It is genuinely different. Liquid spice extracts are not a crowded category. Most customers have not seen them before, which makes them a talking point rather than another jar competing on price.
The demonstration sells it. One or two drops deliver the flavour of roughly a quarter teaspoon of ground spice. Customers who try it in store tend to buy more than one.
It does not go stale on the shelf. Stored correctly, a bottle stays fresh for up to three years, so slow moving lines do not become write offs in the way ground spice does.
There is a story to tell. Made by hand in Kerala by a women led workforce, with ingredients bought directly from farmers. That is a point of difference on a shelf and in a product description.
The names are known. Nigella Lawson, Tom Kerridge, Antony Worrall Thompson and Kim Joy have all championed Spice Drops. The body care range has won at the Free From Skincare Awards.
What we supply
Spice Drops. Over twenty five single extracts covering spices, herbs, flowers and citrus zest, plus blends such as chai, garam masala, mulling spices and pumpkin spice. Available in 5ml and 100ml. See the full extract range.
Gift collections. Themed sets built around baking, coffee and drinks making, which sell strongly through gift and food retail.
Handmade soap. Bars made with a virgin coconut oil base and botanical extracts, packed in shells moulded from the fallen leaves of the areca palm. See our handmade soap range.
Skincare, face care, hair care and massage oils. Largely vegan and all made by hand in Kerala.
How we make it
Everything is made at our own semi automated factory in Kerala, which means each bar of soap is close to handmade and each batch of extract comes from the same distillation process our family has used since the 1990s.
The factory is a government recognised women's enterprise. More than 80% of the workforce is women, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, and it operates on the Kudumbashree principle. Production waste is used as fuel or as cattle feed rather than sent to landfill.
We buy from local farmers directly, paying immediately and at fair prices, with equal pay irrespective of gender.
Frequently asked questions
Are the products vegan? The range is registered with the Vegan Society, with the exception of the under eye cream, lip balm and Holy Balm, which contain beeswax.
Are they tested on animals? No. Like all cosmetics sold in the UK and EU, our body care is not tested on animals.
Do you hold fair trade certification? No. The company was founded on fair trade principles and we are happy to explain what that means in practice, but we are not WFTO members and carry no fair trade mark.
How long do Spice Drops keep? Up to three years from manufacture when stored correctly.
Can we get samples? Yes. Ask us and we will send some.
Do you supply outside the UK? Get in touch and tell us where you are, and we will tell you what is possible.