Global leader in naturally good food and beverage ingredients and solutions publishes new Spice Maps framework and updated Nut Trails progress report.
ofi has launched Spice Maps - its first comprehensive sustainability strategy for spices - alongside its annual Nut Trails impact report. Together, these frameworks demonstrate how ofi is helping to build resilient, more sustainable supply chains for two of the world's fastest-growing ingredient categories .
Both are part of ofi's overarching Choices for Change sustainability strategy, which focuses on prosperous farmers, thriving communities, climate action, and regenerating the living world and align with its 2030 targets that include a newly validated Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathway.
Burcu Turkay, Global Head of Sustainability for Nuts and Spices at ofi, said:
"By targeting the specific challenges facing farmers in each crop and country, we set goals that reflect local realities and track progress that matters to communities, landscapes, and our customers.
We're leveraging over 20 years of sustainability experience and deep farming relationships to create tailored solutions for the world's biggest food and beverage brands - delivering both flavor and functionality, from clean-label spice blends to protein-rich nut ingredients."
‘Spice Maps’: Tailored sustainability for six priority spices
Operating across the major spice-growing regions of the US, Mexico, India, Egypt, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia, ofi's new Spice Maps strategy sets distinct 2030 targets for pepper, chile, turmeric, onion, cassia, and coconut - recognizing that each spice has unique production challenges.
Key priorities include:
Water stewardship: Piloting regenerative technologies in drought-prone onion regions of Egypt and the US
Climate resilience: Reducing emissions and strengthening community infrastructure for black pepper farmers in Vietnam and Cambodia
Regenerative farming: Supporting India-based chile farmers to reduce chemical inputs through modern agronomic practices
Technology driving impact from farm to factory
AI and automation are already delivering results across ofi's operations. In its US almond and onion operations, AI-powered soil sensors optimize irrigation while smart-spraying technology reduces herbicide use by up to 80%. Solar power offset 56% of Scope 1 emissions in 2024, while a new solar plant at the Kerabury Orchards in New South Wales can provide 83% of energy needs, cutting annual emissions by 5,500 tCO2e.
In Côte d'Ivoire, ofi's award-winning geo-location app digitally screened 22,000 children for malnutrition and referred 370 for treatment.
Strengthening traceability and farmer support
Over 4,000 additional cashew and hazelnut farmers joined ofi's direct sourcing network in 2024 (total: 47,988) via its farmer information survey tool, with more than 31,450 farmers receiving targeted support. In Cambodia, 3,000 pepper farmers now use the ofi Direct app to connect with buyers, creating full traceability and fairer pricing.
Burcu Turkay added:
“Our ongoing investment in data systems, traceability, and direct engagement at origin, is fundamental to building supply chains that are resilient, sustainable, and capable of meeting the evolving demands of our customers, while making a real difference for people and the planet.”
Access the full reports here:
[1] Source: Grand View Research: Seasoning & Spices, Nuts Market reports
[2] Innovative ofi app targeting infant malnutrition wins at UK’s largest sustainable business awards
