👋 Greetings from Supplyside Global!
The opening days of this event are dedicated to education sessions … a perfect window for many of us to meet with colleagues and partners before the whirlwind begins when the trade show floor opens.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Kiel Henderson (right), who is leading PhytoLab’s expansion of third-party testing and top of the line phytochemical reference materials into North America, and Scott Kneedler (left) from Eurofins Botanical Testing.
I first met Kiel years ago while helping supply vouchered botanical material to his previous laboratory, which enabled the creation of vouchered Botanical Reference Materials (vBRM). These serve as reference standards for verifying botanical identity, a critical foundation for ensuring product quality and integrity.
➡️ I wish more people could appreciate how vital this work is.
Proper identity testing helps prevent adulteration (whether accidental or intentional) and safeguards the economic and ecological relationships that sustain the botanical supply chain.
‼️ When adulteration occurs, it doesn’t just affect product efficacy and safety; it undermines the livelihoods of farmers, indigenous communities, and small producers whose sustainable trade depends on authentic material. It also weakens the value placed on biodiversity itself.
Efforts like the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) from the American Botanical Council continue to play an essential role in protecting both consumers and the ecosystems that support this industry.
I’m looking forward to reconnecting with many more colleagues this week, including those who are committed to safeguarding botanical quality and trade, the innovators, and the leaders strengthening our industry on every front. These conversations are a powerful reminder of how collaboration is key to driving meaningful progress across the industry.
…Stay tuned as I introduce you to some of these dedicated professionals and the vital work they do throughout the week. 💚 🌎
Day 1- Supplyside Global
