Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormBotanical extract (powder or viscous extract)
Industry PositionFood and beverage flavoring ingredient (botanical extract)
Market
Licorice root extract in Great Britain is primarily an imported botanical ingredient used by downstream manufacturers and brand owners, notably in confectionery and flavour applications. UK food labelling rules include specific mandatory statements for confectionery and beverages when glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) from liquorice is present above defined thresholds. Trade data for HS 130212 (liquorice sap and extract) shows Great Britain as an importing market, with a notable share supplied via EU partners consistent with distributor and re-export supply chains. Sustainability and traceability expectations can be material where raw material is wild-collected in origin countries.
Market RoleNet importer and downstream manufacturing market
Domestic RoleImported ingredient used in UK food, drink, and herbal product manufacturing; domestic primary production is not significant in this record
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor Great Britain, confectionery and beverages containing glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) from liquorice above specified thresholds require mandatory label statements (including a hypertension warning at higher levels). Missing glycyrrhizin data, incorrect formulation assumptions, or absent warnings can trigger enforcement action, withdrawal/recall exposure, or costly relabelling.Obtain batch COAs specifying glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhizic acid; calculate finished-product concentrations and apply the mandatory GB liquorice statements per GOV.UK guidance and retained EU food information rules (Annex III).
Food Safety MediumHigh or repeated intake of liquorice-derived glycyrrhizin is associated with hypertension and related adverse effects; products positioned as supplements or frequent-consumption items can attract heightened scrutiny and consumer safety concern.Implement responsible use guidance and risk assessment for product positioning; ensure warnings and consumer information align to applicable rules and safety communications for liquorice-containing products.
Sustainability MediumIf the upstream raw material is wild-collected, overharvest and habitat impact risks can become a buyer-rejection issue in GB channels with ESG screening.Use certified or independently audited sustainable wild-collection programs (e.g., FairWild) and maintain documentation of harvest management and benefit-sharing where applicable.
Sanctions And Payments MediumIf sourcing involves sanctioned jurisdictions or designated parties (e.g., certain Iran-linked entities), payment, shipping, and intermediary services can be disrupted by UK sanctions compliance requirements, causing delays or forced supplier switches.Screen counterparties against the UK Sanctions List and follow OFSI guidance; structure contracts to allow rapid origin substitution if compliance risk escalates.
Sustainability- Wild-collection sustainability and habitat impacts for liquorice roots in some origin regions; buyers may request FairWild-aligned sourcing or equivalent evidence
- Resource-efficiency and land stewardship concerns in some Central Asian liquorice value chains (e.g., Aral Sea region initiatives)
Labor & Social- Modern slavery and labor due diligence expectations for UK-linked supply chains, including imported agricultural and botanical materials (e.g., statement/disclosure obligations for in-scope businesses)
Standards- BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000
- HACCP
FAQ
What label warnings may be required in Great Britain for confectionery or drinks containing liquorice-derived glycyrrhizin?GOV.UK guidance states that confectionery or drinks containing glycyrrhizinic acid (or its ammonium salt) from added liquorice at or above 100 mg/kg (foods) or 10 mg/L (drinks) must indicate “contains liquorice” unless liquorice is already named. At higher levels, an additional warning about hypertension is required (with different thresholds for confectionery and for drinks, including an alcohol-dependent threshold for some beverages).
Is Great Britain mainly an importing market for liquorice extract?Yes. UN Comtrade data shown via the World Bank WITS tool for HS 130212 (liquorice sap and extract) indicates Great Britain imports this product category, with 2023 imports reported and major supplying partners including France and Germany among others.
Which private food-safety certification is commonly recognized for ingredient suppliers serving UK retail and brand supply chains?BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is widely used for food and ingredient manufacturing and is a common certification requested in UK-linked supply chains, alongside other GFSI-benchmarked schemes.