LAKE MARY, FLA. — Florida Food Products is rebranding as Vibrant Ingredients. The new name and identity reflect the company’s evolution from a clean-label ingredient supplier to an innovation-driven partner to the food and beverage industry with natural, plant-based offerings that now include botanicals, flavors, fruits, vegetables, cold brew coffee extracts, tea extracts/essences, food protection/preservation and functional nutrition, according to Vibrant.
“Vibrant is more than a new name — it reflects who we are and how we operate,” said Vince Macciocchi, chief executive officer. “It captures our focus on innovation, collaboration and delivering solutions that shape the future of clean label food and beverage.”
Jillian Hermanowicz, vice president of marketing and communications, added, “We are connecting people with ‘real,’ real and authentic ingredients. Vibrant carries the weight of our history to who we are today. It’s how we show up in the industry.”
The launch of Vibrant marks a milestone in the company’s growth from its beginnings as a single-site fruit and vegetable processor into a vertically integrated solutions provider supporting customers across every stage of product development. Today, that foundational base of fruit and vegetables extracts represents about 25% of Vibrant’s business. The remaining 75% comes from acquisitions made since 2020.
The company operates four US manufacturing sites, along with two stand-alone research and development facilities. All ingredients are produced in the United States.
“We offer end-to-end support and a portfolio designed to meet shifting consumer preferences,” Macciocchi said. “Vibrant partners with customers ranging from emerging brands to global leaders, providing formulation, flavor creation and commercialization expertise under one roof. This enables our customers to move faster from concept to commercialization without compromising quality, taste or safety.”
Vince Macciocchi, Vibrant Ingredients.
| Photo: Volo Project
Hermanowicz said that after COVID-19 companies were reformulating to manage the supply chain, to reduce costs and to remove artificial ingredients.
“Now there is a return to focus on new innovation,” she said. “That’s where Vibrant lives. Companies with products that are losing relevancy with today’s consumers, that are getting stale in the marketplace, want to enter new platforms and explore new flavors that resonate with shoppers. Vibrant assists with its integrated approach that delivers cohesive product development and accelerates speed to market.”
The changing landscape will continue to evolve in the connected world, she said. Brands need support to stay ahead of trends.
“(The name) Vibrant captures the energy, creativity and forward momentum of our company,” Hermanowicz said. “It reflects the evolution of who we are today and the future we’re building, one defined by bold ideas, deep partnerships and a shared commitment to shaping what’s next in food and beverage.”
What’s next? Hermanowicz said personalization and customization are not going away. Formulating for precision wellness will accelerate.
“Consumers are not just eliminating,” she said. “They are looking for ingredients they want to consume. Vibrant has those ingredients. Vibrant helps brands meet consumer demand to get more from every bite and sip.
“We are not chasing trends. Vibrant’s goal is to be true to nature, to be real, and help brands connect with consumers by providing solutions with staying power.”
Macciocchi added, “Our new brand is intentionally different. It’s designed to spark new conversations, strengthen partnerships and reflect the bold, collaborative spirit that will define our future.”
Dining and Cooking