19 April 2012 --- Thew Arnott, the leading specialist supplier of raw materials and ingredients to the food and pharmaceutical industries has become the first UK company to offer sustainably sourced, non-GMO soy lecithin, following validation by the new ProTerra Chain of Custody Certification scheme, from Cert ID Europe.

Certification of the company’s LeciTAs PT range of lecithins means that customers for whom sustainability is important can now complement other sustainably produced ingredients within a finished product, such as cocoa and sugar. Lecithin is used in foods as an emulsifier and is found in many baked goods, ice creams and gravies.

The ProTerra Chain of Custody Certification scheme means that currently LeciTAs PT lecithins can be traced back to a sustainable source.  Each delivery of LeciTAs PT is accompanied by a ProTerra Chain of Custody Certificate (CCC).  Although the certification is initially with Brazilian soy processors, however Thew Arnott is also working closely with Indian soy producers to introduce ProTerra.

Already Cert ID non-GMO certificated, the move by Thew Arnott into sustainability is in response to the increasing importance placed on ethical sourcing within the food and organic supply chain.

Gerry Stuart-Brown at Thew Arnott explains:

“Consumer awareness about sustainability issues is at an all-time high. As a result all major supply chain players – from growers to retailers – must orientate themselves to addressing this and allaying consumer concerns.

“Thew Arnott recognises that sustainably produced ingredients are essential if food retailers and major brands are to meet their sustainable sourcing policies. As the leading sustainability certification programme applicable to any food ingredient, ProTerra Certification will help us to stay one step ahead and be the supplier of choice within the lecithin sector.”