What BotaniCERT does

BotaniCERT is a privately held plant analysis laboratory (SAS) headquartered in Grasse Biotech, France, founded in 2011 by Francis Hadji-Minaglou, Doctor of Pharmacy. The company provides analytical, consulting, training, and R&D services to actors throughout the plant-based product supply chain — extractors, intermediaries, traders, fabricators, and distributors — primarily focused on dry extracts, essential oils, and finished botanical products.

The company's core technology is a proprietary metabolomics-based routine analysis methodology implemented on HPLC and UHPLC instruments coupled with UV and mass spectrometry detectors, supplemented by HPTLC for planar separation and GC for volatile compounds. This stack is combined with what the company terms "Phytochemical Data Mining," which compares analytical outputs against an internal phytochemical reference database built up over more than a decade and supported by an on-site acclimatization garden of approximately 600 plant species. The integrated workflow simultaneously verifies species authenticity, detects adulteration, dilution, and synthetic substance addition, and quantifies active ingredient levels. Complementary services include substance dosage (polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, iridoids, pigments), regulatory dossier authoring for EU Annex II/III and Novel Foods applications, toxicological file preparation, training programs, full-cycle R&D support from characterization through in vitro activity testing, and exclusive distribution of authenticated botanical reference samples (5g sachets with certificate of analysis) through partner Extrasynthese.

BotaniCERT operates a sales-led B2B professional services model with quote-based pricing and no publicly disclosed rates. Services are billed per engagement with turnaround times of 3 or 10 days depending on the option chosen. The company also operates a brand-licensing layer through the BotaniCERT logo certification mark, which licensees may affix to packaging of products that pass verification. The firm achieved ISO 9001 certification in 2023 and reports remaining in the 1–10 employee band; revenue is not publicly disclosed and there are no known institutional investors, funding rounds, or M&A activity.

Name

BotaniCERT

Legal name

BOTANICERT

Website

https://botanicert.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BotaniCERT is a Grasse, France-based plant analysis laboratory providing botanical identification, substance dosage, regulatory consulting, training, and R&D services to extractors, traders, fabricators, and distributors in the plant-based product industry using proprietary metabolomics-based phytochemical methodology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Botanical Testing and Phytochemical Analysis Services

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Plant Tissue & Sap Testing Services (AFACAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Botanical & Herbal Extracts (Adaptogens, Polyphenols, Essential Oils, Standardized Extracts) (AFAJAKAD), Medicinal Plant Farming (Botanical/Pharmaceutical Crops) (AFAGAGAE)

Keywords

• Plant authentication services
• Phytochemical analysis
• Botanical quality control
• Plant substance testing
• Metabolomics laboratory

Headquarters

HQ city

Grasse

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Analysis and Testing Services: Identification services (HPLC, HPTLC, GC, botanical), dosage/assay services for substances and substance families. Core laboratory analysis revenue stream with results delivered in 3-10 days depending on option chosen.
2. Consulting Services: Regulatory consulting including Annex II and III dossier writing, Novel Foods support, toxicological file preparation, and scientific bibliographic evidence. Service codes AR02863, AR02864, AR02865.
3. Training Services: Training programs covering plant risk analysis, phytochemistry and plant material analysis, toxicology applied to dry extracts and essential oils, and botany/macroscopy/microscopy. Duration varies from 1-2 days.
4. Botanical References Sales: Sale of authenticated botanical reference samples (5g sachets) with associated certificate of analysis. Distributed exclusively through Extrasynthese.
5. R&D Services: Product development support from idea to turnkey file including sample characterization, potential determination, semi-pilot extraction tests, in vitro activity testing, and complete file writing. Subject to Research Tax Credit (CIR).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

BotaniCERT is a plant analysis laboratory providing botanical and phytochemical identification services (HPLC/UHPLC, HPTLC, GC, organoleptic/macroscopic/microscopic analysis) for plant species verification and adulteration detection, plus dosage/assay services for active substances. The laboratory serves the plant-based product supply chain with consulting, training, R&D support, and authenticated botanical reference materials, and grants the BotaniCERT quality certification logo for verified products.

Product overview

BotaniCERT is a plant analysis laboratory providing a unified service platform centered on botanical and phytochemical analysis. The core offerings include Identification Végétale (HPLC/UHPLC, HPTLC, GC analysis), Dosage de Substances (single substance and family assays), and Références Botaniques (authenticated reference materials). Additional modules encompass Conseil et Formation (consulting and training) and Recherche et Développement (full R&D support). The company also offers the Logo BotaniCERT as a quality certification mark for compliant products. The portfolio operates as an integrated laboratory service rather than a software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Identification Végétale (Vegetable Identification) Botanical and phytochemical identification services using HPLC/UHPLC coupled with UV and MS detectors, HPTLC, GC, and organoleptic/macroscopic/microscopic analysis to verify plant species authenticity, detect adulteration, and check for dilution especially in dry extracts. Service is intended for plant-based product manufacturers, extractors, traders, and distributors.
• Dosage de Substances (Substance Dosage/Assay) Quality control and dosage services for single substances or substance families, including secondary metabolites (polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, iridoids, pigments), to validate active principles and ensure product efficacy and safety in plant-based products.
• Conseil et Formation (Consulting and Training) Advisory services including Annex II/III regulatory dossier writing, Novel Foods applications, toxicological file preparation, and scientific bibliographic reviews, complemented by training programs on plant risk analysis, phytochemistry, toxicology applied to dry extracts and essential oils, and botany/macroscopy/microscopy. Duration of training varies from 1-2 days.
• Recherche et Développement (R&D Services) Full product development support from idea to turnkey file including sample characterization, potential determination, semi-pilot extraction tests, in vitro activity testing, and complete regulatory/toxicological/analytical documentation. Service is eligible for the French Research Tax Credit (CIR).
• Références Botaniques (Botanical References) Sale of authenticated botanical reference materials in 5g sachets accompanied by a certificate of analysis combining botanical and phytochemical analysis. Distributed exclusively through partner EXTRASYNTHESE and intended for companies performing their own identification testing in-house.
• Logo BotaniCERT (Certification Logo) Quality certification logo that can be affixed to product packaging, labels, or marketing materials, guaranteeing that plant-based raw materials have been verified for species authenticity, active ingredient content per specifications, and absence of falsification (added plants or synthetic substances). Launched in 2018 as the Phytochemical Data Mining methodology recognition tool.

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ExtrasynthesecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distribution partner for BotaniCERT's botanical reference samples. Extrasynthese distributes 5g sachets of authenticated botanical references with associated certificate of analysis combining botanical and phytochemical analyses.
• Grasse ExpertisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner associated with the Grasse perfumery and botanical expertise ecosystem, supporting the regional industry cluster.
• American Botanical CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ABC, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accurate and reliable herbal and botanical health information.
• TournaireminorOthersPartner company in the Grasse region ecosystem.
• ASFO GrasseminorOthersPartner organization supporting business development in the Grasse region.
• Université Paris-Saclay (School of Pharmacy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with the University of Paris-Saclay School of Pharmacy for research collaboration and expertise.
• Université Côte d'AzurcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with Université Côte d'Azur for research and development collaboration.
• Pays de GrasseminorOthersRegional development partner representing the Grasse territory and its botanical industry ecosystem.
• Botanical Gardens PartnershipscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with numerous botanical gardens worldwide for sourcing authentic plant reference materials for analysis and research.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ALS Global: International testing services network with food, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing divisions; offers analytical capabilities relevant to botanical and nutraceutical ingredient verification.
• Bureau Veritas: Global testing and certification group with agri-food and consumer products testing capabilities including botanical and nutraceutical verification — broader portfolio but overlapping on plant-based ingredient testing.
• Eurofins Scientific: World's largest testing laboratory network offering extensive phytochemical, authenticity, and contaminant testing for food, feed, and botanical ingredients — broad incumbent that competes for the same extractors and distributors as a one-stop alternative.
• SGS: Global testing, inspection, and certification giant with agricultural and food testing services including botanical authentication and phytochemical analysis; competes for the same supply-chain quality-control budget.
• Intertek: Global quality assurance provider with food and agricultural testing services, including authenticity and adulteration testing for botanical and natural ingredient supply chains.
• Mérieux NutriSciences: Food safety and quality testing group with global lab network serving food and nutraceutical manufacturers; competes for QA/QC testing spend with extractors and ingredient distributors.

Direct peers

• PhytoLab: German contract laboratory specializing in phytochemical analysis, identity testing, and quality control of herbal substances — comparable service offering to botanicals, medicinal plants, and finished herbal products across Europe.
• Phytocontrol: French analytical laboratory providing plant, food, and environmental testing to agricultural and agri-food clients; same regional ecosystem, similar plant-focused testing portfolio, and overlapping customer base of French extractors and distributors.
• ChromaDex: US-based analytical lab specializing in phytochemical reference standards and botanical ingredient authentication — directly comparable mission, methodology footprint (HPLC, MS), and customer base of supplement/extract manufacturers.

Others

• Extrasynthese: French producer of phytochemical reference standards and high-purity natural compounds; exclusive distribution partner for BotaniCERT's botanical reference samples and serves overlapping customers in the plant-based ingredient industry.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/botanicert

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BotaniCERT