Sustainability isn’t just a label anymore. In the U.S. spice sector, it has moved into everyday procurement conversations, contract terms, and documentation requirements. As we move into 2026, buyers want more than claims; they want to see how spices were grown, who handled them, and whether that path was verified.
Why 2026 Will Be a Different Year
U.S. organic sales reached about $71.6 billion in 2024, with a 5.2% annual increase. That growth is not coming from marketing language, but from steady, practical buyer behavior. Spices and botanicals sit in a category where the expectation has shifted from “nice if organic” to “show me credible sourcing and proof.”
At the same time:
- Around 80% of consumers globally say they are willing to pay more for sustainable goods
- Retailers are increasingly requiring sustainability documentation alongside food safety papers
- Procurement teams are adding sustainability into their supplier scorecards, not as bonus points but as mandatory fields
This means the tone of requests from buyers is changing from curiosity to expectation.
What’s New in Certification for Spices
A dedicated standard for herbs and spices
For the first time, the Rainforest Alliance and UEBT certification systems formally include a structured model specifically designed for spices. 2026 will be the first full cycle where origin farms, processors, exporters, and packers can be recognized under one consistent spice-aligned framework.
This brings clearer expectations on:
- Soil integrity
- Biodiversity protection
- Labor due diligence
- Drying and post-harvest handling
- Traceability
Rather than general agricultural rules adapted for spices, this program is built around how spices actually move through a supply chain.
More collaboration, less fragmentation
The Sustainable Spices Initiative has continued farmer training, safe pesticide handling education, and sourcing improvement pilots in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The tone there is practical: help farmers improve yields responsibly, reduce risk for exporters, and give buyers clearer visibility into sourcing.
Instead of hundreds of individual certification projects working in isolation, the industry is gradually leaning toward shared targets and collective baselines.
Why Certification Matters Beyond Labels
Buyers are managing risk, not just messaging
Spices come from regions with climate variability, complex land-use history, and labor reliance. Documentation helps buyers understand:
- Where risk sits
- What mitigation looks like
- Which origin has strong traceability, and which needs support
It’s less about creating a “green” image and more about knowing exactly what’s in the supply chain.
Traceability is the anchor
Batch-level traceability, land-use verification where applicable, and supplier mapping are now part of certification expectations. Instead of a certificate that sits in a folder, buyers want documentation that can be verified if an audit is requested.
A short, friendly way to think of it:
Certification is becoming the visible summary of the work suppliers already do behind the scenes.
What a Realistic Certification Approach Looks Like in 2026
- Organic coverage where the category demands it
Not every crop needs it, but some buyers won’t move forward without it. - Targeted sustainability certification on key origins
Pepper, chilies, turmeric, ginger, vanilla, and the crops that draw the most questions. - Supplier codes of conduct for non-farm steps
Warehousing, grinding, storage, packing, even if they don’t fall under farm certification. - Clear communication on partial coverage
If 60% of a blend is certified, state it plainly. Buyers appreciate directness more than broad claims.
What to Expect Over the Next Two Years
- Certification will continue merging with compliance documents.
- Traceability will matter more than marketing wording.
- Buyers will request certification maps, not just seals.
- Organic will stay important, but sustainability layered on top will become the differentiator.
- Regenerative language will gain ground for crops facing soil pressure and climate instability.
The path forward is less dramatic than industry headlines suggest. It’s steady and structured: verify what can be verified, communicate honestly, and keep documentation clear and accessible.
For many U.S. spice companies, the real advantage in 2026 won’t be having the most labels; it will be being able to answer sourcing questions simply and confidently.