Hydrocolloids are a world unto themselves. While many people at Tilley Distribution are part of that world, few are as enmeshed in gums as Adam Bosset, our commercial director of this specialty area. Adam has worked in every aspect of the hydrocolloid market for more than a decade, from sourcing to research and development. As the commercial director, he draws on that wealth of experience to provide our customers with the perfect product formulations and exceptional technical support.
It Starts with Creative Problem-Solving
Hydrocolloids offer incredible benefits across product categories but aren’t an off-the-shelf solution. Precise technical detail is required when formulating or reformulating products with ingredients like carrageenan and xanthan gum. That’s part of the education Adam provides while coaching customers through the extended product development cycle.
Specialty ingredients are well worth the wait. These products offer application-specific solutions to formulation challenges with no margin for error. For Adam, attention to detail and the ability to communicate clearly with customers are crucial to a successful project outcome.
Weathering the Storm and Nurturing Peace of Mind with Our Clients
Adam’s interpersonal skills and industry expertise helped Tilley rekindle a partnership with a leading meat manufacturer to propel them towards their 2025-2027 growth expectations. Adam recognizes the necessity to work alongside both clients and suppliers to ensure a foundational bridge of communication, market understanding and, supply chain alignment are in place for success. In this case, Adam and the Tilley team diligently worked alongside the client to build trust through their complex approval process. Almost immediately after winning their carrageenan orders, demand skyrocketed, and the client was reassured that Tilley and the manufacturer were also planning for their demand as a top priority. Tilley continues to work across departments to meet the rapid increase in demand despite supply shortfalls due to typhoon season. One of Adam’s pillars for working in the hydrocolloid space is proactively keeping clients abreast of market conditions to cultivate a collaborative plan.
Early successes opened the door for more hydrocolloid business, and persistent reinforcement that Tilley is committed to clients as a long-term strategic supplier is critical in the ever-evolving hydrocolloids market.
What’s Next in Gums?
Adam sees several headwinds for hydrocolloids, particularly in the nebulous shape of the unknown. Chinese exporters already offer hypercompetitive pricing, largely thanks to their government’s tax structure. The size and sweep of impending tariffs on all Chinese goods pose immediate and long-term challenges—and opportunities—for North American hydrocolloid distributors. Adam expects substantial supply and cost rises if tariffs exceed the 10% anticipated levels.
No matter what’s around the corner, Tilley is thrilled to have Adam supporting our customers and driving internal decision-making. To speak with Adam about your hydrocolloid needs, schedule a conversation today.