Dr. Kais Fehri: On the Mission to Provide High-Quality Baby Food to All

As a doctor, why did you decide to go into the industry of infant nutrition?

I decided to go into the industry of infant nutrition because I believe that it is one of the most important things, we can do to ensure the health and well-being of future generations. Proper infant nutrition is essential for optimal growth and development, and it can have a significant impact on a person's health throughout their life.

I am passionate about helping parents give their babies the best possible start in life. I believe that by providing parents with access to high-quality infant nutrition products and education, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and families around the world.

I am also drawn to the industry of infant nutrition because it is a constantly evolving field. There is always new research being conducted on the best ways to feed babies, and new products and technologies are being developed all the time. I enjoy the challenge of staying up to date on the latest research and finding new ways to improve the nutritional value of infant food products.

Ultimately, I believe that the industry of infant nutrition is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. By helping parents to feed their babies healthy and nutritious foods, we can help to create a healthier future for all.

Like you, many other founding members also have a medical background. How did you come together?

We met through our work in the pharmaceutical industry. And together the idea, or rather the desire, was born to provide babies worldwide with the best nutrition. Nutrition in infancy and childhood is crucial to the development and health of young people. Through our work we also knew that there were companies in certain regions selling baby food that did not meet European standards. Our goal was to be able to offer the same recipe under the same brand in all countries in which we have a presence with our brands. We did that.

What is your role in the company today?

I am Chief Medical Affairs & Marketing Officer and, along with my team, I am responsible for global medical strategy and scientific communication with representatives from the healthcare sector. Our department is the focus of all company activities. As I said, our aim is to be able to provide babies and children all over the world with high-quality food - produced according to the highest standards. This is certainly also associated with many administrative, official, and logistical activities. That's why we work hand in hand with all departments.

Pharmalys focuses solely on baby food. Why this focus?

We do one thing, and we do it right. We are convinced that the infant nutrition sector is very specific – and comprehensive. Development and production are certainly the focus, but there are also registrations, scientific communication, sales, medical advice and training for medical staff. It is important to us that we are really good in a single area. This focus is what sets us apart from other companies that produce and sell baby food. Many of our competitors also produce other products and consumer goods, such as chocolate, processed foods and even toilet paper. Focusing solely on baby food is what makes our mission possible.

This one thing also applies to your products. They sell these in more than 35 countries – and as you said, a brand's recipe is the same everywhere.

Exactly. All our recipes are developed and improved in accordance with the latest European and international guidelines and based on scientific research. We believe that every child around the world deserves the right to the best nutrition possible. And this regardless of his ethnicity, gender or place of residence. For us it is clear: we will not reduce production costs at the expense of product quality or children's health by using cheaper ingredients that could be harmful. We also do not reduce the quantities or leave out health-promoting ingredients.

How do you as a medical team support the company's future planning?

We are proud that we consciously pursue the strategy of constantly improving the skills of our employees by providing them with the appropriate training and further development. We want everyone to be able to expand their knowledge, and we create an environment that strengthens the motivation and commitment of all employees. In addition, we also make an important contribution to the healthcare system and, together with other scientific societies, actively contribute to the further medical training of healthcare personnel in the field of pediatrics - beyond our company boundaries.

What advice would you give to parents on how to feed their babies healthy and nutritious foods?

Research shows that it is best if mothers can breastfeed their baby for as long as possible. However, while breast milk is the ideal food for babies and provides them with all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive, it is not always possible for infants to receive breast milk. For parents who are unable to breastfeed, it is important to choose a formula that is appropriate for their baby's age and needs. At Pharmalys Laboratories, we’ve developed high quality formulas that are fortified with essential nutrients, such as iron and DHA as well as HMO and milk-fat, for example. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until at least two years of age or beyond. Choosing high quality infant formula and baby food provides the child with the best start in life. As always, it’s important for parents to talk to their pediatrician if they have any questions or concerns about their baby's nutrition.