Good for you, good for farmers: Introducing the World’s First Fairtrade Supplements

12 September 2018   |   Kyle Freund, Media Manager, Fairtrade America

Organic India is launching the world’s first Fairtrade certified supplements, including Tulsi (Holy Basil), Cinnamon, Ginger, and Trikatu, a blend of herbs to support digestion*. By certifying their supplements with Fairtrade, Organic India invites people to join their sustainability journey and brings a new level of transparency to the wellness sector.

“In this day and age, people want to know where and how their food is grown. It’s no different with supplements. Today’s consumers want to know where their supplements are sourced,” said Kyle Garner, CEO of Organic India – a certified B Corporation.

“For nearly 20 years, we have worked closely with small family farmers in India to grow healthy organic herbs. We are proud to work with these farmers to launch the world’s first Fairtrade certified dietary supplements.”

The new Fairtrade organic supplements include:

  • TULSI (HOLY BASIL) – Tulsi’s many different mechanisms make it the #1 herb of the Yogic, Ayurvedic, and Puranic traditions. Modern research has also classified Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) as an adaptogenic herb, though it has been traditionally used to support immunity, stress response, and to support the body’s natural detoxification process.*
  • CEYLON CINNAMON – Cinnamon can help maintain blood sugar levels. Its warming nature supports healthy digestion.*
  • GINGER – Ginger supports digestion and nutrient assimilation while soothing digestion.  and is also known to support healthy cardiovascular function and a balanced immune system response.*
  • TRIKATU – This blend of Long Pepper (Piper longum), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – is used to support digestion and the overall gastric function.*

Going above and beyond

 

The Fairtrade certification label means that the ingredients meet Fairtrade’s rigorous social, economic and environmental standards. For small-scale producers, this means a minimum price for their products and a Premium to invest in their communities. Organic India works with Fairtrade America to certify the supplements, in addition to five of Organic India’s herbal Tulsi teas.

Organic India goes above and beyond the Fairtrade Standards in their work with small-scale farmers paying their Fairtrade and organic certification fees. The company also provides training on organic and regenerative agricultural practices, and provides funding for community projects.

“With the strong interest in nutritional supplements, it’s great to see Organic India sharing their story with consumers and supporting small-scale farmers,” said Hans Theyer, Executive Director at Fairtrade America.

The US market for supplements grew by 6.6 percent to $41 billion dollars in 2016, according to New Hope Network. The steady interest is primarily due to a rising emphasis on preventative healthcare, an aging population, and consumers taking charge of their own health outcomes, according to a McKinsey report.

Herbs and botanicals, which represent 18% of US dietary supplement sales, were one of the key drivers of this growth. As interest in supplements grows, interest in how they are produced is increasing.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

To purchase products or for more information, please visit www.organicindia.com.

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