Nexira is the world leader in acacia, controlling the full supply chain of its acacia gum sourced from the African gum belt. Its brand of acacia-based ingredients, Inavea, preserves natural resources, supports local communities and offers a carbon-neutral footprint.
Working closely with the grassroots organization SOS SAHEL, the company is the first and only to offer a carbon neutral acacia-based range through its Acacia Program, which aims to restore the continent’s degraded landscapes and transform millions of lives in Sahel.
Speaking on the award win, Mathieu Dondain, managing director and vice president of Nexira said: “[This award] highlights the impact of our Acacia Program, which we’ve proudly supported for 15 years alongside SOS SAHEL. This recognition also reflects our commitment to ongoing innovation with Inavea and our dedication to corporate responsibility.”
What has the Acacia Program achieved so far?
Since 2009, the program has attained a number of commendable environmental achievements, including reducing firewood consumption by 30%, developing five new tree nurseries and planting over two million trees.
The project has also helped to support local communities, offering technical training on gum collection, tapping and traceability, and emboldening women to participate in decision-making processes. As part of the program, one new school and 17 new water points have also been built.
However, the project’s ambitions go beyond quantifiable objectives.
Julie Imperato, marketing manager at Nexira, said: “Compared with other ingredients on the market, our messages are not based solely on objectives, ambitions or values. Our messages are based on a long-term commitment by the company since the 1970s, a long-standing partnership with a local NGO for 30 years, a program launched in 2009 and tangible results already benefiting the local population and environment for many years.”
Now in Phase 3, Nexira has ambitious goals to maximize the impact of the Acacia Program. By 2030, it plans to incorporate 300,000 hectares of forest, with 20,000 hectares dedicated to re-densification.
It also aims to involve more than 200 villages in acacia production, with 50,000 producers—58% will be women.
What sets Nexira’s sustainability initiative apart?
According to Imperato, Nexira’s sustainability initiative stands out not only for advancing sustainability goals but also for the scientific rigor supporting its acacia-based ingredients.
The science to date has demonstrated a number of health benefits , with results indicating a strong prebiotic effect, benefitting microbial diversity and improving gut barrier function and constipation.
“Generally, when looking at a fiber or a prebiotic, manufacturers must choose between transparency, clean or minimal process, clean labeling, efficacy on the microbiome, proof of the benefit, tolerance and the type of application. Most of the ingredients on the market are checking one or two boxes, but you won’t find another ingredient checking all the boxes,” Imperato said.
She added that Inavea is suitable for a wide range of applications, from nutraceuticals to functional food and beverage solutions, while also remaining organic and Non-GMO Project verified.
“This award will therefore have the opportunity to shine in various categories of finished products, as well as internationally,” she said. “This award will highlight an excellent program, prove that change is possible and perhaps inspire other companies working in the field of raw material sourcing.”