Our Mission
WELCOME TO MERICAL®
For decades, MeriCal® has been at the forefront of dietary supplement innovation and manufacturing in the United States. We specialize in manufacturing high-quality probiotics, gummies, and a wide range of supplement formats for brands and retailers.
Our team of 500+ professionals across Southern California and Utah combines scientific rigor with innovative thinking. We’re fully equipped and certified to turn your supplement concepts into market-ready products, whether you need custom formulations or off-the-shelf solutions. Even more, if you aren’t quite sure what you want, our innovation team is ready to offer fact-based recommendations.
As an FDA-registered, GMP-certified manufacturer, we offer:
- Diverse product formats: gummies, tablets, capsules, dry-dose, and probiotics
- Substantiated research and development
- Stringent quality control measures
- Scalable production capabilities
We’re ready to take your products to the next level.
WHY MERICAL®
The health supplement industry is changing at a rapid pace as consumer preferences and attitudes shift. How we innovate and collaborate compels us to evolve too.
To keep pace, MeriCal’s unique set of services and scalable capabilities allow us to deliver a frictionless experience and a world-class set of products that exceed industry standards.
One team. One mission.
Our team brings deep industry knowledge to the world of nutritional supplements, gummies, and probiotics.
This expertise enables us to offer:
- Scalable manufacturing solutions
- Customized packaging & labeling options
- Tailored approaches for each partner
We pride ourselves on serving a diverse portfolio of brand and retail partners, delivering solutions that meet your unique needs and scale.
Meet Our Executive Team
Eric Bauer
Chief Executive Officer
Eric Bauer joined MeriCal in 2024. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer, bringing extensive experience in the nutraceutical manufacturing industry.
Eric previously served as CEO and President of International Vitamin Corporation, where he oversaw manufacturing, sales, and product development activities and initiated a comprehensive re-platforming of the entire U.S. business. Additionally, he served as CEO of Coco Republic / HD Buttercup, an interior design and home furnishings retailer, and as CFO and COO of True Religion Jeans, a global denim lifestyle brand.
Eric holds a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles. He’s passionate about bringing tremendous value to customers for long-term partnerships.
Anna Ricardo
Chief Financial Officer
Anna Ricardo serves as the Chief Financial Officer at MeriCal, bringing over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and supplement industries. She specializes in manufacturing finance, driving strategic oversight and maximizing results and profitability for MeriCal.
Prior to joining MeriCal, Anna held roles at International Vitamin Corporation and Gilead Sciences, where she lead both strategic and turnaround efforts, significantly increasing revenue and driving cost reductions.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from California State University in Fullerton, CA. She is passionate about business partnership and being a strategic partner in a highly competitive manufacturing environment.
Outside of work, Anna enjoys boating, fishing and spending time with family.
Jeff Stallings
Executive Vice President, Contract Sales
Jeff joined MeriCal in 1998. He is responsible for the development and management of MeriCal’s contract manufacturing customers.
During his more than two decades in the business, Jeff has proven to be an integral part of the MeriCal organization and has helped shape the company into the industry leader that it is today. Prior to MeriCal, he worked in the cosmetic industry focused on strategic accounts for Van Waters & Rogers.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Southern California and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance and Operations from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Jeremy Bartos Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer
Jeremy joined MeriCal in 2016. His responsibilities include leading the R&D Department which comprises innovation and technical operations. His teams are responsible for delivering unique and innovative dietary supplements to market.
Before joining MeriCal, Jeremy held leadership positions at Glanbia Nutritionals and ChromaDex.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Rochester and a Doctoral Degree in Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Mark Burcin
Executive Vice President, Quality & Compliance
Mark joined Merical in 2022. He serves as the Executive Vice President of Quality & Compliance. His responsibilities include the oversight of Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Environment, Health & Safety.
Mark has more than 30 years of experience in the nutritional supplement, food, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries, with 25 years of those years leading Quality organizations. Prior to joining Merical, Mark was the Head of Quality for BASF’s global enzyme business. He has a strong history of improving Quality systems and expanding internal laboratory capabilities in his previous roles.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California San Diego.
Neil Costigan
Senior Vice President, Supply Chain
Neil Costigan serves as the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at MeriCal, bringing a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record in supply chain management. He oversees supply and demand planning, procurement, inventory, distribution and logistics management, and sales operations, driving operational efficiency and excellence within the company.
Prior to joining MeriCal, Neil held roles at International Vitamin Corporation, where he achieved seamless project execution, optimized operational efficiency and expenses, and built great teams.
Neil holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management from Northeastern University and is a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University. He is also an esteemed member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, APICS, and the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.
Nicole Arvizu
Chief Human Resources & Compliance Officer
Nicole joined MeriCal in 2017. Her responsibilities include the oversight of all human resource areas including talent acquisition and development, compliance, and business partnering.
Nicole has more than 15 years of experience within human resources and compliance. Prior to MeriCal, she spent 6 years with Skilled Healthcare where she was the Director of Human Resources, HR Compliance & HR Operations.
Nicole graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science Degree in Human Resources Management.
Bret Lewis
Vice President, Manufacturing Operations
Bret Lewis serves as the VP of Manufacturing Operations at MeriCal, bringing 38 years of Operations experience, 14 of those in the nutraceutical field. He specializes in lean manufacturing, team building, driving safety, PM Programs, automation, and efficiencies within the company.
Prior to joining MeriCal, Bret held roles at IFIT Health and Fitness, as well as Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he achieved green belt certification, HYQ Award along with multiple manager of the month awards and helped grow each company significantly.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time in the mountains and sports, especially baseball (go Atlanta Braves!)
David Kneisl
Senior Vice President, Retail Sales
David serves as the SVP of Retail Sales at MeriCal, bringing 25+ years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods industry. He specializes in building collaborative partner-level relationships & cross-functional teamwork to drive market share, cultivate product innovation, optimize execution and go-to-market strategy. Prior to joining MeriCal, David held roles at International Vitamin Corporation (IVC), Perrigo, Pfizer, Wyeth, Kimberly-Clark & Heinz where he achieved consistent tangible, measurable results through creative strategic thinking and leveraging syndicated data/consumer research. Outside of work, David is passionate about family, mountain biking, pickleball/tennis, strength training & the great outdoors
BOARD MEMBERS
Jim Hamilton
Jim Hamilton brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the Life Sciences, Health, and Nutrition industries, with a strong track record as a CEO, Advisor, and Board Director across dietary supplements, food, animal feed, and personal care sectors.
He served as President of DSM Nutritional Products USA and was a key member of DSM’s global management team for Human Nutrition and Health, overseeing a business with over $2 billion in annual revenue. Following this, he led Neptune Wellness Solutions (NASDAQ: NEPT) as President, CEO, and Director, successfully executing a corporate turnaround that positioned Neptune among the top 10 performing companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Additionally, he held the role of CEO at OmniActive Health Technologies through a significant new private equity investment.
Jim has also held board positions with Acasti Pharma (NASDAQ: ACST) and I-Health Consumer Products, and he previously served as Board Chair for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the global supplement industry. Currently, he is the Board Chair of Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit providing essential vitamins to over 70 million children in need, and serves as an independent director for Merical, Ayana Bio, and Brains Bioceutical. He has also been a featured speaker at various industry and governmental events, including the UN General Assembly, where he addressed partnerships for sustainable development.
Mr. Hamilton graduated from Concordia University in Montreal and attended executive development programs at INSEAD and the London Business School.
Ron Fugate
Ron Fugate is a Linden Capital Partners operating partner and serves as Board Chairman of MeriCal.
Mr. Fugate is an accomplished 30-year consumer products veteran CEO with deep expertise in the Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements segment.
Mr. Fugate served as CEO/President of three privately-owned middle market CPG companies and led them through sales to strategic acquirers.
Mr. Fugate served as CEO and President of Alacer, where he helped establish Emergen-C as America’s leading branded vitamin-C supplement and led its ultimate sale to strategic acquirer Pfizer.
In 2014, Mr. Fugate served as the CEO of Renew Life, a leader in natural digestive care products, where he led the Company in a $290M sale to Clorox.
Ron serves as Board Chairman of LifeStyles, a Linden portfolio company, and is a longtime member of the Board of the Council for Responsible Nutrition.
Chris Kolber
Chris Kolber is a 40-year veteran of the healthcare industry with broad experience in the medical products, specialty pharmaceutical and nutrition sectors.
Mr. Kolber was a Linden Operating Partner from 2011- 2021 and prior to that was President of Global Devices for Hospira, Inc., a 2004 spin out from Abbott Laboratories that was ultimately acquired by Pfizer. In that role he was responsible for the long-term growth, global business strategy and management of Hospira’s $1B medical device business. At Hospira’s inception he served as Vice President, Business Development, where he developed external alliance, acquisition, and licensing opportunities to broaden Hospira’s portfolio.
Mr. Kolber spent 25 years at Abbott Laboratories in various commercial, general management and corporate development roles including Division Vice President of Licensing and New Business Development for Global Medical Products and as Division Vice President, Commercial Operations for Abbott’s Specialty Products Division that included API, Animal Health and Agriculture businesses. He joined Abbott in the Hospital Products Division where he was instrumental in building the Drug and Drug Delivery Systems Business.
Mr. Kolber holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Trine University and a MA degree from Central Michigan University. He has served in Board roles for early-stage and P.E. owned companies and brings expertise in company product portfolio management, product development and operational discipline.
