TCI is a global contract manufacturer specializing in the development and production of functional health foods and skincare products. They offer comprehensive supply chain solutions tailored to client needs, emphasizing sustainability through on-site solar energy, circular manufacturing processes, and collaborations with local social enterprises. Their product range includes private-label supplements, skincare items, and innovative formulations with operations spanning the USA, Europe, and Asia.
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As a Business Development Manager at TCI Biotech, I served as the vital link between TCI’s Taiwan-based operations and U.S. companies, fostering strong relationships that drove a $12M sales pipeline. Partnering with over 30 nutraceutical and cosmeceutical clients, I worked closely with them to understand their unique needs and goals.
Market Expansion and Innovation
By introducing advanced formulations, emerging technologies, scientific solutions and leveraging industry research, I assisted clients in expanding their product lines, achieving significant growth in market share and establishing stronger brand positions which solidified my reputation as a trusted advisor in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical markets.
Enhanced Client Satisfaction and Retention
Proactive support via phone, emails ,on-site visits, and continuous engagement resulted in a 90% improvement in client retention, as clients valued the strategic insights, tailored recommendations, and market-driven guidance I provided to address their evolving needs. By anticipating challenges, offering customized solutions, and maintaining transparent, consultative relationships, I strengthened client trust, enhanced satisfaction, and positioned TCI Biotech as a go-to partner for long-term success in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
Strategic Partnerships Development:
I Identified and engaged clients, brands, and industry leaders that aligned with TCI Biotech’s profile, adding value to their product portfolios through innovative formulations and cutting-edge solutions. By nurturing key relationships with industry leaders, contract manufacturers, and suppliers, I facilitated long-term collaborations, expanded market opportunities, and drove sustainable revenue growth.
Developing an Energy Shot for Qualia
Client PROFILE
Qualia Life is a leading health and wellness company specializing in advanced nootropic supplements to enhance cognitive function, mental clarity, and overall well-being. They focus on science-backed formulations, integrating cutting-edge research and high-quality ingredients to optimize brain performance, memory retention, and long-term neurological health. Their flag ship product, Qualia Mind, is known for boosting focus, enhancing productivity, and supporting mental resilience, making it a top choice for professionals, students, and high-performers.
CLIENT CHALLENGE
💼 SVP of Product Developement
The supplement market has shifted towards liquid shots, driven by consumer demand for convenient, fast-acting solutions that fit into busy lifestyles. Recognizing this, Nick saw an opportunity for Qualia to enter the space with an energy shot. He envisioned it as the ideal way to expand into the liquid supplement market, offering a compact, high-impact solution that aligns with the company’s commitment to innovation and cognitive enhancement while meeting the growing demand for on-the-go mental performance without compromising quality.
CLIENT SOLUTION
Nick’s experience with Carabao Energy Drink during a trip to Thailand sparked his vision for an energy shot aligned with Qualia’s ethos—a clean, effective formula free from artificial additives. My work focused on:
Product Development & Market Fit:
Translated Nick’s inspiration into a fast-acting, clean energy shot, ensuring it met consumer demands for taste, absorption, and functionality.
Brand Alignment & Consumer Appeal:
Developed a science-backed formulation aligned with Qualia’s commitment to clean, transparent products, reinforcing its leadership in the cognitive enhancement space.
Recognizing the potential, I initiated a conversation with Nick Bitz to understand his vision and share innovative ideas for liquid product development. Collaborating closely with our product development team, we crafted a custom formulation, incorporating cutting-edge ingredients aligned with emerging health and wellness trends.
To further refine the concept, we met in person at Supply Side West in Las Vegas, where Nick was joined by Gregory Kelly, VP of Product Development. This meeting allowed us to dive deeper into flavor profiles, functionality, and formulation strategies, ensuring the product aligned perfectly with Qualia’s brand ethos and market expectations.
Key steps included:
Conducted discovery calls with Nick to define the product's functional goals, flavor profile, and target audience. Simultaneously, researched emerging ingredients in the energy supplement market, focusing on clean, scientifically backed options that aligned with Qualia’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Collaborated with the product development team to create multiple prototype formulations. Each formulation integrated health-focused ingredients such as adaptogens, nootropics, and natural caffeine sources to ensure an optimal balance between functionality and taste.
Delivered prototypes to Nick and his team for evaluation and collected detailed feedback on taste, efficacy, and market appeal. Iteratively refined the formulation by adjusting ingredient ratios and flavor profiles, ensuring the final product met all specifications and expectations.
Engaged in transparent discussions with Nick regarding production costs, ensuring the final solution maintained high-quality standards while adhering to budgetary constraints. Finalized agreements with manufacturing partners to produce the 50 mL energy shot, ensuring scalability and consistent quality control for future market expansion.
CLIENT OUTCOME
The collaboration led to the development of a one-of-a-kind 50mL Energy Shot that combines nootropics with a fast-absorbing liquid format for clean, sustained energy. Key outcomes included:
✅ Innovative Formulation: The product met Qualia’s high standards for taste, functionality, and performance, delivering a fast-acting energy boost that’s easy to consume and highly effective without any jitters or crashes.
✅ Balanced Cognitive Support: Enhanced mental clarity, focus, and endurance throughout the day, providing sustained energy with no crashes, making it the perfect alternative to traditional energy drinks.
Developing a Collagen Product for Gainful
CLIENT PROFILE
Gainful is a personalized nutrition company that offers science-backed supplements tailored to your unique body, lifestyle, and fitness goals. They provide customizable products like protein powders, pre-workouts, hydration packs, and daily greens, all free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, gluten, soy, and fillers. The standout feature of Gainful is its personalized approach, where you can select a protein base (whey or plant-based), flavor, and goal-specific boosts like Build Muscle or Gut Health. They partnered with Recharge for flexible subscription options, making it easy to manage your regimen, and its products are available directly on their website or at retailers like Target.
Client Challenge
💼 Head of Product Innovation
Gainful's extensive product portfolio offers a wide range of personalized nutrition solutions. Still, it lacked a collagen supplement—a critical component in wellness, recovery, and longevity. Recognizing this gap in their lineup, I proactively contacted Lauren with a strategic proposal to introduce a collagen-based product that would complement their existing offerings and meet growing consumer demand for high-quality, functional collagen supplements. One of Lauren’s primary concerns was ensuring seamless brand alignment, particularly in delivery format. The challenge was to develop a science-backed, high-quality collagen formula that effortlessly fit intothe Gainful experience.
CLIENT SOLUTION
Grass-fed Bovine Collagen was the ideal solution, providing a well-rounded profile of functional benefits while maintaining the brand’s commitment to clean, transparent sourcing. My work focused on:
Nutritional Superiority & Integration: Bovine Collagen has superior health benefits because it contains type I and type III Collagen, ensuring high bioavailability, excellent solubility, and smooth texture for seamless integration into Gainful’s supplements
Brand Alignment & Market Differentiation: Developed a versatile, functional product that complemented Gainful’s existing offerings, reinforcing its position in the wellness market
Given the complexity of the project and the need for precise formulation, it was essential to maintain clear communication and hands-on collaboration throughout the process, especially since Lauren was living in Canada.
I remained highly responsive to ensure every detail was perfected, proactively addressing any concerns and providing detailed updates at every stage. I was deeply invested in the success of this product, going the extra mile to refine the formulation, expedite sample shipments, and accommodate feedback quickly. My goal was not just to deliver a great product but to create something that aligned with Gainful’s vision and set a new standard in their portfolio.
Key steps included:
Conducted market research to assess consumer demand for collagen in a powder format, ensuring alignment with Gainful’s existing product strategy.
Researched and secured grass-fed bovine collagen, ensuring it met Gainful’s standards for purity, functionality, and sustainability while providing both Type I and Type III collagen benefits.
Sent multiple collagen powder samples to Lauren and the team, allowing them to evaluate solubility, taste, and mixability to ensure it complemented their existing lineup.
Worked closely with Lauren and the formulation team to fine-tune the flavor profile and functional benefits, ensuring the final product met both brand expectations and consumer needs
CLIENT OUTCOME
The collaboration successfully launched Gainful’s Grass-fed Collagen Peptides, a premium powdered supplement for skin, joint, and gut health. Key outcomes included:
✅ Premium Product Expansion: Gainful successfully expanded its portfolio, opening new market opportunities and reinforcing its commitment to personalized wellness.
✅ Strengthened Market Position: The product supported Gainful’s focus on wellness and performance nutrition, further establishing the brand as a leader in the collagen space.
B2B Client Management
Expertise in managing high-profile client relationships, providing tailored solutions, and driving product innovation.
Industry Knowledge
Deep understanding of emerging trends, ingredients, and regulatory landscapes within nutraceutical and cosmeceutical markets.
Adaptability and Continuous Learning
Proactively adapted to new technologies and scientific advancements, ensuring clients received relevant and competitive insights.
“Cedric was an incredible partner throughout the entire development process. His deep industry knowledge, proactive communication, and commitment to getting every detail right made all the difference. He went above and beyond to ensure we had the perfect formulation, and his dedication to our vision was evident at every step. Working with him was not just productive—it was an absolute pleasure.”
“Cedric’s commitment to our success went beyond routine support. His strategic insights and hands-on approach were instrumental in growing our product portfolio and market presence.”
"Cedric was an incredible partner throughout the entire development process. His deep industry knowledge, proactive communication, and commitment to getting every detail right made all the difference. He went above and beyond to ensure we had the perfect formulation, and his dedication to our vision was evident at every step. Working with him was not just productive—it was an absolute pleasure."
