News & Announcements
Modern Herbal Health Products Need More than Just Nature
Demand for herbal health products is growing rapidly. At the same time, technological requirements are also increasing: temperature-sensitive active ingredients, fluctuating raw material quality and complex dosage forms require a high degree of process expertise. Anyone who wants to master the balancing act between tradition and technology needs not only botanical knowledge, but above all modern process engineering, tailored plant concepts and a deep understanding of galenics.
The development of modern herbal health products requires not only a thorough understanding of raw materials, but also innovative strength in process design. Especially in the case of functional foods with health-related effects, stability, taste and consistency are crucial in addition to availability. In order to reconcile these requirements, production, technology and quality control must be closely interlinked.
In addition, plant-based products now cover a very wide range of applications – from dietary supplements and functional sweets to special preparations available only in pharmacies. This diversity makes production planning highly complex and places special demands on the flexibility of the technology used. Consumer expectations that products should not only be effective but also have a pleasant taste and appealing texture should not be underestimated. The industrial manufacture of lozenges, for example, demonstrates how challenging it is to harmonise all product characteristics. The art lies in finding the right combination of formulation, active ingredient integration and process control.
‘We are seeing a rapidly growing interest, especially in adaptogenic plant ingredients such as ashwagandha and cordyceps,’ says Marc Huber, Head of Commercial at DOMACO Dr. med. Aufdermaur AG, a Swiss manufacturer and developer of plant-based nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. ‘These substances are said to promote mental balance, reduce stress and increase overall resilience – issues that are becoming increasingly important to many consumers.’
Natural, but Demanding: Challenges in Formulation
The increasing demand affects not only the ingredients, but also the dosage forms. Gummies, soft-melting tablets and lozenges are particularly popular at present. These are consumer-friendly and convenient to take – but at the same time pose major challenges for manufacturers. This is because plant extracts usually contain a variety of accompanying substances that can negatively affect taste or stability.
‘Plant-based active ingredients are inherently more complex than synthetic ones,’ says Huber. ‘They are often sensitive to temperature, light or oxygen. This requires very careful planning in recipe development.’ Bioavailability is another critical issue. Many plant-based active ingredients are less easily absorbed by the body. One possible solution is to use refined raw materials that offer higher bioavailability. ‘That's why it's important to invest in high-quality raw materials with proven efficacy. It's worth it because it allows us to develop stable and functional products.’
Gentle Processing of Temperature-Sensitive Ingredients
Temperature control is a key issue in the manufacture of plant-based products. Thermal stress must be avoided, especially in the case of sensitive substances such as polyphenols, essential oils or honey. ‘Processes such as those used at DOMACO rely on short exposure times and low temperatures,’ explains Huber. ‘Dosing times, mixing strategies and temperature profiles must be precisely coordinated. In certain cases, we even calculate an overdose to ensure effectiveness after process loss.’
Manufacturers benefit from flexible equipment that, as in the case of DOMACO, allows for different process routes. This means that temperature-sensitive components can often be integrated late in the manufacturing process or stabilised in premixed protective solutions.
Plant Concepts for Modern Plant Products
This technical equipment is crucial for stable and high-quality processing. Several specific technologies are used in practice:
- Soft casting process with finely adjustable cooking and pouring technology for gummies and pastilles
- Continuous cooking process with precise active ingredient dosing for hard candies
- Proprietary granulation process for the production of instant products
- Modular tableting plants with variable pressure and filling parameters
- Special drying process to ensure consistency
‘The modular design of the systems allows us to respond very specifically to different recipes,’ says Huber. This enables DOMACO to remain flexible even in the face of varying customer requirements or regulatory changes.
Planning, Monitoring and Quality Assurance
However, the manufacture of plant-based products does not begin with the first mixing process, but much earlier: with raw material analysis, storage and pre-process planning. This requires a deep understanding of the characteristics of the raw materials.
‘In some cases, premixes need to stand for up to 48 hours,’ reports Huber. ‘We plan such parameters in advance, as well as individual drying and cooling processes, to avoid consistency problems.’
Close monitoring ensures safety and quality throughout the entire production process. In addition to integrated inline controls at the machine level, temperature and humidity are also continuously monitored in buildings and warehouses. Internal analytical standards are also applied in goods receipt.
Experience Instead of Obligation: The Future of Plant-Based Health Products
In addition to technological advances – such as improved bioavailability or new dosage forms – changing consumer expectations are also emerging. Products must not only be effective, but also pleasant, transparent and experience-oriented. ‘Today's consumers want to know where a product comes from, what exactly it contains and what benefits it offers,’ says Huber, explaining customer needs, adding: ‘They expect to feel good when they consume it.’
Regulatory requirements are also increasing. Manufacturers must prove that their products are not only safe, but also effective and of consistent quality. This requires increasingly close integration of development, production and quality assurance – as well as a willingness to continuously invest in new processes.
Conclusion
The development of herbal health products is a highly complex process that goes far beyond simply extracting and mixing active ingredients. It requires a deep understanding of the physical properties of the raw materials, coupled with technological finesse and a keen sense of consumer needs. Modern production processes, flexible plant concepts and cross-process expertise are essential for combining natural effectiveness with technical excellence.
Between Extract and Excellence: Rethinking Herbal Health Products
The demand for herbal health products is booming. But to be successful today, you need more than just nature.
Modern plant-based products require:
- Precise process engineering
- Smart plant concepts
- Extensive galenic expertise
- Employees with in-depth development and production expertise
Particularly in demand are adaptogenic ingredients such as ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea, which promote mental balance and resilience. But plant-based active ingredients are demanding. They are sensitive to heat, light and oxygen.
At DOMACO, we combine traditional plant expertise with high-tech processes:
- Gentle processing of temperature-sensitive active ingredients
- Modular production with finely tuned parameters
- Modern dosage forms such as gummies, pastilles, candies or soft-melting tablets
«Today's consumers want more: effectiveness AND experience. And they want transparency and peace of mind.», says Marc Huber, Head of Commercial at Domaco.
Conclusion: Technological excellence is the key to making the power of nature effective, stable and enjoyable.
Find out more about our philosophy and technology in the latest online publications of the trade magazines Foodtec Insider, Process and pharmatechnik-online.com (german only):
Gold for Sustainability at Vitafoods Europe 2025!
We are proud and grateful: Our exhibition stand was awarded Gold in the Better Stands Programme – the highest recognition for sustainable stand construction concepts!
By consistently reusing and recycling all components, we have completely avoided stand-related waste, a real milestone on the way to a zero-waste trade fair experience. This contributes directly to Vitafoods Europe's goal of halving event waste.
A big thank you to Pelicano Exhibition Makers, our creative and sustainable stand builder. Your extensive expertise, unbeatable commitment and attention to detail made this award possible in the first place.
Sustainability is not a trend, but our way forward – for a responsible future in the exhibition industry. And not only there. We also consistently implement sustainability in our production and offices. For example, by using green electricity from wind power and our photovoltaic system.
Would you like to find out more about sustainability at Domaco? Click here and discover our sustainability measures.
Innovation Meets Nature at Vitafoods Europe 2025!
Join us at Vitafoods Europe, the premier gathering for pioneers in functional nutrition, from 20-22 May 2025 in Hall 3, Stand C228 – right in the brand-new Natural & Organic Finished Products zone.
We’re excited to showcase our most trusted natural product innovations:
Manuka Honey Soft Jellies & Lozenges – New Zealand’s Superfood
Packed with the power of nature, manuka honey is more than just delicious – it's a potent superfood with growing global appeal.
Propolis in Soft Jellies, Pastilles, Instant Drinks & Lozenges – The Secret of the Bees
Harvested by bees from plant resins, this golden treasure is known for its natural protective properties and is a favorite in health supplements.
Iceland Moss in Lozenges, Soft Jellies & Pastilles – Northern Natural Power
Used for centuries and now rediscovered, Iceland moss is prized for its soothing benefits and popularity in modern wellness products.
Discover how we transform traditional natural ingredients into innovative, market-ready solutions – from private label to branded finished products.
Let’s talk trends, innovation, and partnerships. The future of functional nutrition starts here.
Save the date – and visit us at Stand C228, Hall 3! Contact us for a free visitor pass.
Impressions from Vitafoods Europe 2025
DOMACO instant tea for a harmonious breastfeeding experience
World Breastfeeding Week is a week of action organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (Waba for short) and is considered the largest joint campaign of all organizations promoting breastfeeding. As a pioneer and inventor of instant teas and as a family-run company, DOMACO has developed a variety of recipes for mother and child for over 5 decades. One of them specifically for breastfeeding mothers. Our Instant Nursing Tea with essential herbs and vitamin C to promote milk production for a harmonious breastfeeding experience. Due to its high purity, the galenic form of instant teas is very suitable for nursing mothers. The verification of purity of herbs and absence of pesticides and impurities are guaranteed by long-term cooperation with specialists. No tea is purer than instant tea and therefore meets the quality standards. Thanks to the continuous development of the process, today we are able to combine the effect of a cup of tea in 2.0 grams of instant granules. Interested in launching this product concept under your brand? Do not hesitate and contact us.
DOMACO says thank you to friends and partners!
International Friendship Day is a commemorative day celebrated annually on July 30 to remember the importance of friendship between people, countries and cultures. In DOMACO's almost one hundred year history, we have not only established long-standing partnerships with customers and suppliers from all over the world and from a wide variety of cultures, but also numerous close friendships. For this we are very grateful to our partners and we look forward to many more years of good relations with partners from over 40 countries around the world! #businessfriendship #domaco #dnh #naturalhightech #internationaldayoffriends
Gum arabic as a natural prebiotic
A large number of DOMACO's formulations for pastilles are based on the gum arabic ground mass. Gum Arabic is extracted from acacia trees, is an all-rounder and additionally promotes beneficial microflora without showing any side effects. It is a prebiotic fiber, as it is able to selectively increase the levels of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. As an indigestible carbohydrate, gum arabic is therefore characterized by a low glycemic index (GI), thus helping in the primary prevention of diseases associated with obesity. A large number of DOMACO's pastilles contain a very high content of gum arabic. For example, the pastilles "Good Digestion". Do not hesitate and contact-us@domaco.com. We are your partner for the development and production of Natural Hightech products. #domaco #dnh #naturalhightech #gumarabic #prebiotic #fibre #betterdigest
We launched our first walk-in advent Calendar instead of the traditional Christmas dinners
Hygiene restrictions with regard to COVID-19 continue to apply. Of course we follow to the official guidelines within the company, work partly in home offices and produce our delicious and functional high-tech products day by day. We supply our partners in all countries as usual. In this extraordinary situation we unfortunately cannot enjoy a year-end celebration with our staff this year.
We have therefore created the first walk-in DOMACO Advent calendar to convey joy and warmth and to strengthen the feeling of togetherness. Every day, we open a new window for our employees with surprises and small gifts created by different teams according to the motto "by and for employees". On our LinkedIn page we offer you a daily insight into the Advent calendar. Follow us on Linkedin
A small contribution to society
The strength of a society is measured by the welfare of the weak. In production companies, overproduction occurs exceptionally. We support the Swiss Caritas Market and donate around 1,300 bottles of HEALTHY BONES Soft Gummies with vitamin K2, D3 and calcium. Instead of disposing the fruity-delicious soft gummies from surplus production, we are making them available to the Swiss Caritas Market, thus giving people affected by poverty the opportunity to provide their children with essential vitamins and calcium for galactically strong bones.
Think about this in your company as well and support such institutions in your region or country. In doing so, you will be helping those affected directly. Further information about the Caritas Market Switzerland is available here: www.caritasmarkt.ch
Happy Birthday dear Switzerland!
Our incredibly beautiful country celebrates its 729th birthday today. Congratulations. You have been home to world’s most happy people and you have excited numerous visitors with your beautiful lakes, forests, cities and mountains. You have always coped with crises, remained independent and self-sufficient and grew into one of the most popular and amazing countries in Europe. We are proud of you, dear Switzerland.
Read more about Switzerland's exciting history here
Let's fight the Corona virus together
A limited action to support the function of our immune systems & to fight Covid-19
Pandemics have repeatedly afflicted people. With the new, rapidly spreading corona virus, mankind is confronted with a frightening situation that determines everyday life. However, if we all strictly follow the recommendations of health organisations and local authorities, we will also survive this crisis in good health. Vitalp wants to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 and is launching a limited product campaign for a good cause: the Immune System Boost lozenges. With the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, the minerals zinc and copper and the natural extracts of elderberry and icelandic moss, you get an extra boost to strengthen your immune system. With two lozenges a day, you support the normal function of your immune system and help to protect the cells from oxidative stress. With the purchase of the product, your donation also supports all actions to contain COVID-19.
Support not only your immune system, but also the good cause
For each package of IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST sold we donate 50 Eurocents to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, which was launched by the WHO (World Health Organisation) in partnership with the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation (see note below).
We will continuously publish a news update on the website with the current donation level, which we have achieved together for the fight against COVID-19.
The Vitalp Immune System Boost lozenges will soon be available in stores. We have just launched the product. We are now bundling all our strengths to get retail partners interested in this project and will keep you informed about new retailers.
Together we can do it - stay healthy!
Your Vitalp team and the entire staff of the manufacturer Domaco Dr. med. Aufdermaur AG
____________________________
COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund
The Fund is leading and coordinating the worldwide effort to contain the global pandemic of COVID-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has joined forces with two charitable foundations: the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation. These two organizations receive funds that are then used by the World Health Organization to support countries according the COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.
More information on the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund can be found here:
World Health Organisation | Swiss Philantrophy Foundation | United Nations Foundation
The 4th of April: The day of Vitamin C
04.04.2020 – on this day of vitamin C in honour of Albert Szent-Györgyi and Charles Glen King, the discoverers of vitamin C in 1928, we would like to refer to the interesting history of the probably best known vitamin.
A wide range of products containing vitamin C - and of course many other vitamins, herbs and minerals - are produced day by day in our production facilities. For example, lozenges, tablets, jellies or instant drinks. Our customers benefit from the extensive know-how we have acquired over decades and through more than 800 product developments per year.
Vitamin C is a real all-rounder and is undoubtedly one of the best known vitamins of all. It is involved in numerous metabolic processes and plays a very special role in strengthening your immune system. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the water-soluble vitamins along with the B vitamins and folic acid. This means that it can only be stored in the body in small amounts and therefore has to be taken in daily with food. Vitamin C is found in large quantities, especially in fresh vegetables and (citrus) fruits.
The vitamin is essential for life and fulfils various important tasks in the organism. The vitamin was first researched in 1747 and researchers found that vitamin C helps to protect malnourished seafarers from scurvy (vitamin C deficiency disease). This also explains the name "ascorbic acid", which means "without scurvy" in Latin.
More information on vitamin C can be found here.
We are the world leader in qualitative, state-of-the-art and nutrient-preserving processing of pure and natural ingredients. Don't look any longer for the perfect partner to realize your product idea - here you have found him. We promise!
Fill up with punch in Realp (UR)
The first snowy stopover of the Helvetia Nordic Trophy in Realp, canton Uri was a complete success for our punch bar. More than 200 athletes were warmed up with about 40 litres of punch. In addition, they all received a Vitalp bag filled with treats and a webshop voucher. The coolest saying of one participant: "The best thing about the whole event is the VITALP punch, it's just great!" Of course we like to hear that!
Perfect conditions for the next competition on January 12, 2020 in Le Brassus (VD). See you!
Further punch dispensing data are:
February 15 + 16, 2020 in Sparenmoos (BE)
March 14 + 15, 2020 in Lenzerheide (GR)
Vitalp training event in Hangzhou
In cooperation with Shanghai Williamda Industries Co. Ltd. and Vitalp Asia Co. Ltd. an educational and exciting promotion and training event took place on December 7 & 8 in Hangzhou, China. More than 300 retailers of children's and baby products from Zhejiang province have participated.
During the event, the characteristics of the newly introduced drink assortment were explained and it was possible to taste the drinks diligently. The new drink line consists of the Chamomile Drink, the Fruit Drink, the Best Wish Drink, the Best Soon Drink and the Best Love Drink. The participants were excited by the heart-bears, which consistently are part of each packaging design. In addition, the Swiss origin of the products was demonstrated and numerous training presentations were held on the subject of pregnancy and how to deal with babies and toddlers.
DOMACO at CPhI 2019
CPhI worldwide is one of the most important trade fairs for manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and took place in Frankfurt this year.
With our new booth design, we presented our latest product innovations that were met with great interest. During the fair, we were pleased to meet some of our existing business partners and get to know new partners with an interest in our products.
Expo Surbtal 2019 | close-personal-familiar
During the local trade fare Expo Surbtal we participated in the area of "Senses & Joy". We showed the meaning of Natural Hightech and the knowledge need to produce our galenic forms.
CBME 2019
The CBME China is the world's largest trade fair for child baby and maternity products and services taking place in Shanghai.
We presented the product line of Vitalp including our focus product the Chamomille tea for babies to the visitors. At the same time, we were able to intensify the brand presence and enhance the brand image by various marketing activities.
We would like to thank all visitors of our booth as well as the great team of the brand Vitalp for the successful days at CBME.
Opening of the Building Extension
Lengnau, 20th September 2019
The company DOMACO, Dr. med. Aufdermaug AG, in Lengnau reaches another milestone and invests in its future. The family-run business has opened a new production complex for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical lozenges.
Change, adaptation and reinventing ourselves
These maxims have always accompanied us in our company history. As a family business in the second and third generation, we have set another milestone and invested more in the production location as the biggest employer in the Surbtal area. The new production facilities for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical lozenges has been opened successfully. We celebrated this opening with the slogan “typically Swiss” for a full week. Together with customers from all over the world, business partners, representatives of the planning and construction companies, authorities, employees, neighbours, family and friends, we celebrated this historical moment. During the event, we welcomed about 350 international guests as well as the families of our around 200 employees.
Innovation and inspiration
The guests were able to feel the spirit of DOMACO from tours through the existing and new production facilities. The highlight was the new production plant as well as the tasting bar where guests could taste diverse products. Guests of all ages enjoyed this sensory experience.
Setting new standards for the future
With Europe’s most modern production plant for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical lozenges, we fullfil the high demands on hygiene, facilities and ventilation. “The new production plant is a commitment to the production location Switzerland, where we can manifest all our competences,” explains Huber.
DOMACO manufactures its products with a commitment to “Natural Hightech”. Besides pharmaceutical lozenges, the products include food supplements with vitamins and minerals as well as products for consumers’ enjoyment, such as the well-known Tiki fizzy or dextrose tablets.
