412. Primient’s Jim Stutelberg on a fast-growing bioeconomy, the important role of the farmer + partnerships with Sustainea, acquisition of Primient Covation

From sweeteners and starches to sustainable packaging, the bioeconomy is on the move. At the helm is Primient, a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources – corn being its primary feedstock. Today we are joined by CEO Jim Stutelberg to talk about the $4 trillion global bioeconomy and the rapid innovative trajectory shaping its future. Highlights include: The Primient story and who they aim to serve through innovation How Jim has seen the bioinnovation market evolve and what the competitive landscape looks like for bioinnovators like Primient today The collective headwinds facing the industry Primient’s market differentiation Consumer behaviors influencing company priorities and how they set the tone for R&D and product pipelines The critical role of corn and other feedstocks in the work Primient does and how Jim sees that relationship evolving over the next decade Acquiring Primient Covation and what integrating them into their portfolio will enable their team to do The power of partnerships for the Primient team, how they approach collaboration and what it means to their business Jim’s approach to the business of people, his belief in team culture and how he sees building a talent pipeline for the future What Jim believes to be Primient’s biggest areas of untapped potential What’s ahead for Primient in 2026