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NZ supplement sector sees surge as Unipharm expands horizons
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
June 25 , 2025
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The global nutraceutical boom has found a strong foothold in New Zealand, with homegrown players like Unipharm Health Manufacturing at the forefront of this growth. Established in 1979, the company has evolved into a one-stop contract manufacturing solution for international health supplement brands, offering end-to-end services from formulation and regulatory advice to production and global logistics.
With over 35 years of industry experience, Minesh Patel, a veteran entrepreneur, who has founded successful ventures such as New Zealand Health Manufacturing and GoHealthy (later acquired by Nestlé Health Science), is currently associated with Unipharm as a consultant. “We don’t just manufacture,” says Patel, “we partner with global brands to co-create successful, compliant, and market-ready products.”
Unipharm Health Manufacturing caters to a diverse portfolio of clients across the globe, offering both OEM (original equipment manufacturing) and ODM (original design manufacturing) services. The company is widely recognised for its high-speed production capabilities and stringent quality controls, which meet international standards and regulations.
New Zealand’s supplements enjoy a unique reputation, largely attributed to the country’s clean, green image and rigorous manufacturing standards. Markets like China have embraced Kiwi supplements, thanks to their trust in quality and a regulatory shift that allows easier access via cross-border e-commerce. Patel notes that Chinese expatriates living in Western countries are increasingly launching their own brands and sourcing manufacturing from New Zealand to cater back to their domestic market.
The company has invested significantly in advanced manufacturing technologies to remain competitive globally. From high-speed machinery to cutting-edge formulation development and clinical research integration, the company is constantly innovating. “You can’t stay stagnant in this industry. We compete with giants in the US, Australia, and Canada — so efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scientific innovation are key,” adds Patel.
While the company has a strong global presence, it has yet to enter the Indian market. Despite Patel’s personal ties with India, he admits that tariffs, regulatory complexity, and price sensitivity continue to be major entry barriers. He believes that while awareness of health supplements is growing in India, affordability for imported nutraceuticals will take another 5 to 10 years to mature.
Looking ahead, the company’s roadmap for 2025 includes deepening its presence in existing markets, expanding its regulatory consulting services, and delivering high-quality solutions tailored to evolving consumer needs. “Our core goal remains the same that is to be a trusted partner for brands globally who want excellence in product quality, compliance, and market success,” Patel emphasises.
As New Zealand solidifies its reputation as a premium hub for supplement manufacturing, companies like Unipharm Health Manufacturing are setting the bar high — blending tradition, technology, and trust into every tablet they produce.
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