Philippe Hauser, who took over as interim Head of Nutrition in December 2024, shares his insights on the current landscape and future direction of the business unit.
You took over as interim Head of Mibelle Group’s Nutrition Business Unit in December 2024. How has the transition been for you?
The transition has been smooth, thanks to a professional handover and the support of a dedicated team. My previous role as Deputy Head provided valuable insights, allowing me to step into this position with confidence. I feel privileged to lead such a dynamic business unit and and am excited to shape the future of Mibelle Group Nutrition alongside my team.
How does the Nutrition Business Unit fit into the Mibelle Group’s broader portfolio?
Nutrition is well-established within the Mibelle Group, carrying a long-standing heritage in the production of edible oils, margarines, and fats. With origins dating back to the 1930s, the business has continuously adapted to market trends, expanding its product range and refining its competence
Beyond its role in food production, the Nutrition business unit is also connected to other areas of the Mibelle Group through its knowledge of fats and oils. Fats are not only essential for nutrition but also serve as key raw materials in the production of surfactants—critical components in detergents and cleaning products. The chemical processing of fats allows them to be transformed into cleaning agents, creating a natural synergy between the business unit Nutrition and other business areas within the Mibelle Group, notably the Home Care area.
This shared competence in fat processing enables us to optimize production efficiencies, leverage in-depth knowledge of raw materials, and maintain high-quality standards across different product lines.
What are the priorities for business unit Nutrition in the coming year?
I see our current environment with the changes ahead as a great opportunity. The Nutrition business unit has established itself as a trusted market leader, secured significant customers, and demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate. The current changes within the Mibelle Group open new opportunities for further growth.
How does Mibelle Group Nutrition integrate health and sustainability into its products, and what is your approach to transparency in product labelling?
Consumers today demand products that align with their health and sustainability values. At Mibelle Group Nutrition, we focus on high-quality, natural ingredients with proven health benefits, while adhering to strict ecological and social standards. Sustainability is not just an initiative—it’s a core pillar of our product development strategy.
Palm oil, for example, remains a widely debated ingredient. However, since 2013, we have exclusively used RSPO-certified (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) palm oil, ensuring responsible and ethical sourcing. Additionally, we offer palm oil-free alternatives and have pioneered TFF (Tropical Fat-Free) products, which do not contain tropical fats such as shea butter and coconut oil. Ethical sourcing remains a priority, and we are continuously refining our sustainability efforts.
Transparency is a fundamental value for us. We provide clear product labelling and traceability, supported by eight different certifications that help consumers make informed choices. In today’s market, transparency is more than a trend—it’s an expectation that fosters trust and demonstrates our commitment to responsible production.
Where do you see the future of Mibelle Group Nutrition?
Recent events have shown us that the business unit Nutrition has taken on a significant role in the market and has become an indispensable and reliable partner for many. Over the past year, we have been able to win over several well-known customers, which has significantly increased our relevance. Through these acquisitions, we have also proven that we can make the seemingly impossible possible.
"The only way to predict the future is to create it." – This quote from Abraham Lincoln inspires me, and I am therefore convinced that the Nutrition division will continue to develop successfully. We have set long-term goals and have already achieved our first major successes. The history of Mibelle Group Nutrition shows us that it can quickly and effectively adapt to circumstances and align itself with market and customer needs. This has repeatedly demonstrated that we are a relevant producer of fats, margarines, and butter products in the market.
