Kemin Earns Sustainably Grown Certification for 100% of Specialty Spearmint

The recognition of Kemin and its growing partner came following a rigorous third-party audit and assessment by SCS Global Services (SCS). Sustainably Grown is one of the most stringent certification standards, supporting long-term sustainable agricultural production by identifying crops grown in accordance with exceptional environmental and social responsibility as well as quality and safety requirements.

"Kemin Industries continues to demonstrate leadership in the food and personal care product sectors with plant ingredients that meet the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility," said Nathan Smith, SCS’ Managing Director of Food and Agriculture. "We are pleased to be able to report that 100% of spearmint produced by Kemin meets the requirements of the Certified Sustainably Grown standard."

Hi-RA Mint, which takes its name from “high Rosmarinic Acid”, is a proprietary line of spearmint developed by Kemin scientists. Spearmint plants are excellent producers of diverse phytochemicals for flavoring preservation and health benefits. That’s why Kemin has developed two clonal lines that are traditionally bred to naturally select for phytochemicals that are suitable for commercial production for food, personal care, health, and pet food applications.

“The timing of our Sustainably Grown certification couldn’t be better,” said Dr. John Greaves, Kemin vice president of specialty crops. “Market demand for plant-based antioxidants, preservatives, and flavorings is soaring and it’s even more important than ever to use long-term, sustainable techniques that are good for the land, show social responsibility and produce crops grown in accordance with quality and safety requirements. At Kemin we take a long view and have a growing number of customers who feel the same way.”

To produce Hi-RA Mint, Kemin co-farms with a five-generation, family-owned operation that has an unwavering commitment to excellence. The partner, strategically located in an area of Indiana with favorable mint-growing conditions, shares the company’s commitment to sustainability, safety and quality.

The Sustainably Grown certification comes on the heels of even more good news. In September 2014 Kemin became the first and only company in the world to obtain a third-party certification for 100 percent of its proprietary rosemary as Sustainably Grown by SCS Global Service.

About Kemin Inspired Molecular Solutions™
Kemin (kemin.com) provides “inspired molecular solutions” specifically developed to provide nutrition and health benefits for humans and animals. Committed to feed and food safety, Kemin maintains top-of-the-line manufacturing facilities where approximately 500 specialty ingredients are made for the global feed and food industries as well as the health, nutrition and beauty markets. A privately held, family-owned and operated company, Kemin has nearly 2,000 employees and operates in more than 90 countries with manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

About SCS Global Services (SCS)
SCS (scsglobalservices.com) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in food and agriculture, green building, product manufacturing, forestry, fisheries, and more. SCS is Certified B Corporation™, signifying its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible business practices. The SCS Kingfisher certification mark is used to identify products certified by SCS under specific certification claims.