Tradition, innovation, research—those are the principles on which Sabinsa, founded in 1988 by Dr. Muhammed Majeed, was built. The company’s mission: to provide alternative and complementary ingredients for human nutrition, beauty, and well-being, while practicing environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

As Shaheen Majeed, President Worldwide, Sabinsa and second-generation of the company’s founding family, toldWholeFoods,it all ties together. He points to the turmeric used in Sabinsa’s Curcumin C3 Complex, grown by a network of contract farmers, as an example: “What began as a way to ensure enough raw material for leading products evolved into a company mission of Indian traditional herb stewardship and support of small farming communities.” Sabinsa supplies seed to the farmers, teaches them how to grow the herbs sustainably, guarantees a minimum purchase price, and pays more when the herbs are worth more. “Our close relationships with farmers extends to supporting the infrastructure of their communities, too. We really are all connected.”

The company’s reach is wide: In over 30 years, Sabinsa has brought to market more than 120 standardized botanical extracts and privately funded clinical studies in support of these products. In concert with parent company Sami Labs, the company employs over 1,000 people worldwide. Sami-Sabinsa also works with hundreds of small farmers on nearly 40,000 acres who grow quality raw materials for processing into branded ingredients. Over the years in their work with farmers, they have virtually adopted villages, supported schools, and improved rural infrastructure.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams from Sami Labs have also helped distribute items to poor, aged, and vulnerable people living near the company’s facility in Hyderabad, India. This work was done in connection with The Dr. Majeed Foundation, a non-profit institution established by Dr. Muhammed Majeed, Founder and Chairman of Sami-Sabinsa Group. The foundation has distributed 3,600 kits containing essential food items, protective equipment, hand sanitizers, and health supplements. In addition, financial contributions were made to help fund ventilators, invest in vaccine development, and fund the care of migrant laborers.

“We have always believed in supporting the less fortunate,” Dr. Majeed said in a press release announcing the efforts, “ while giving back to society.”