If anything defines Lleó, the company that specializes in manufacturing food supplements for third parties, it’s the strength of our commitment. If there’s one value that defines us as a company, it’s the power of our word. Beyond merely entering into contracts, we follow through on our word”, states CEO, Sara Grau. This very principle has guided the company from the outset in the 1990s.
Lleó dates back to between 1995 and 1997 when a young couple who ran a diet and nutrition clinic realised that, despite the growing demand for food supplements, no product on the market fully met the required quality and formulation standards. “They saw that there was no shortage of brands and demand, but none made the supplements the way they wanted,” explained Grau. So, they decided to launch their own proprietary formulas and, slowly but surely, started producing for third parties until this became the cornerstone of their business strategy.
Technical-based excellence
One of Lleó’s core strengths lies in its solid technical foundation. “What sets us apart from other manufacturers is that our entire team has had highly technical training,” explained Grau, who holds a degree in Chemistry. This approach enables us to provide expert guidance to clients, effectively becoming an extension of their own technical team. “In fact, we deliver training to a considerable number of our clients,” she adds.
Lleó develops a wide range of food supplements tailored to different industries: everything from pharmacies, health food stores, nutricosmetics, medical clinics, to supermarkets. “We make all types of supplements, always complying with legal regulations and adapting to the formats sought by our clients,” says the CEO. In this regard, personalization is the key. “We make bespoke supplements according to our clients’ needs.”
Quality and safety are prioritized throughout every step of the process. “Prevention rather than cure has always been our top priority.” That’s why we not only comply with the most stringent legal protocols; we also go above and beyond by implementing additional measures that, despite not being mandatory, we believe are of utmost importance,” explains Grau. Since 2016, the company has undergone audits by SGS and holds certifications such as ISO 22000 and GMP+, ensuring the quality of our production processes. What’s more, Lleó prioritizes organic production whenever feasible, guaranteeing that its raw materials and processes comply with traceability and organic certification standards.
Advice and innovation
When launching a new product line, Lleó guides its clients every step of the way; from the initial idea right the way through to final production. “A client might have an idea that’s more or less developed, and then we provide the much-needed expertise depending on the stage the project is at,” explains Grau. This also includes advice on ingredients and market trends, a key factor in an ever-evolving industry.
Innovation is also at the heart of the company. “We have the ability to innovate in terms of formats, ingredients, processes, and branding.” “For instance, sticks were a major innovation rolled out in 2019,” says the CEO. Adaptogenic ingredients are gaining increasing traction: “They help you adapt to daily challenges, whether you’re experiencing low energy or mood swings.”
Looking ahead, Lleó is as committed as ever to sustainable growth. “The industry is expanding, so our only choice is to grow too—whether in terms of formats, facilities…” But always organically. “We’re not interested in growth that’s beyond our control,” concludes Grau. A philosophy that strengthens our dedication to quality, personalization, and, most importantly, client trust.
