Ensuring quality from seed to supply chain
Faba beans are gaining ground as a sustainable protein source, but their value hinges on tannin content. We now offer a dedicated tannin testing service to help breeders, seed growers and processors accurately verify tannin levels—whether they’re developing the next generation of cultivars or producing certified seed for livestock or food markets.
With this new service, we’re providing fast, reliable insights to support seed integrity, optimize feed performance, and ensure ingredient consistency across the alternative protein supply chain.
Why tannin testing matters
Faba beans are a nitrogen-fixing legume, valued for their environmental and rotational benefits. But they’re also diverse in their use—divided into tannin-containing varieties (for human consumption) and low- or zero-tannin types (for animal feed).
Because faba beans can naturally outcross via pollinators, even trace levels of high-tannin contamination can impact feed quality and market acceptance. Accurate testing is essential to preserve varietal integrity and meet specification requirements—especially in feed and food-grade supply chains.
Fast, convenient tannin analysis using vanillin assay
Our new tannin testing service uses UV spectrophotometry and the vanillin assay method to deliver rapid, quantitative results. This method targets condensed tannins—the dominant form in faba beans—by extracting and reacting them to create a measurable color change.
We process samples quickly, supporting breeders with early-stage line development, helping seed growers confirm varietal purity, and enabling food processors to validate ingredient specs.
Trusted insights from SGS Sherwood Park laboratory
Based at our Sherwood Park laboratory in Alberta, this service is already receiving industry-wide interest following its February launch. It complements our broader faba bean testing suite, including:
- Germination and disease testing
- Thousand kernel weight (TKW)
- Vicine and convicine quantification
By providing a one-stop solution for faba bean analysis, we’re helping move the industry forward—supporting better-performing cultivars and strengthening supply chain resilience from field to factory.
Holly Gelech, Senior Manager of SGS Crop Science, said: “Reliable tannin data empowers breeders to innovate with confidence and helps ensure that seed and protein products meet their intended purpose. It’s an exciting step for the future of faba beans across the world.”
For further information, please contact:
Holly Gelech
Senior Manager of Crop Science (Canada)
Natural Resources
t: +1 (780) 6609657
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
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