Global Plant Exploration initiative to advance botanical extract development

Groupe Berkem, a leading player in bio-based chemistry based in France, announced for its Health, Beauty & Nutrition Business area the launch of its pioneering initiative, Global Plant Exploration. Representing extensive effort in plant discovery and development, the initiatve is a cornerstone of the company’s field-to-finish approach, dedicated to developing a diverse range of botanical extracts for various health needs for the dietary supplement market. 

Key components of Berkem Global Plant Exploration program include:

• Direct Field Premium Sourcing of Botanicals: Ensuring high quality ingredients through field-based sourcing.
• Community Involvement and Sustainability: Engaging local communities and promoting sustainable practices throughout the process.
• Total Traceability and Quality Control: Maintaining rigorous standards from the initial fieldwork to the final product.

Leading this initiative are Chris Kilham, renowned “medicine hunter” and U.S. consultant for Berkem, and Nébil Bourguiba, Berkem’s Plant Sourcing Manager, with over 14 years of experience. Together with the Group’s R&D teams, they will drive the program’s efforts in sourcing, partnership development and quality control.

"The surest way to know plants and their sources is to be there on the ground. With Global Plant Exploration we make direct relationships with the people and places where plants derive,” said Kilham, “This helps us to establish a stronger chain of trade."

Nébil Bourguiba and Chris Kilham, Port of Douala Cameroon with tons of cocoa beans (Photo: Business Wire)

Recent global explorations:

• Southwestern France: Analyzed the French Maritime Pine processing industry, with Berkem preparing to unveil Pineol® Premium at SupplySide West.
• Southern France: Explored organic lemon balm and mint cultivation.
• Cameroon: Berkem investigated cocoa plantations and shipping processes.
• Peruvian Andes: Studied maca during a field trip with Berkem’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Olivier Fahy. Kilham has been deeply involved in maca and the communities that grow it in the Andes, since 1998.

Upcoming:

• Champagne Region, France (Early September): Engaging in the wine grape harvest, with a focus on OPC grape seed extract, a key ingredient in Berkem’s historical range and new gut health extract, Biombalance™.
• Southern France: Hops harvesting.
• Norway: Investigating farms and fisheries.
• Vietnam Central Highlands: Evaluating green coffee cultivation.

“At Berkem we ensure a close relationship to the botanicals that we source and the communities that they grow in,” said Berkem’s CEO, Olivier Fahy, “We value local harvesting, and also travel globally to source the finest crops. Ensuring that our supply chain respects the local ecosystem is a number one priority.”

Berkem remains committed to expanding its botanical expertise and delivering high-quality, sustainable products through the Global Plant Exploration program. More updates will follow as the initiative progresses.