Hemp extract manufacturer says organic certification will provide powerful differentiator

The Austin, TX-based company announced recently that now that it has completed the evaluation process to get the certification for its line of CBD ingredient these can now be used in USDA Organic finished products. The company claims to be the only commercial scale producer of USDA Organic certified cannabinoid ingredients with third-party verified non-detectable levels of THC.

Trust in supply chain

Socati CEO Josh Epstein told NutraIngredients-USA that one key element to the certification is what is says about the company’s supply chain.

“I think that we all believe that with USDA Organic certification you really have a seal that represents quality, sustainability and supply chain integrity that’s recognizable on the consumer level,”​ Epstein said.

“I think you will see a lot of products and brands looking to differentiate on a basis that engenders trust,”​ he said.

The organic certification was granted by the Montana State Department of Agriculture. That agency evaluated Socati’s processing plant, which is located in Missoula.  The company also has a seed genetics facility in Oregon.

According to Socati, the evaluation process included:

• An in-depth review of Socati’s manufacturing records to confirm stringent process and product traceability
• Analysis of the credentials and credibility of each supplier to ensure full organic compliance throughout the supply chain
• Confirmation of meticulous cleanliness standards upheld in Socati’s processing facility.

The company said it has now launched the following organic products:

• Organic Broad Spectrum Oils – CBD oils rich in other minor cannabinoids. Broad Spectrum Oils do not contain detectable levels of THC.
• Organic Full Spectrum Oils – CBD oils rich in other minor cannabinoids.  Full Spectrum Oils contain legal amounts of THC at 0.3% or less.

Still a niche in market

Steven Hoffman, principal in the firm Compass Natural Marketing and a longtime advocate for hemp products, said there’s opportunity for organic products in the hemp space, it has not been as much of a force in the market as it could be.

“I wish it were more of a differentiator, but I am seeing the predominance of hemp supplements out there without the organic seal,”​ Hoffman said.

“I’m a big fan of organic. I would like to see more organic hemp and more organic agricultural overall,”​ he said.