For botanical ingredient buyers, the arrival of a new harvest does not necessarily mean material is immediately available for supply. Once harvested, botanicals may still need to undergo processing, sampling, testing and quality approval before they are suitable for use.
As we move through the 2026 harvest season, variable crop timings, stringent quality requirements and longer lead times continue to make early forecasting increasingly important.
Harvest timings remain difficult to predict
Weather has always played a significant role in botanical crops, but increasingly variable growing conditions are making harvest timings less predictable. Across a number of crops this year, we have seen material arriving later than traditionally expected, reinforcing the importance of building flexibility into purchasing schedules.
Many weather-related impacts only become apparent as crops approach harvest. As a result, changes to yield, quality or harvest timing cannot always be identified months in advance.
Harvested does not always mean available
For buyers planning production, it is important to distinguish between a crop being harvested and finished botanical material being available for supply.
Following harvest, material may require cleaning, processing, sampling and testing before it can be approved. Botanical ingredients must meet the required quality and microbiological specifications, and samples or consignments that do not meet these requirements may be rejected. Suitable replacement material then needs to be identified and approved, potentially adding to lead times.
In some cases, additional processing such as steam treatment may be used to improve microbiological results. However, this can alter the appearance of certain botanicals, often producing a darker or browner material. For customers repacking botanicals for retail, or using them in applications where appearance is important, this needs to be considered alongside microbiological requirements.
Quality controls throughout the supply chain
Joseph Flach & Sons has extensive experience sourcing botanical raw materials from growers, processors and suppliers around the world. Established supplier approval, quality control and testing procedures help us manage the natural variation that can occur between crops, origins and harvest years.
These processes are supported by recognised third-party standards and certifications, including BRCGS, UFAS, ISO 22000 and Soil Association Organic certification, providing customers with additional assurance around the systems used to manage quality, food safety and organic products.
Forward planning is becoming increasingly important
We are seeing increased interest from customers looking to contract their botanical requirements in advance, helping to provide greater certainty around supply and reduce the risk of ingredient delays affecting production schedules. Where possible, we also work with alternative approved sources to provide additional resilience when availability from a particular origin is constrained.
For buyers planning for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, early communication is particularly valuable. Where possible, buyers should share:
• expected annual or seasonal volumes;
• required delivery dates and production schedules;
• product and specification requirements;
• microbiological requirements;
• organic status, where applicable; and
• any packaging, appearance or end-application requirements that could influence material selection.
The earlier these requirements are understood, the more opportunity there is to plan purchasing, identify suitable material and manage potential changes in harvest timing, quality, availability or lead times.
Planning your 2026/27 botanical requirements?
If you are reviewing your botanical requirements for the remainder of 2026 or planning for 2027, speak to the Joseph Flach & Sons team. Sharing your forecasts and specifications early can help us understand your requirements and plan appropriate sourcing and supply options.
Contact our sales team at sales@josephflach.co.uk or call +44 (0)1733 371221 to discuss your 2026/27 requirements.
