SuanNutra Moves Lemon Verbena Cultivation to Valencia, Spain, for Branded Ingredients

SuanNutra, a nutraceutical ingredient group, announced on September 30, 2026, that it is overseeing the cultivation of lemon verbena in Valencia, Spain, for use in its branded botanical ingredients.¹ The company says local growing under its direct supervision supports a more resilient supply chain, standardized quality, full traceability, and greater transparency.

Why Is SuanNutra Growing Lemon Verbena in Spain?

Lemon verbena is an aromatic plant native to South America, according to the company, noting that Andean healers traditionally used it as a digestive aid and an antispasmodic for bronchitis. The company adds that research has identified flavonoids, essential oils, triterpenes, vitamins, and minerals in the plant.

The botanical is a component of several SuanNutra branded ingredients. “This project opens a new chapter in growing and cultivating lemon verbena,” explained Jaime Durán Sanz, chief business officer for SuanNutra, in the announcement. “Lemon verbena is the secret ingredient of some of our branded ingredients such as Metabolaid, RelaxPLX, and Elissara.” Growing the plant locally, he added, with oversight from planting to finished product, reinforces the company's commitment to responsible sourcing.

How Is the Company Managing Climate Risk?

SuanNutra says climate adaptation was built into the project from the outset. Rather than relying on one site, it has spread cultivation across different farms and microclimates in the Valencia region.

"To support resilience, we have diversified cultivation across different farms and microclimates within the Valencia region," Durán Sanz added. "This reduces reliance on a single location and gives us more flexibility across growing seasons."

The company also reports using drip irrigation and soil-covering techniques to improve water efficiency and retain soil moisture, and working with specialized nurseries so plants reach the field in good condition.

How Does the Plant Become an Ingredient?

SuanNutra says growers follow set farming protocols and time the harvest to protect the plant's botanical profile. Once picked, the leaves are dried and managed under controlled conditions, then extracted, with the active compounds standardized. The company says the resulting extract is tested to confirm it meets the specifications it sets for its ingredients.

Stephanie Guillén-Díaz, chief commercial officer for SuanNutra, pointed to the level of integration as the differentiator. "What makes this process unique is our involvement from the agricultural stage and the level of integration," she said. “For customers, this means greater confidence in our products. They are not only receiving a botanical extract; they are receiving an ingredient backed by a controlled origin, a defined process and a consistent quality profile.”

SuanNutra also says it is a patron of lemon verbena in the American Botanical Council's Adopt an Herb program, which provides information on the botanical through the HerbMedPro platform.

What Will SuanNutra Show at SupplySide Global?

The company will exhibit its Monteloeder by SuanNutra offerings at SupplySide Global, October 26–30 in Las Vegas, booth 6241. The presentation centers on Visible Radiance, the company's approach to beauty from within, including new research on Elissara for scalp wellness and radiant hair. SuanNutra will also share preliminary clinical findings on Nutroxsun 365 that it says show improvements in visible skin glow and pigmentation in as little as 14 days.

What Has SuanNutra Announced Recently?

In May, SuanNutra USA secured US distribution rights to TetraSOD, a patented marine ingredient derived from the microalgae Tetraselmis chuii and positioned for cellular and metabolic health, through an agreement with Spanish biotech Fitoplancton Marino, S.L.² SuanNutra also agreed to acquire specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF, with closing expected by year-end.³

References

1. SuanNutra. SuanNutra brings lemon verbena cultivation to home soil. Press release. September 30, 2026. Accessed October 1, 2026.
2. McEvoy, E. SuanNutra USA secures US distribution rights for TetraSOD marine bioactive. Nutritional Outlook. July 27, 2026. Accessed October 1, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/suannutra-us-distribution-rights-tetrasod-marine-bioactive
3. Saraceno N. SuanNutra to acquire specialty natural ingredients businesses from IFF. Nutritional Outlook. July 20, 2026. Accessed October 1, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/suannutra-to-acquire-specialty-natural-ingredients-businesses-iff