiotics #emergingbrands      

At SupplySide West 2024 (and post-show), I have had plenty of questions about our Step Change Innovations Fast Track program. How does it work, and how can it help accelerate ingredient sales?   The idea of the Fast Track program is to create a beacon in the market - creating a brand from idea to execution that features your science-backed ingredient launching in under 120 days on retail shelves and online. Our first Fast Track project with ADM is a prime example. We launched Parker’s Plant-Based Protein, highlighting ADM’s amazing and innovative PreforPro® prebiotic, which restores microbiome balance by crowding out bad bacteria so beneficial bacteria can thrive. Unlike typical prebiotics, PreforPro® works within hours, making it a true gut health game-changer.    After 9 months in the market we listened to our retail partners and consumers and added a probiotic, DE111, also from ADM which has amazing synbiotic qualities for digestive and immune health supported by published clinical data. Parker’s continues to grow and is sold nationally and online.    So, how does a Fast Track work?   1. We Become Your Customer – We launch a finished product showcasing your ingredient with a marketing narrative that resonates with consumers. 2. We Build the Brand – From concept to packaging, we craft a premium brand that highlights your ingredient’s science and unique benefits. 3. We Use Our Retail Network – Our deep network of national independent retailers helps get the brand on shelves fast, driving early consumer exposure and awareness. 4. We Tell Your Story – We showcase the science behind your ingredient, building consumer trust and setting a strong foundation for brand recognition.  5. We Create a Beacon in the Marketplace – This brand serves as a proof point that your ingredient works and resonates, helping your sales team close future deals faster by offering a visible, successful example in the market.   With Fast Track, we take your ingredient from concept to shelf, ensuring compliance, positioning, and visibility that opens doors for long-term success. Do you have a unicorn ingredient we can Fast Track? 🚀 We’re opening very limited slots for Fast Track projects starting in Q1 2025. If you want your ingredient to make a lasting impact and tell your story the right way out the gate, let’s connect! #SupplySideWest #FastTrack #IngredientInnovation #ADM #prebiotics #probiotics #ParkersPlantBased #PreforPro #ScienceBacked #SalesEnablement #BrandLaunch #IndependentRetailers#IngredientSales #FastTrackIngredientSales #StepChangeInnovations

If anyone questions why teachers matter, let me take a moment to pay tribute to one who personally and professionally made a deep, profound impact on my life. My high school English teacher at Gilmour Academy, Mr. Frank McCamley, was the kindest and warmest teacher.  Despite my adulthood successes, I was a kid who tried hard yet struggled with grades—Mr. McCamley was the first teacher to encourage me and taught me positive attitude and hard work WILL be rewarded. He also was the first adult with multiple sclerosis, outside my mother, with whom I forged a close relationship.  Born in Ireland, he presented a calming  and unique sense of purpose when discussing the disease, displaying his sense of humor while defining courage, character, and leadership that has stayed with me to this day.   I am one of thousands of students in debt to Mr. McCamley for his service.  His legacy will have lasting consequences through the many students he taught through the years.  If you ever think your impact in this world doesn’t matter, Mr. McCamley is proof that it does.  We should all strive to leave such a legacy. May the road rise up to meet you Mr McCamley. Sláinte

At SupplySide West 2024, I had the chance to talk with Todd Runestad from SupplySide Supplement Journal about my favorite science-backed ingredient. While I mentioned only one ingredient I actually have several favorites. One that is changing the game right now:   PeptiStrong® by Nuritas – PeptiStrong® is a next-gen muscle support peptide derived from plant sources, designed to help with muscle maintenance and recovery. With the growing emphasis on plant-based and sustainable ingredients, PeptiStrong® is perfectly positioned for active consumers.   PeptiStrong® has been part of our Step Change Innovations Fast Track program, designed to “fast track” science-backed ingredients through strategic CPG brand partnerships, getting them to market faster.    Pep Bars and are now sold nationally in three amazing flavors and by retailer demand we are launching Pep RTD shots in Q1 2025 all powered by PeptiStrong®!   More announcements to come featuring additional Step Change Innovations food and beverage launches featuring PeptiStrong® and our fast track ingredient partners…stay tuned!   We’re opening a few new slots for Fast Track projects starting Q1 2025. Interested in bringing your ingredient to market with a strong first-customer launch? Let’s connect! 👇 #SupplySideWest #CPGInnovation #PeptiStrong #FastTrack #IngredientInnovation #WomensHealth #MuscleSupport #Independentretail #longevity  

ICYMI: Our Ingredient Sales Industry Report launched last week at #SSW2024! This report is packed with insights from industry leaders, data-backed trends, and actionable strategies to help you navigate today’s challenging ingredient sales landscape. Here’s what you can expect: 🔍 Key challenges and opportunities in the ingredient sales market 💡 Expert perspectives on emerging trends 📈 Data-driven insights to optimize your sales approach Whether you’re an ingredient company, manufacturer, or a brand, this report offers valuable tools to stay ahead in a competitive market. 📥DOWNLOAD THE REPORT: https://lp.vbt.site/48375/