Conscious sourcing
A harmonious relationship between people and Earth,
centered on mutual nurturing rather than exploiting resources and labour
Ayamani Naturals Lotus flowers, including blue lotus, pink lotus, red lotus and white lotus, as some of the OG staple ingredients for my herbal products, are ethically and sustainably sourced from Thailand. My supplier is an incredibly friendly man, who works in personal direct contact with a community of small farmers, under the Small Farmers Green Association Partnership.
The SFGA is focussed on supporting small-scale farmers in tropical regions who first-hand experience the hardships of climate change in their harvests, safeguarding the stability of their income and mitigating their vulnerability.
SFGA promotes sustainable farming and permaculture, ensuring resilience of production and the protection of the land and waters, and because of their efforts to harmonize and preserve there is no need for pesticides or chemical ferzilizers.
Compliance with organic principles is further ensured through inspections and laboratory analyses, and measures to minimize carbon footprint with smarter logistic functions are also implemented.
This has been my long-standing supplier and has always delivered the highest quality, his dedication, knowledge and personal involvement in the field have my complete trust and appreciation.
SOURCING blue lotus
sourcing cacao
At the heart of Ayamani Naturals’ cacao sourcing is a deep desire to provide wholesome products that connect us to the beauty and gifts of nature, rather harming her in the process of and only taking from her.
The cacao industry is notorious for its tendency to be unethical and exploitative on many fronts. After countless searches, I’m so happy to say that I’ve finally found two wonderful suppliers with strong integrity, dedicated to respecting both nature and people, offering a product born from mutual care rather than exploitation.
I source my premium Criollo cacao paste blocks from a trustworthy Europe-based supplier who works directly with farming families in the Amazon rainforest, specifically around Pucallpa, Peru. This company of passionate people is devoted to sustainability, fair trade, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers. I am so happy to say that this collaboration supports sustainable agroforestry and strengthens local communities through ethical practices.
The cacao is grown using permaculture methods in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. By promoting mixed cultivation, where cacao trees grow alongside other fruit trees and tall timber, this approach mimics its natural environment and enhances biodiversity. This not only improves the health of the crops but also boosts CO2 absorption, making the sourcing process not only environmentally sustainable, but also environmentally nurturing.
My supply partner pays farmers well above the industry average, fostering fair economic growth in local communities. Some of the main values and practices fostered by this company contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, and No Poverty. The goal is to drive long-term, sustainable change in the cacao industry, while protecting the natural treasures of the Amazon and empowering local communities.
In every step of this cacao sourcing process, it is ensured that ethical practices and environmental responsibility remain at the forefront, creating a positive impact for both people and planet.
sourcing raw cacao paste: the pucalipa blocks
In the central highlands of Peru, between 1300-1900 meters above sea level, over 90 farmers and their families produce Satipo criollo cacao, a delightful, well balanced cacao with fruity undertones. These farmers, following the traditions of their Ashaninka ancestors, use polyculture farming, which increases biodiversity and reduces pests and disease risks for the plants. Their sustainable practices are guided by a deep dedication to tradition, harmonious co-operation with the environment that hosts them and protection of said environment.
My provider partners closely with these farmers, recognizing the value in their efforts with fair prices and branding their city, Satipo, to highlight the quality of their cacao. In Peru, communal agriculture is a tradition, with farmers working together across small farms. They focus on harvesting ripe cacao fruits and either ferment the pulp themselves or send it to cooperatives. Criollo cacao, with a short fermentation period, is ideal for raw cacao products, offering rich flavor and antioxidant benefits.
Though the farms also contain non-criollo cacao varieties due to cross-pollination, the farmers carefully manage fermentation times for the best quality. Cooperatives provide technical support and training, while the younger generation brings new ideas after attending institutes and universities. Farmers are committed to organic, sustainable practices, having seen the disastrous effects of monoculture in neighboring areas where deforestation led to soil erosion and crop failures.
sourcing raw cacao paste: the satipo chunks
The liquid mushroom extracts I proudly stock on Ayamani Naturals are supplied by a competent, knowledgeable and dedicated supplier who prioritizes quality and sustainability, sourcing exclusively organically grown or wild-harvested mushrooms that meet EU-certified organic standards. They operate in regions with centuries-old wisdom and traditions of mushroom cultivation, in the Zhejiang and Fujian provinces in China. The mushrooms are grown on natural substrates like hardwood logs and organic cotton seed hulls, never in artificial labs or warehouses. The mushrooms adhere to strict organic and sustainable practices, avoiding pesticides, chemicals, and GMOs. They are hand-harvested at peak condition, thoroughly tested for contaminants, and processed using rigorous dual extraction methods to retain the full spectrum of bioactive compounds. They also ensure all products undergo thorough testing both at the source and in Europe, guaranteeing purity and compliance with EU standards. This meticulous approach allows to offer clean, organic, and potent mushroom extracts you can trust with a peaceful heart and mind.