Kemin’s Rosemary Program is Leading the Way in Natural Antioxidant Solutions

As consumers and manufacturers alike seek cleaner labels and sustainable solutions, natural antioxidants have become essential for meeting both regulatory standards and market expectations. The demand for natural antioxidants has never been greater. These powerful compounds play a vital role in preserving the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of foods and pet products—without relying on synthetic additives.

Decades before industry demands for natural antioxidants grew, Kemin experimented with growing rosemary to develop its own proprietary line of natural antioxidant solutions. Our rosemary growing program was developed through the Specialty Crop Improvement (SCI) department. This program not only ensures a consistent, high-quality supply of natural antioxidants but also sets a global benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices.

Why is Rosemary a Good Source for Natural Antioxidants?

The SCI department, led by Dr. John Greaves, was established in 2008 to develop patented plant varieties and scalable systems for extracting key molecules used across Kemin’s product lines. What began with a focus on rosemary has grown into a global operation involving thousands of acres and a diverse team of experts in breeding, agronomy, and phytochemical extraction.

SCI’s vertically integrated model allows Kemin to control every step of the process—from breeding proprietary clonal lines of rosemary and other plants to cultivating, harvesting, and extracting the desired compounds. This model ensures not only quality and consistency but also the ability to innovate and adapt sustainably.

Rosemary is more than a culinary herb—it’s a powerhouse of natural antioxidants like carnosic acid and carnosol. These compounds are essential in products like FORTIUM™ R, which helps maintain flavor and color stability in foods without synthetic preservatives.

Kemin Grows Rosemary with Good Agricultural Practices

In 2012, Kemin recognized a problem: much of the global rosemary supply was being harvested from the wild in the Mediterranean using unsustainable practices and cheap labor. This approach was not only environmentally damaging but also misaligned with the values of Kemin and our partners who are seeking natural alternatives in food and pet food products.

Kemin’s answer was to develop a perennial cropping system for rosemary. By planting genetically identical clonal lines in Arizona and other U.S. states, Kemin created a system where fields could be harvested twice a year for up to a decade. These plants are cultivated using good agricultural practices and a proprietary crop production process, ensuring optimal yield with minimal environmental impact. 

What Makes Kemin’s Specialty Crop Program Unique?

• Scientific Breeding: SCI’s breeding program focuses on maximizing the concentration of target molecules while minimizing resource inputs.
• Global Reach: With breeding, seed production, and crop production operations in the U.S., Brazil, Chile, China, India, South Africa, and Spain, SCI ensures a resilient and diversified supply chain.
• Continuous Improvement: Each year, the program evolves to become more efficient and environmentally sound, thanks to ongoing research and innovation.
• Beyond Rosemary: The success of the rosemary program has inspired similar efforts with spearmint (used in Neumentix®), oregano, marigold, and more.

A Model for the Future

Kemin’s rosemary program is about more than a supplying natural antioxidant solutions for customers—it’s also a blueprint for how agriculture can be both productive and sustainable. By investing in science, respecting the environment, and holding ourselves to the highest standards, we’re not just growing plants—we’re growing a better future.

Key Takeaways

• Kemin’s Rosemary Program Sets a Global Standard
  Kemin’s rosemary program is recognized for leading the way in natural antioxidant solutions, blending science, sustainability, and innovation to meet market and regulatory demands for cleaner labels and sustainable practices. 
  
  
• Vertically Integrated, Science-Driven Approach
  The Specialty Crop Improvement (SCI) department manages a vertically integrated model, controlling every step from breeding proprietary clonal lines to extraction. This ensures quality, consistency, and the ability to innovate sustainably. 
  
  
• Global Reach and Continuous Improvement
  Kemin’s SCI program operates in multiple countries, ensuring a resilient supply chain and continuous improvement in efficiency and environmental impact through ongoing research and innovation.
  
  
• A Blueprint for Future Sustainable Agriculture
  The success of the rosemary program has inspired similar initiatives with other crops, positioning Kemin’s approach as a model for productive and sustainable agriculture that invests in science and environmental stewardship.

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