In this episode of the Supply Geek podcast, host Ben Thornton-Jones engages with mint expert Vaibhav Agrawal from Norex to explore the intricate supply chain of mint, from its cultivation in India to its various applications in oral care, pharmaceuticals, and more. They discuss the different varieties of mint, the distillation process, the role of farmers, and the challenges they face, including competition from synthetic alternatives. The conversation also highlights the Sankalp program aimed at enhancing farmer livelihoods and sustainability in mint production, culminating in a discussion on the carbon footprint of natural versus synthetic mint.

Takeaways

• Mint is a significant crop in India, with 80% of global production.
• There are three main varieties of mint: mentha arvensis (corn mint), mentha peperita (peppermint), and mentha spicata (spearmint).
• Mint oil is extracted through steam distillation, separating oil from water.
• Farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India typically cultivate mint alongside other crops like rice and potatoes.
• Mint is often referred to as 'liquid gold' due to its market value and shelf life.
• Synthetic mint poses a challenge to natural mint farmers due to lower prices.
• The Sankalp program focuses on enhancing farmer income and sustainability.
• Natural mint has a more complex flavor profile compared to synthetic alternatives.
• Sustainable practices can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of mint production.
• Consumer awareness of the source of mint products can drive demand for natural ingredients.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Mint Supply Chain
• 04:13 Understanding Mint Varieties and Their Origins
• 06:07 The Rise of Mint Production in India
• 09:51 The Distillation Process of Mint Oil
• 14:16 The Role of Farmers in Mint Cultivation
• 19:50 Challenges Faced by Mint Farmers
• 25:25 Major Products Utilizing Mint and Synthetic Alternatives
• 26:25 The Versatile Applications of Mint
• 29:15 Natural vs. Synthetic Mint: A Cost Analysis
• 33:40 Consumer Awareness: The Right to Know
• 37:13 Sankalp Program: Empowering Farmers and Communities
• 44:51 Sustainability and Carbon Footprint in Mint Production

Keywords

mint supply chain, mint varieties, mint production, mint oil distillation, mint farmers, synthetic mint, sustainability, Sankalp program, carbon footprint, oral care products