A qualitative analysis of the sourcing practices used to ensure a sustainable supply of herbs and spices in the production of a South African food manufacturer

Abstract

Climate variability and change negatively affects the ability of farmers to produce crops (Makate, Makate & Mango, 2017, 1). This inability to produce crops would affect businesses that rely on key raw materials from farmers, as no raw material equals no product to sell. To cope with these challenges, farmers and businesses that rely on each other must practise sustainable farming and sourcing techniques. The sample used for the study was a South African food manufacturer. The data was collected using an interview schedule, as this enabled the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of the sourcing practises used by the South African food manufacturer in creating a sustainable supply of herbs and spices for production. The study found that the South African food manufacturer developed the BBBEE Enterprise Development Farmers Project the intent to enhance South African farmers capabilities to supply the herbs and spices needed for the company. For the critical herbs and spices such as corridor, bell peppers, and chilli the South African food manufacturer has created several projects that will ensure a sustainable supply for the future.