A definitive shift towards sustainable production for Biofarma Group: in May 2025, the Group's first fully-electric plant will be opened in France. The new plant, dedicated to the manufacture, production and packaging of food supplements in solid form, will be located in Montaigu-Vendée, and will replace the current production site in L'Herbergement.
Between 2020 and 2023, the French dietary supplement market recorded a positive trend, showing growth of around 9% in volumes and 8% in values. This development brought the nutraceuticals sector to a figure of EUR 2.7 billion in 2023.
Data predict that this growth will continue at a steady pace, driven by underlying trends such as an increasingly ageing population (which supports the market for health and cognitive function products) and a more general awareness of health and wellness among consumers.
This is why Biofarma Group has decided to consolidate its presence in the French market through the construction of a new state-of-the-art production plant, which will join the other 7 plants spread across the United States, Europe and Asia that provide the Group with a global presence and complete technological and production capabilities.
In order to meet growing market demand and with a perspective of continuous business development, this 7,200 square metres plant will dedicate 3,200 square metres to production, 2,800 to the warehouse area (3,000 pallets) and 1,200 square metres to offices.
In its initial configuration, the building will be able to accommodate up to 150 employees, but an expansion of 5,000 square metres could be implemented in the future.
Equipped with new, more automated and faster production and packaging lines, which will be added to the existing 16 lines, the plant will include:
2 mixers
5 presses
3 coating turbines
2 capsule filling machines
1 sachet filling machine
2 tube filling machines
3 blister machines
1 pill filling machine
These state-of-the-art technologies will optimise production, ensuring the consistent quality of finished products.
The real innovation, however, lies in the focus on sustainability. Completely electrified and without gas supply, the plant will use advanced solutions to minimise environmental impact and optimise energy efficiency.
With an integrated photovoltaic system, the plant will be able to self-produce up to 18% of its energy needs and, thanks to the connection with neighbouring photovoltaic plants, it will be able to count on a potential coverage of up to 30% more than its needs, with a surplus of energy that will contribute to make the entire process even more eco-friendly.
Furthermore, the plant is designed with a focus on insulation, minimising heat loss, and will integrate a heat recovery system from the compressors, which will be reused to heat the warehouse, further optimising consumption. Charging stations in the car parks will also support sustainable mobility, while the use of natural lighting in many production areas will not only reduce energy consumption, but also contribute to a healthier and more stimulating working environment.
The transition to the use of fully renewable energy sources is already being considered, despite the fact that the current energy mix, which also includes nuclear power, already allows for low emission factors.
Moreover, the plant is not only a step forward in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability, but also represents an important improvement for the quality of the working environment, promoting a corporate culture oriented towards employee well-being and safety. A true production model that faces the future, with a constant commitment to the environment and people.
