Applied Food Sciences Achieves Sello Chakra Certification: Promoting Sustainable Guayusa Sourcing and Empowering Amazonian Communities

Kerrville, Texas, March 26, 2025 — Applied Food Sciences (AFS) has recently earned the Sello Chakra (Chakra Seal) from the Amazonian Kichwa communities in Ecuador. This certification highlights AFS’s dedication to ethical sourcing of guayusa extract, ensuring that their practices are sustainable and socially responsible. Chris Fields, AFS’s Chief Science Officer, said this recognition strengthens their commitment to providing high-quality guayusa to the global market.

What is Guayusa?

Guayusa, pronounced “gwhy-you-sah,” is a caffeinated plant native to the Amazon basin in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. AFS supplies this unique ingredient through their patented organic extract, AmaTea® Max, which is gaining popularity as a coffee alternative and in functional beverages. Guayusa is rich in caffeine and antioxidants, which help boost mood and focus without the jitters often associated with synthetic caffeine.

Clinical studies support its use in enhancing athletic performance and cognitive abilities, such as concentration and memory. Interestingly, users often report a calm alertness that doesn’t come with the side effects of traditional caffeine.

The Chakra Agroforestry System

Guayusa thrives in diverse ecosystems, known locally as “chakras.” These areas are rich in biodiversity and are cultivated by indigenous families, emphasizing sustainability and cultural practices. Over 58% of the caretakers of these systems are women, known as “Chakramamas,” who pass down their expertise through generations. They play a vital role in maintaining this ecosystem, which promotes both environmental health and community well-being.

AFS’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing

For nearly ten years, AFS has partnered with over 4,000 independent farming families in Ecuador, ensuring that their guayusa is sustainably sourced. This approach not only supports local economies but also aids in rainforest conservation. Here’s how AFS promotes ethical sourcing:

• Collaborating with Kichwa-run cooperatives to ensure fair wages and improve market access.
• Supporting the preservation of traditional farming practices that protect Amazonian biodiversity.
• Empowering women and youth through educational initiatives in agroforestry and leadership.

What is the Chakra Seal?

The Chakra Seal, created by Corporación Chakra, recognizes sustainable and female-led agricultural practices. It helps small farmers gain acknowledgment for their regenerative farming methods, promoting both fair trade and environmental sustainability. This system allows communities to share their stories and practices, thereby enhancing their visibility in the market.

About Applied Food Sciences

For over two decades, Applied Food Sciences has supplied innovative ingredients to the natural products sector. Earning the Chakra Seal emphasizes their commitment to quality, sustainability, and responsible sourcing.

In recent times, the interest in sustainable ingredients has surged. According to a recent survey, 67% of consumers are more likely to purchase products that are sourced ethically and sustainably. This trend underscores the importance of companies like AFS that prioritize environmental and social responsibility in their supply chains.

For more information on the Chakra Seal, you can visit the [Chakra Corporation website](https://www.corporacionchakra.org/).

Source link

Applied Food Sciences, Inc., Guayusa Extract, Sustainable Sourcing, Functional Ingredients, Regenerative Farming, Agroforestry, Applied Food Sciences