Super Speciosa is a leading brand of kratom herbal supplements with a focus on quality and transparency. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Super Speciosa co-founder Ken Loriccho to learn more about the company.
Ken Loriccho’s Background
What is Ken Loriccho’s background? Loriccho said:
“With a strong background in compliance and finance, I’ve always prioritized transparency and ethical practices. My journey into the natural wellness industry began when I personally discovered the benefits of kratom and faced the challenge of finding products I could trust. Around the same time, Aaron Circhansky, my close friend and now co-founder, and I recognized an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an unregulated space. Aaron and I shared a passion for natural supplements and a commitment to doing things the right way.”
“Together, we founded Super Speciosa in 2016 with a vision of offering ‘kratom with a conscience.’ Our goal was to create a brand built on trust, transparency, and quality—a brand that could set a higher standard for kratom products. From day one, we’ve worked tirelessly to implement a rigorous quality system tailored specifically to kratom, ensuring the safety, purity, and efficacy of every product. From sourcing the best leaves to conducting extensive lab testing, every decision reflects our shared commitment to providing clean, reliable kratom for those who value natural wellness as much as we do.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Loriccho shared:
“Aaron and I were both working full-time in corporate America—Aaron as an engineer and me leveraging my financial and audit expertise—but we felt unfulfilled. At first, we didn’t know much about the kratom industry, but we saw a glaring issue: the industry lacked quality standards, leaving consumers with little assurance of safety or efficacy. We decided to jump in, thinking, ‘Let’s try our hand at this.’”
“Aaron focused on building out the processes and equipment, tapping into his engineering creativity in ways that corporate work didn’t allow. Meanwhile, I handled customer interactions and worked to get our product into the market. That’s when the lightbulb went off for me—I realized just how unique and impactful kratom could be. Together, we were driven by the idea of creating something better—a brand people could trust. Being able to help others and make a real impact felt far more rewarding than anything we’d done in our corporate careers.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Loriccho reflected”
“A standout moment for Super Speciosa was when our kratom was selected for the FDA’s first clinical study. This choice not only validated the company’s unwavering commitment to producing high-quality products but also set a critical precedent for how kratom can be responsibly produced and studied. The study’s findings further strengthened this, revealing that kratom was considered safe, even at much higher doses than what we recommend. This confirmation by the FDA provides a powerful, science-backed endorsement for the kratom industry, helping to shift the conversation toward its responsible use and potential benefits.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Loriccho explained:
“Super Speciosa specializes in pure kratom products, including powders, capsules, and tablets, all of which undergo rigorous third-party lab testing. The company was one of the first in the kratom industry to include QR codes on its packaging, allowing customers to access exact lab results for each batch—a testament to its commitment to transparency. In addition to lab results, Super Speciosa’s labeling sets a high standard by including comprehensive information such as ingredients, supplement facts, expiration dates, directions for use, and batch/lot numbers for traceability. This level of detail is uncommon in the industry. Further solidifying its reputation, Super Speciosa was among the first companies to achieve certification under the American Kratom Association GMP Standards Program in 2019, showcasing its dedication to quality and safety.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Loriccho and the team face in building the company? Loriccho acknowledged:
“The kratom industry has faced significant regulatory challenges and widespread misconceptions, which we’ve tackled with a commitment to quality and transparency. One specific challenge arose during the 2018 E. coli outbreak that impacted the kratom market. At Super Speciosa, we underwent a rigorous process of trial and error to develop a method for consistently ensuring the cleanliness and safety of our products. This led us to implement pasteurization for all our kratom—a step we were among the first in the industry to adopt. Beyond that, we’ve adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards and achieved certification under the American Kratom Association GMP Standards Program. We’ve also conducted comprehensive third-party testing and provided easy access to lab results for every batch via QR codes on our packaging. These proactive measures have not only safeguarded our customers but also helped build trust and advance more informed conversations around kratom’s potential benefits.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since its launch? Loriccho noted:
“Since launching, Super Speciosa’s technology has evolved significantly, thanks to Aaron, our co-founder, who built our processes and machinery from the ground up, tailoring them specifically for kratom. Our fully automated system minimizes human contact, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and maintaining the highest standards of sanitation and cleanliness. Unlike some in the industry who bypass quality controls by simply bagging up raw kratom powder, we’ve prioritized safety and consistency from the start. We separate our products into small batches, then thoroughly blend them using a machine designed specifically for this purpose.”
“This process ensures there are no ‘hotspots’ of bacteria and allows us to take accurate testing samples for lab analysis. Before any product is sent to the lab, it undergoes gentle pasteurization to eliminate contaminants, further enhancing its safety. Each batch is labeled with a unique batch number for full traceability, enabling customers to access lab results through QR codes on the packaging. While more companies are beginning to adopt GMP standards today, when we started, very few kratom brands prioritized lab testing, traceability, or proper sanitation. We stood out by committing to doing things right from day one, and our advanced technology has been integral to maintaining that commitment.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Loriccho cited:
“Super Speciosa has reached several significant milestones that underscore its role as an industry leader. Early on, we were one of the first kratom companies to implement QR codes on packaging, providing customers with instant access to lab results for each batch. This innovation set a standard that more companies are now beginning to follow, inspired by our efforts to prioritize transparency and consumer trust. Achieving and exceeding GMP compliance has been another major milestone. Not only do we maintain these rigorous standards internally, but we also encourage others in the industry to do the same. As active participants in the American Kratom Association’s summits, we engage with other vendors, sharing insights and advocating for higher industry-wide standards.”
“By encouraging practices like GMP compliance and QR-code traceability, we aim to elevate the entire kratom industry for the benefit of consumers and the longevity of the market. A particularly proud moment was having our kratom featured in the FDA’s first clinical study, a milestone that solidified our reputation as a trusted and responsible brand in an often misunderstood space. Building a loyal customer base and continuing to inspire other companies to follow ethical and transparent practices remain central to our mission as we pave the way for a better future for the kratom industry.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Loriccho about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“Our customers’ experiences highlight the trust and loyalty we’ve built over the years:
‘I have been thrilled with all of Super Speciosa’s kratom. White Thai is my go-to. For the last couple of years, this company and brand have maintained consistently high-quality products, excellent customer service, and reasonable pricing. I haven’t even looked for other distributors since I found them—because I haven’t needed to.’
– Sarah
‘I’ve been using Super Speciosa for years now, and I won’t buy kratom from anywhere else. After doing the research, I saw that Super Speciosa goes above and beyond with lab testing to verify quality, purity, and strength. Each batch is clearly labeled so you know exactly what you’re getting. Delivery has always been seamless—they make sure the product gets to me in a timely fashion. This company is wonderful to work with, and I’m so grateful for all their hard work.’
– Steven C
‘I’m a military veteran and have been using kratom intermittently for the past 10 years to help with occasional pain and sleep issues. A friend recommended Super Speciosa because of their transparency and lab testing. I was immediately impressed by the quality of their kratom and their responsiveness to my questions. Compared to other brands, their customer service and product quality are unmatched.’
– Gary Starr
These stories reflect the dedication we have to delivering high-quality, transparent, and reliable products that make a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Funding/Revenue
When asking Loriccho about funding and revenue, he revealed:
“We’ve grown steadily since our inception in 2016 without raising any external funding. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining full control of our operations and ensuring alignment with our vision without external pressures. While we prefer not to disclose revenue metrics, we believe our organic growth underscores the value we deliver to our customers and our dedication to the industry.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Loriccho assessed:
“While we don’t approach the market with a specific TAM figure in mind, we see immense potential in the space. Kratom serves a diverse range of use cases, from an energizer similar to coffee to a mood enhancer for physical activities like workouts or golf. Our core demographic, individuals aged 35-45 and older, reflects a growing audience seeking natural alternatives to maintain energy and wellness. Given kratom’s broad appeal and the diverse ways people use it, we believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible. However, misinformation and stigma remain barriers, and our focus is on delivering high-quality products, creating value, and fostering trust within the industry.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Loriccho affirmed:
“Super Speciosa’s GMP certification, rigorous third-party testing, and commitment to transparency set it apart as a leader in the kratom industry. Beyond these technical distinctions, the company differentiates itself through the way it represents and communicates about its products. Super Speciosa emphasizes responsible use and integrity in its messaging, aiming to educate consumers and challenge the stigma around kratom. Their participation in the FDA’s first kratom study further demonstrates a proactive approach to shaping the industry and reinforcing trust with customers.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the future company goals? Loriccho concluded:
“At Super Speciosa, we are always committed to improving our processes and refining our products based on customer feedback. Continuous innovation and quality enhancement are at the heart of our mission as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Looking ahead, we aim to push kratom into the mainstream and work toward greater societal acceptance. We believe in its potential and are dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about its benefits, while also addressing any misconceptions. Above all, we are focused on ensuring that everyone has access to safe, clean kratom. Our goal is to continue leading the industry in transparency, quality, and ethical practices, so consumers can always trust that they’re receiving the best possible product.”
