Introduction

When you think of the CBD ingredient manufacturer landscape, it’s easy to picture flashy booths, deep-pocketed marketing, and big promises. But KND Labs took a different path - one paved with grit, precision, and listening to what customers actually need.

We caught up with Dave Swanwick, who prefers to be called “Swany,” the SVP of Sales at KND Labs, to hear how the company grew into the premier CBD manufacturer serving markets from the US to Brazil to Europe and Asia. What followed was a conversation rich in candor, industry insights, and good ol’ business common sense.

Let’s dive into Swany’s journey and what makes KND Labs the most trusted name in global CBD contract manufacturing today.

Swany’s Journey to KND Labs

From Consulting to Leading Sales at KND Labs

Swany spent a long and storied career in Event and Experiential Marketing. Running some of the largest events in the world for global brands including Red Bull, Burton, The North Face, and Toyota. As CBD started gaining traction, a chance conversation with old colleagues led him to KND Labs. Kevin and Nich (the K and N in KND Labs) had both worked for Swany at his marketing company for many years.

“I was excited to get involved and was debating between launching my own contract manufacturing shop or helping build the sales side of KND,” Swany said. “I ended up choosing the latter - and I’ve never looked back.”

Joining shortly after the company’s founding, Swany helped establish KND Labs not just as another CBD ingredient manufacturer, but one known for rigorous standards. In fact, they were among the first three CBD companies to get GMP-certified, not for marketing, but because they were already operating to that standard. Now they have 5 GMP certifications as well as being certified ISO, Kosher, Organic, and NASC.

Coming full circle, Swany has helped to lead KND into seed-to-shelf manufacturing for myriad clients over multiple form factors

Growing Organically in a Competitive Industry

Why KND Labs Focused on Quality and Long-Term Partnerships

“We were bootstrapped in the early days. We didn’t spend money on expensive trade show booths or single rooms at the Bellagio. We focused on making quality ingredients and getting them to loyal clients,” Swany recalled.

Rather than investing in splashy marketing campaigns, KND Labs focused on building strong relationships and delivering consistent, high-quality ingredients at scale.

That mindset paid off. KND Labs' steady, quality-driven approach has helped them earn long-term partnerships, and while the industry has seen a lot of change, the company has continued to grow.

KND Labs’ Approach to the International Market

Scaling Globally: Meeting Diverse Regulatory Needs

KND’s move into the international CBD market wasn’t haphazard. It was measured, responsive, and always compliant.

“Every country has its own rules. Canada’s tough for CBD, while Brazil’s wide open - but highly regulated,” Swany explained.

For example, in Brazil, working with ANVISA (their version of the FDA) requires documentation like:

• Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
  
  

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  
  

• Stability studies
  
  

• Tech specs
  
  

The key? Partnering with trusted locals who understand the culture and compliance maze. Then KND steps in with the manufacturing excellence to get products over the finish line.

Expanding in Latin America and Europe

Why Brazil, Colombia, and Europe Are Next for KND Labs

So, why the focus on Brazil and Europe?

“Brazil is huge. There’s a strong wellness culture, and CBD is doctor-prescribed there,” Swany shared. “We’re making gummies, topicals, and tinctures specifically for that market.”

As for Europe, KND Labs saw great success at Interzoo, a major pet and wellness expo in Germany. While the pet CBD market in Europe is still early-stage, human wellness products are gaining steam. KND’s strategy? Play the long game.

“We’re not just selling products - we’re laying groundwork for trusted distribution and growth in the pet and human wellness sectors,” said Swany.

Beyond CBD: Listening to the Market and Innovating

New Frontiers: Functional Mushrooms, Water-Soluble CBD, and More

While CBD is still at the core, KND Labs isn’t stopping there. They’ve expanded into:

• Functional mushroom ingredients
  
  

• Water-soluble CBD for better absorption
  
  

• Flavor modulation solutions
  
  

• Antioxidants and nootropics
  
  

From gummies and tinctures to stick packs, two-piece gel caps, and rapid-dissolving tablets, KND is helping brands innovate faster and smarter. And it all comes down to flexibility.

“Every customer has different needs. Our job is to listen, then build the right solution,” Swany emphasized.

The Future of KND Labs

From Ingredients to Full-Scale Product Solutions

So what’s next?

“CBD and all of the Hemp Cannabinoid extracts remain our core competency, but today we are so much more. We really focus on helping brands to launch new products that scale their business,” Swany explained.

Swany put it plainly: KND Labs is no longer just a CBD company. 

They’re a one-stop shop for custom product manufacturing, helping brands go from concept to shelf-ready product. Whether it’s a mushroom-infused gummy, a Hemp topical or a CBD + antioxidant gel cap, KND can formulate, manufacture, and deliver.

And that’s a game-changer in today’s crowded wellness space.

Conclusion

Smart Growth, Real Results: Swany’s Take on the Road Ahead

KND Labs’ success isn’t built on buzzwords - it’s built on:

• Listening to customers
  
  

• Investing in compliance and quality
  
  

• Being nimble enough to adapt
  
  

“We’re not here to be the biggest. We want to be the most trusted partner for brands around the world,” Swany said. 

As Swany says, KND is an ideal provider of GMP / ISO /  Kosher certified CBD - whether that’s for the US, Brazil, Europe, or Asia.  For brands that are looking for a contract manufacturer or simply looking for a premium ingredient manufacturer, Swany and the team at KND Labs are ready to help.

Looking for a partner who understands both the science and the market? Learn more about KND Labs’ global capabilities today.