March 1, 2022
![Brands' social commitments empower communities, provide equity Brands' social commitments empower communities, provide equity](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/blt61e862466d72f72d/64ff18c2e3e06d3748b4ff45/07-Social_20Impact.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Java Trading grows Arabica coffee in Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, Peru and Ethiopia using sustainable farming practices that reduce erosion. The company provides farmers with good wages and housing, as well as free preventative medical and dental care. It's also taken on renovation of schools in the farmers' communities. In Costa Rica, Java Trading built the first of its kind biomass furnace to power a mill.
Planet, people, prosperity…for all. That's GoodSam Foods' mantra. GoodSam offers a line of Direct Trade Certified chocolate that is built on regenerative agriculture and equity for farmers. The 55% cacao dark chocolate is sweetened with all-natural allulose instead of sugar so it's low carb. In addition to chocolate bars, GoodSam makes chocolate-and-candy-coated cashews, almonds and peanuts (all organic). Other products include chocolate baking mixes, coffees and macadamia nuts that aren't covered in chocolate.
Ziba Foods, an artisanal food company works with small-scale farms and cooperatives in Afghanistan to grow high quality nuts and fruits for health-conscious consumers. Because Ziba does not work with traders, it pays farmers directly, in cash, when the company purchases its goods. This practice provides farmers with reliable incomes. Ziba also employs Afghan women in management and staff positions, paying them year-round and offering educational opportunities. Ziba's products include a range of nuts, dried fruits and heirloom varieties.
The founders of Somos Foods—including Kind Bar founder Daniel Lubetzky—aim to bring authentic yet convenient Mexican food to the United States "the way Mexican make it." Its ready-to-heat packaged foods are plant based, gluten free, non-GMO and made from authentic ingredients. Consumers can purchase individual products or a variety of meal kits from the company's website. Speaking of the website, we love the timer counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to Taco Tuesday.
The founders of Somos Foods—including Kind Bar founder Daniel Lubetzky—aim to bring authentic yet convenient Mexican food to the United States "the way Mexican make it." Its ready-to-heat packaged foods are plant based, gluten free, non-GMO and made from authentic ingredients. Consumers can purchase individual products or a variety of meal kits from the company's website. Speaking of the website, we love the timer counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to Taco Tuesday.
New Hope Network's editorial staff, in concert with the NEXT Data & Insights team, have identified the key macro forces driving food trends in the United States. In the 2022 Guidebook we have connected these macro forces and hot trends, as well as the newest exhibitors and fresh brands to help you meet consumers' needs. Learn more about the Guidebook and purchase your copy here.
The days of brands and manufacturers caring most about profits and worrying little about employees are fading away. Consumers want to see brands sharing power and profits with people and communities all along the supply chain.
The macro force of Empowered Communities shapes three trends in natural foods:
Employee care—Brands with missions, as most natural brands are, must have employees who support the cause. Brands are supporting employees with higher starting wages, flexible schedules, scholarships and other benefits.
Social sourcing—Consumers aren't satisfied with labels mentioning from what country a product was sourced. They want to know who's really doing the planting—as well as the harvesting and the processing.
Food access—Emerging brands are ensuring that the people who help make the food aren't starving themselves, while helping those communities access healthy, culturally sensitive foods.
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