ABJ alive

A leading contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) based in Bavaria, Germany, ABJ alive has quietly set the benchmark for quality in the dietary supplement industry for over 14 years. Initially specialising in premium natural extracts, its journey has become the foundation of a fast-growing European CDMO with bold plans for innovation and expansion.

With a particular focus on hard capsules and recent investments in high-tech, automated machinery, ABJ alive maintains competitive pricing while upholding strict “Made in Germany” quality standards. Its certifications, such as IFS and compliance with HACCP standards, underscore its focus on quality.

A cornerstone of its success is regular investment in state-of-the-art machinery, which has proven essential for developing and manufacturing high-quality nutraceuticals at scale. A focus on premium production is particularly vital for complex product categories like herbal and probiotic supplements, which require specialised expertise and equipment. This prerequisite is addressed with its high-output production environment, supported by a dynamic, customer-focused team that is well-versed in regulatory matters.

From Idea to Market Launch

ABJ alive’s journey from a niche CDMO to a leading partner for brands developing natural food supplements is rooted in its dedication to excellence and holistic service. The company built a reputation for prioritising natural components over synthetic alternatives. Continuing to handle challenging ingredients, such as plant-based extracts and probiotics, with a team of 70 employees and state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities, ABJ alive is now a one-stop shop for brands looking to bring innovative health supplements to market.

The First Piece of a Bigger Picture

While ABJ alive is a standout player within the dietary supplement space, the applicability of its competencies is set to elevate with the launch of a new European CDMO Group named 1Q Health. The founder and CEO Philipp Ziehr has an ambitious plan to develop a more integrated, cohesive network of successful CDMOs across Europe through a buy-and-build strategy. As the first acquisition under the 1Q Health umbrella, ABJ alive is building on its legacy of excellence, now ready to play a pivotal role in transforming the consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical industries across Europe.
With more companies expected to follow in ABJ alive’s footsteps by early 2025, Ziehr’s vision for 1Q Health is for the group to become a leading CDMO partner. It aims to offer a comprehensive 360-degree service, covering everything from product development and market research to packaging, logistics and regulatory advice for businesses across Europe.

A One-Stop-CDMO with a Digital Focus

From startups to multi-million-dollar brands, 1Q Health caters to businesses of all sizes.

“We accompany our customers throughout the lifecycle of a product, from ideation to development, manufacturing, packaging and regulatory support,” says Philipp Ziehr, CEO. “This hands-on approach ensures that all our products meet market demands while staying true to the client’s vision.”

1Q Health combines a comprehensive suite of services that go beyond traditional manufacturing with a customer-first ethos. This distinct blend is reflected in its exceptional on-time delivery performance—a crucial factor in the fast-paced online business environment. Its position as a trusted partner for businesses looking to scale quickly and efficiently is fortified by its proficiency in consistently meeting deadlines without compromising quality and non-stock operations.

More than just a manufacturing platform, 1Q Health aims to build a digital service environment, helping clients establish web shops and navigate European markets—ushering in a full-service, next-generation approach to contract manufacturing. This approach includes assisting clients with building digital infrastructures and optimising logistics, particularly for market entry through platforms like Amazon. It also involves managing and support for webshops, online marketing to ensure smooth internationalisation.

As a member of the 1Q Health family, ABJ alive will be part of a dynamic team that will collaborate closely—encompassing seamless knowledge sharing and operational support—with other manufacturing sites within the group. With a focus on acquiring regulatory and developmental expertise across all EU markets, 1Q Health aims to guide clients through country-specific sales channels with ease and confidence. Leveraging the group’s broader competencies, ABJ alive intends to expand the existing specialisation in hard capsules and powders to more dosage forms, including tablets, liquids and diverse packaging solutions.

Fast-Track for Quality

Central to 1Q Health’s identity is its tagline, “Fast Track to Quality,” which reflects the group’s promise to deliver high-quality products at speed—an increasingly critical requirement in today’s competitive business landscape. As a foundational partner of the group, ABJ alive exemplifies the same philosophy, consistently turning around complex projects without sacrificing quality.

“We offer a fast track to the highest quality products. Whether it’s for food supplements or pharmaceuticals, we’re focused on providing exceptional products that are ready for market in record time,” states Ziehr.

With the rollout of 1Q Health set for the end of 2024 and more CDMO acquisitions on the horizon, the future looks bright for its growing network. As Ziehr puts it, “We’re building something special with 1Q Health. We’re not just offering products or services—we’re providing solutions that help our clients grow and succeed in a fast-moving, competitive industry. With ABJ alive leading the charge, we’re confident we’re on the right path.”

This new chapter for ABJ alive—as part of the 1Q Health brand—is filled with promise, innovation and a commitment to helping clients thrive, not just in Germany but across Europe and beyond.