The Swiss Mountain Source for Ricola Herbs
For nearly a century, Ricola has relied on Switzerland's pristine alpine environment to provide the foundational ingredients for its products. The herbs are grown by a collective of more than 100 independent Swiss farming families, primarily located in the mountain regions, who operate under long-term purchase agreements with the company. This network extends across several key regions known for their ideal soil and climate conditions, ensuring each herb thrives naturally.
- Valais and Val Poschiavo: These areas, known for their dry climate and light, stony soils at over 1,000 meters, provide the perfect habitat for hardy plants like sage and thyme.
- Emmental and Jura: With higher rainfall and slightly acidic soils, these regions are exceptionally suited for cultivating peppermint.
- Central Switzerland: This area, along with the southern Jura foothills, also provides optimal conditions for a variety of the 13 signature herbs.
This commitment to local, Swiss-only sourcing not only ensures a consistently high-quality raw material but also helps support the livelihood of family farms and preserves traditional agricultural practices in the rural environment.
Natural Cultivation and the Ricola Standard
Ricola's farming methodology is a cornerstone of its brand identity and is rooted in sustainability and respect for nature. The company and its partner farmers adhere to strict quality and environmental standards, with many meeting the rigorous guidelines of Bio Suisse, Switzerland's leading organic farming organization.
Key Principles of Ricola's Herb Cultivation
- No Artificial Chemicals: All herbs are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers, ensuring a pure and natural product.
- Natural Farming Techniques: The farmers employ natural methods like crop rotation to maintain soil health, fertility, and promote biodiversity.
- Hand and Machine Harvesting: Much of the cultivation and harvesting is still performed by hand to ensure the delicate herbs are properly cared for. When machines are used, they are energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
- Careful Timing: Farmers harvest the herbs at the precise moment their concentration of valuable active ingredients and aroma is at its peak.
From Farm to Lozenges: The Processing Journey
After a meticulous harvest, the fresh herbs begin their journey to become a Ricola product. Transported directly from the farms, they arrive at the company's Herb Center in Laufen, Switzerland, for processing and quality control.
At the Herb Center, a comprehensive inspection process ensures that only herbs meeting Ricola's high standards are used. This includes checks for freshness, color, aroma, and ingredient purity. The herbs are then dried, cut, and blended to create the famous 13-herb mixture before being stored for future production. This entire process, from seed to final lozenge, takes place within Switzerland to maintain strict control over quality and minimize transportation impacts.
A Comparison of Herb Properties
| Herb | Part of Plant Used | Key Property / Use | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppermint | Leaves | Refreshing, soothing, aroma | Emmental and Jura regions with acidic soil |
| Sage | Herb | Traditionally used for sore throats | Dry climate, stony soil in Valais and Val Poschiavo |
| Mallow | Leaves | Known for its mucilage, soothing | Sunny places, loam or clay soils |
| Yarrow | Flowering herb | Traditionally used to promote healing | Meadows and roadsides |
| Elder | Flowers | Soothing and flavorful | Can be found wild or cultivated |
Ricola's commitment to its Swiss roots and sustainable farming practices is detailed further on their corporate sustainability page [https://www.ricola.com/en/about/sustainability/partnerships/].
Conclusion
The rich, soothing flavor of a Ricola lozenge is a direct result of its carefully controlled and sustainably managed herbal supply chain. By partnering with dedicated Swiss mountain farmers, Ricola ensures that its 13-herb blend is grown naturally in the ideal alpine conditions of Switzerland. This unwavering commitment to local, ethical, and chemical-free farming is not just a marketing claim but a fundamental part of the company's identity, providing consumers with a product that is both high-quality and responsible.
