Building on years of sourcing coconut from fair trade farmers, natural foods industry leader Bob’s Red Mill is proud to announce that its Flaked, Shredded and Macaroon Coconut varieties, as well as its popular Coconut Flour, are now officially Fair Trade Certified™. In doing so, the employee-owned company hopes to increase awareness of the benefits of responsible sourcing.
Since 2016, Bob’s Red Mill has contributed $200,000 to coconut farming communities that support more than 7,000 fair trade farmers, as well as a diverse range of community development programs such as school meal programs, school supplies, scholarships, micro-lending, coconut replanting programs and calamity funds.
Teaming up with Fair Trade USA® will make it possible for Bob’s Red Mill to dedicate more resources to ensure fair income practices, environmental sustainability and the well-being of the farming communities where its coconut products are sourced. When consumers purchase Fair Trade Certified™ products, additional money goes to the Community Development Fund of the originating farm, where it is spent on programs as determined by a democratic vote of the farmers.
“We value the farming communities who grow the nutritious crops we use to make our wholesome foods,” said Dennis Vaughn, Bob’s Red Mill CEO. “That’s why we purchase our delicious coconuts at above-market cost. By making decisions that are based on doing the right thing versus the pursuit of profit, we hope to serve as a model of one company that lives its values and contributes to a fairer and more sustainable world.”
“Bob’s Red Mill has a recognized and proven track record of supporting farmers in their business practices around the world,” said Paul Rice, CEO of Fair Trade USA, “This official commitment to Fair Trade Certification takes that one step further. We are thrilled to have them as a part of the Fair Trade USA brand family as consumers increasingly ‘seek the seal.'”
Bob’s Red Mill’s Organic Coconut Flour, Coconut Flakes, Shredded Coconut and Fine Macaroon Coconut varieties are unsweetened, preservative-free and have no added sulfur. They’re available online at bobsredmill.com and in natural and conventional food stores nationwide. Look for the Fair Trade Certified™ logo to know your purchase is empowering farmers across the world.
About Bob’s Red Mill
Bob’s Red Mill Foods is a leader in nutritious, organic and gluten free foods. The company’s mission to promote “whole grain foods for every meal of the day” is backed by a diverse line featuring more than 400 products, including whole grains, stone-ground flours, cereals, baking mixes and more. With a dedicated gluten free manufacturing facility, strict quality control protocols and an in-house gluten testing laboratory, Bob’s is a trusted source for safe gluten free products. The company was founded by Bob Moore in 1978, and in 2010 Bob created an Employee Stock Ownership Program. Today, 91-year-old Bob continues to serve as founder and president of Bob’s Red Mill, where he continually inspires the company’s 500-plus employee-owners with his passion for nutrition and entrepreneurship. Bob’s Red Mill is located in Milwaukie, Oregon, just outside of Portland.
