In an exclusive online interaction with Think Grain Think Feed, representatives from NUQO—a newer entrant in the Indian market—shared insights into the company’s strategic vision, innovative technologies, and commitment to addressing key challenges in the poultry and dairy sectors. With a unique product proposition centered around micro-encapsulated phytogenic and phycogenic solutions, the company is positioning itself as a science-driven partner for feed producers and integrators seeking sustainable, high-performance alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic additives.
Could you share a brief overview of Nuqo, its founding story, what sets it apart from competitors, and the long-term vision driving the company?
Ewenn Helary: NUQO was founded by seasoned experts from the feed industry and industrial sectors, with a clear mission: to focus exclusively on the development, production, and promotion of innovative feed additives.
Our strength lies in combining two key areas of expertise. First, we identify and work with exclusive bioactive compounds, particularly phytogenics and phycogenics—plant- and algae-derived metabolites known for their functional benefits. Second, we apply cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including proprietary micro-encapsulation and advanced spray-drying processes.
This dual approach allows us to offer solutions that provide optimal protection and targeted release, backed by a clear scientific mode of action and delivering measurable value for farmers.
Our long-term goal is to continue advancing animal nutrition by delivering profitable, sustainable, and transparent technologies that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.
In a market populated by multinational giants, what key values and technologies distinguish NUQO from traditional feed additive companies?
Ewenn Helary: Over the past decade, the feed additive market has undergone significant consolidation. Many major players—through acquisitions or internal expansion—have entered the space, often prioritizing margin aggregation over true innovation. This has led to a slowdown in the development of genuinely novel solutions, with a rise in so-called “green” products featuring vague formulations, bold marketing claims, and limited scientific transparency.
In this evolving landscape, NUQO chose a different path—one grounded in transparency and a commitment to addressing the core needs of our customers: clear product positioning, robust scientific validation, advanced and appropriate manufacturing technologies for stability, targeted release, and consistent on-farm impact.
More and more, we see that customers aren’t looking for generic, one-size-fits-all solutions that ignore local realities. They seek precise, proven technologies that they can implement effectively in their own systems. That’s exactly where NUQO delivers value—with innovative solutions backed by science and built on cutting-edge micro-encapsulation and release technologies.
What strategic importance does India hold for NUQO? Which livestock or aquaculture segments are your immediate priority here?
Neeraj Srivastava: India is a key growth market for NUQO. The size of the livestock industry, the increasing push toward reducing antibiotic use, and the openness to innovative solutions make it highly relevant for us. Our current focus is on poultry and dairy, two large, fast-moving sectors where producers are actively seeking effective alternatives to antibiotics and chemical additives.
Feed ingredient price and quality fluctuations are major concern in animal nutrition. How does Nuqo address these challenges through its solutions?
Dr. Stephanie Ladirat: To manage feed costs, formulators often adjust the sources of raw materials. While such changes may not alter the nutritional value of the feed, they can impact its palatability. Additionally, even with consistent formulations, fluctuations in the smell, taste, or inclusion levels of raw materials over time can impact feed intake.
To address these challenges, NUQO has developed a range of innovative flavouring products specifically designed to enhance feed palatability. By acting at the sensory level—particularly the nose —these solutions help to ensure consistent feed consumption and support formulation flexibility.
Another strategy involves the precise use of matrix values for specific feed additives. NUQO’s solution in this area is NUQO NEX, a product based on micro- encapsulated phytogenics and phycogenics. It supports digestive function and improves feed efficiency. Its matrix value, derived from digestibility trials, enables nutritionists to reduce feed costs without compromising animal performance.
NUQO is known for its cutting-edge encapsulation and drying technologies. Could you explain how these technologies enhance the effectiveness and stability of your products?
Ewenn Helary: Great point! At NUQO, we’ve developed a diverse portfolio of manufacturing technologies, allowing us to tailor the right process to the right objective. We group these under our proprietary label “XPR”, which stands for eXtra Protection & Release. This approach ensures that for every active compound we use—and for every desired release profile—we apply the technology that offers optimal stability and protection, while enabling precise release at the right site in the gut.
A strong example of this is NUQO SAFE, which features a unique double encapsulation. This design enables dual controlled-release: an initial impact at the beginning of the intestine, and a second, targeted effect at the lower end of the gut. Thanks to this technology, nutritionists can use lower inclusion rates while achieving more consistent and reliable results.
This level of precision is made possible thanks to our two dedicated production sites, located in Switzerland and Poland. These facilities are fully equipped to handle our advanced encapsulation and drying technologies, ensuring not only consistent product quality and scalability, but also the flexibility to meet the specific needs of our customers across various markets. We apply this XPR framework across all our product development projects, always aiming to match the best technology to the specific functional need.
How do you ensure consistency and efficacy of your phytogenic and phycogenic ingredients across different geographies and feed types?
Dr. Stephanie Ladirat: We ensure the consistency and efficacy of our products through three key pillars:
Careful Ingredient Sourcing – Especially important for algae, whose specifications are not yet standardized across the industry. We rigorously select raw materials to ensure high and consistent quality.
Exclusive Formulations – Drawing from our extensive library of active molecules, we design targeted formulations to support specific physiological functions in animals.
Advanced Technology –We use proprietary manufacturing processes to protect active compounds and ensure their release at the optimal site in the digestive tract.
Through these measures—high-quality sourcing, molecular stability, and targeted delivery—we ensure our products perform consistently across geographies and feed types.
Has NUQO engaged in any collaborations with Indian or South Asian universities or research institutions to drive innovation or validation? Could you share key findings or insights?
Neeraj Srivastava: Yes, we have initiated collaborations with a few well-known universities and research farms in India. The goal is to test our products under local conditions—different feed ingredients, climates, and management systems. Early trials have shown promising results : improved feed efficiency, better gut health, and effective heat stress mangement in both poultry and dairy. These findings are consistent with results from other tropical regions, which is very encouraging. We are continuing to invest in the region to build a strong base of local data and scientific validation.
Given India’s tropical and subtropical conditions, how have NUQO’s products been received in terms of efficacy and market acceptance?
Neeraj Srivastava: Very positively. India’s climate poses real challenges, especially heat stress and gut-related issues. Our products are designed specifically to address these conditions. NUQO RED, for example, helps animals cope with heat and maintain performance during high temperatures. Customers have reported strong performance and cost-effectiveness, and we’re now seeing growing interest from both integrators and feed millers.
Other products in our portfolio have also gained solid acceptance among poultry producers, thanks to our unique technologies and the tangible benefits they offer for animal health and performance.
While sustainability is often talked about but rarely delivered, how does Nuqo genuinely incorporate sustainability into its business practices and product development?
Dr. Stephanie Ladirat: Sustainability is a core value at NUQO, and we address it through several key strategies:
Enhancing Feed Efficiency
We create products that improve feed efficiency, enabling producers to achieve more with fewer resources. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) conducted for several innovations have demonstrated a measurable reduction in environmental impact, including carbon emissions, through better feed conversion and digestive health.
Sourcing Sustainable Raw Materials
We prioritize ingredients like marine seaweed, a renewable and eco-friendly resource. Seaweed grows quickly (up to 30% per day), does not require arable land, and acts as a natural biofilter—absorbing CO₂ and recycling nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from marine environments.
Building Long-Term Relationships
For us, sustainability also means fostering long-term, trust-based relationships with our partners. Our human-centered approach guides how we collaborate, ensuring value for both customers and communities.
What message would you like to share with Indian feed producers, integrators, and nutritionists who are exploring natural alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic additives?
Neeraj Srivastava: Don’t think of natural bio active solutions as a compromise. With the right science, they can deliver real performance and help you stay ahead of evolving regulations and market expectations. At NUQO, we’ve developed technologies that combine land- and marine-derived plant metabolites in a micro-encapsulated form ensure precise delivery to the right part of the gut for maximum effectiveness.
If you’re looking to reduce antibiotics without sacrificing productivity, let’s connect. We’re here to support you with proven products, local trials, and a practical, results-oriented approach.
