What is ingredient sourcing?
Ingredient sourcing is the process of researching, vetting, and purchasing ingredients for use in food-based products – like supplements. Much like writing a shopping list and heading to the supermarket, sourcing involves selecting the best products at a fair price. However, at the commercial scale, the “shopping list” is far more complex, the stakes are much higher, and the timeline is rarely immediate.
Sourcing also goes beyond simple transactions. It involves building long-term relationships with trusted suppliers to ensure consistent quality, timely delivery, and competitive pricing over time.
What are the challenges of supplement ingredient sourcing?
Sourcing for supplements is not as simple as adding 10kg of Vitamin E to an online cart. It requires navigating a global landscape of suppliers, regulations, certifications, and testing. Trust is everything – because ingredient quality directly affects the safety and efficacy of the final product.
Meet Mark, Our Head Buyer
At G&G, ingredient sourcing is led by Mark, who has been with the company since 1987. With over 35 years of experience, Mark knows the industry inside and out. He understands that just because a supplier promises 50kg of Vitamin B1 by Thursday doesn’t mean they can deliver it – or that it will pass rigorous lab tests. Having dealt with almost every supplier in the game, he knows exactly who can be trusted and who can’t.
How does G&G maintain ingredient quality standards?
Quality is non-negotiable. We rely on a handful of long-established European suppliers known for their integrity and consistency. However, the global supplement industry is evolving fast -and nowhere is that more evident than in China.
What are the risks and rewards of sourcing ingredients from China?
China now dominates the market for many raw materials used in supplements. In some cases, it’s no longer feasible to avoid Chinese suppliers – especially when European manufacturers have shut down due to pricing pressures.
- Quality Concerns
Historically, China has prioritized quantity over quality. But in supplements – products people ingest – quality is critical. That’s why we never use new suppliers without thorough lab testing. No exceptions.
2. Shipping and time constraints
Shipping from China can be slow, particularly by sea. Air freight is faster but more expensive. Once ingredients arrive, they still need to undergo full lab testing, including microbial analysis, which can take weeks. Meanwhile, clients often expect tight lead times – a challenge we continuously work to manage.
3. Price volatility
Ingredient prices from China can fluctuate wildly. A major reason? China’s aggressive environmental cleanup policies. Factories that fail to meet environmental standards are being shut down – sometimes permanently. That impacts production, supply levels, and, inevitably, pricing.
Example: Inositol hexanicotinate (a form of Vitamin B3) saw prices skyrocket after two major Chinese producers were shut down. Similar dynamics affect amino acids, while others, like CoQ10, decreased in price due to increased local competition.
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What is G&G’s sourcing philosophy?
At G&G, our approach to sourcing is built on trust, transparency, and testing.
- We prefer UK-based suppliers whenever possible
- We work with partners we know personally – we’ve visited their factories, reviewed their certifications, and tested their products repeatedly
- We purchase from the USA when it offers the best option for specialist ingredients, such as microbiotics
- We use Chinese suppliers only when quality certification is solid and we have enough time for proper lab verification
Sourcing high-quality ingredients takes time to master. It’s an ongoing process of trial, learning, and refinement. Our experienced buying team ensures that every ingredient meets strict quality standards – so that every supplement we produce is as safe and effective as possible.
Why does it matter for your brand?
When you partner with G&G, you’re getting more than just supplements – you’re gaining access to decades of supplier relationships, sourcing expertise, and lab-backed quality control. That means better products, faster lead times, and more stable pricing – without compromising on quality.
Want to know more about how we can help bring your supplement to life?
Contact us today – we’d love to help.