Sourcing organic ingredients
Nearly 5% of all food sold in the United States in 2015 was organic, according to the Organic Trade Association (O.T.A.), Washington. Most of that is from perimeter departments in retail stores.
Felipe Aguilar, director of supply chain, Sensient Natural Ingredients, Turlock, Calif., said, “Ingredient suppliers face highly fragmented organic supply chains that prove difficult to demonstrate traceability, maintain reliable inventories and provide consistency in product quality. Food manufacturers who use organic ingredients need to ensure they focus on communicating their anticipated needs well in advance. Remember, most crops produce only once every 12 months, thus limiting flexibility and ability to supply in short notice.”
Sensient launched its organic program with onion, chili pepper and paprika. The company recently added California-grown roasted chili pepper, smoked paprika, smoked onion and soon-to-be launched toasted onion seasonings.