Netherlands based Verstgen has tied up with the internationally reputed global brand Sri Sri Tattva headquartered in India to offer sustainable agricultural solutions reports Rahul Laud from Asian Lite International Newsdesk
The Rotterdam family business Verstegen Spices & Sauces has drawn up plans to offer sustainable solutions in Europe. Its sustainability ambitions are being further developed in collaboration with Source Natural Foods & Herbal Supplements Limited, a listed company on the Bombay Stock Exchange, subsidiary of one of India’s leading multinational brand of Ayurveda & FMCG Sriveda Sattva Private Limited (Sri Sri Tattva). Together with Source Natural, Verstegen has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will further expand the planting of sustainable food forests in India. Both Source Natural and Verstegen have the ambition to use this way of doing business to leave a better world for the next generation. This collaboration is therefore a huge step to achieve this goal.
The objective of the MOU is to set up a verified and safe food supply chain of regenerative spices (agroforestry and natural farming) and explore together new market opportunities. Both companies have agreed to start with a red chilli based agroforestry system in Andhra Pradesh, India and to promote it widely with other spices in the future.
The chillies, coming from a regenerative source, will be procured directly from the farmers and processed into the final product. Sustainability and traceability forms the foundation of this business relationship. Verstegen has been a leader in sustainable business and was elected as the most sustainable company in the Netherlands informed company sources.
Furthermore it is reported that Source Natural has collaborated with the Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust and have done extensive work to train farmers in sustainable methods of farming such as natural and organic farming. Having a good connection with local farmers in the region, the company would be able to source high quality produce and ensure that the farmers earn a premium over the market rate for their high quality crop, a result of the special methods of cultivation applied by them.
The collaboration will start with a pilot at the end of 2020 and will start growing chilies in combination with other crops in order to be able to comply with a sustainable agricultural system, also known as agroforestry.
Agroforestry is a sustainable agricultural system also known as ‘regenerative agroforestry’. With this system, different crops on the same piece of land absorb CO2 from the air. In addition to CO2 absorption, this agricultural method also provides more biodiversity, higher yields for farmers, healthier plants, better harvest quality and better soil conditions.
Verstegen started planting sustainable food forests in 2019. According to the company , this is the step towards the development and preservation of sustainable herb and spice chains. Source Natural Foods & Herbal Supplements Limited was founded in 1995 with a holistic and Ayurvedic approach to health and wellbeing has been available in Europe and the UK.
Arvind Varchaswi Managing Director Sri Sri Tattva, said , “We see that consumers want to live healthier lives and look at foods that are good for their health. More and more food trends are rooted in the Ayurveda system of medicine from India. Since the beginning of this year, Sri Sri Tattva Europe B.V., with the Dutch CEO Anja Jessurun, has been distributing the wide product range in Europe, in categories such as: Ayurvedic food and supplements, health care, personal care, and online courses.”
Michel Chairman & Managing Director, Verstegen “With this program we will grow and market regenerative chillies in India. A profit for all parties involved, including the farming communities on which we depend ”.
Sri Sri Tatva has also drawn up ‘’ambitious’’ plans to offer its entire product range of various ayurveda and herbal products coupled with various wisdom and knowledge sessions related to wellness in Europe and UK. The company is also geared up to expand its distributor network in Europe and the UK informed company sources.