Vesta Ingredients, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been a trusted leader in the nutraceutical industry since 1996. A premier cGMP- and FDA-registered, full-service manufacturer and distributor, the company specializes in animal feed supplements, food ingredients, and dietary supplements. With fewer than 50 employees, this small family-owned business has used its agility and innovation to carve out a global presence.

Since 2001, Vesta has participated in a broad range of Food Export–Midwest programs and services to build international brand recognition and drive export growth. One of the most impactful has been the Market Access Program-funded Branded Program, which has supported Vesta’s expansion into new markets and the development of new product lines.

“Our success through Food Export–Midwest has made a positive impact on Vesta,” said Kristy Willcutt, Technical Customer Service Representative. “We are currently breaking ground on a new production line. This growth includes expanding our contract manufacturing services to include Liposomal Products and CO₂ extraction. We’re also purchasing more bulk goods to meet increasing global demand.”

In 2023, Vesta participated in the Branded Program to raise brand awareness for its capsule/tablet supplements, formulation aids, and powder supplement products in Thailand. With the recent launch of high-quality Liposomal Products and CO₂-extracted ingredients, the company strategically used its Branded Program funding to advertise in event guides, exhibit at overseas trade shows, and create promotional displays. These efforts resulted in projected sales of over $500,000 to Thailand and helped Vesta gain 100 new foreign buyer contacts.

In 2024, Vesta again participated in the Branded Program to grow export sales and awareness in key markets, including France, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. The company used program funds to:

• Create publication ads and digital marketing materials
• Produce promotional products and brochures
• Develop international websites
• Offset the costs of exhibiting at international trade shows

As a result, Vesta gained $1 million in confirmed export sales to Thailand, with another $1 million projected over the next 12 months—marking its entry into a new export market.

“This success has made a major impact,” Willcutt added. “We’re adding production lines and increasing raw ingredient output. Participating in Food Export’s programs is a tremendous value for us. We’ve built strong international relationships and new distributorships. We’re excited about our growth in Thailand and are working on establishing distribution in China. We’re very thankful for the support of Food Export’s programs, services, and staff.”

Since first joining Food Export–Midwest programs in 2001, Vesta has actively engaged in the Branded Program, Focused Trade Missions, Buyers Missions, Product Showcases, webinars, and the Online Product Catalog—leveraging these tools to drive global expansion and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.