Meet the Staff
Mark Messersmith
Inspired by his chef-father, Mark worked in the restaurant and grocery business since the age of 13. After initially studying in veterinary science and medical curriculums the lure of his roots in the food industry inspired him to pursue a degree in Food Science & Human Nutrition (UF-B.S. ’76).
The first part of his career focused on fermentology working as a food technologist in the pickle, distilling, brewing, wine industries while also being an educator associated with the first fuel alcohol movement(1980-’85). After accepting a technical services position in 1982 with a global, private food ingredient company based in Ireland (Biocon) he gained expertise in enzymes, natural colors, finings and hydrocolloids. During this time Mark traveled extensively working either with product or market development in North America and around the world(Ireland, UK, Holland, India, Belgium, Germany, Peru, Italy, France) while working in the beverage, baking, animal feed, meat and dairy industries. Along the way, he completed Executive MBA coursework (USF, ‘86) and after a 20+ year career working or representing major corporations such as Alaga-Whitfield Foods, Todhunter International, Biocon and Quest International/Unilever he formed Biosun Biochemicals, Inc/d/b/a Biosun FFI in 1996. Additional product exposure over time was gained in flavors, cultures, emulsifiers, yeast autolysates and artificial colors while performing duties for these companies.
Mark’s extensive product and industry knowledge and a long-standing track record of success in the food industry combined with being surrounded by an impressive staff of professionals working in an efficient, quality control-oriented facility has impressed the Givaudan, Cincinnati, OH/Switzerland (the largest flavor house in the world), and AB Enzymes (Columbus, OH/Germany/Finland) corporations to have Biosun represent their products as a national distributor while Biosun maintains the flexibility to also blend, repackage and manufacturer products under the Biosun label and is proud to have as a mission statement to provide the highest quality products in the world along with a valued, exceptional customer service.