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{{short description|Private organic food company}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Nature's Path Foods, Inc.
| name = Nature's Path Foods, Inc.
| logo = Nature's Path logo.png
| logo = Nature's Path logo.png
| image = Nature's Path vegan "flax plus" toaster waffles.jpg
| caption =
| image_caption = Nature's Path vegan toaster waffles
| type = [[Private corporation|Private]]
| type = [[Private corporation|Private]]
| traded_as =
| traded_as =
| genre = <!-- Only used with media and publishing companies -->
| genre = <!-- Only used with media and publishing companies -->
| fate =
| predecessor =
| fate =
| successor =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| foundation = 1985
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1985}}
| founder = [[Arran Stephens]]; Ratana Stephens
| founder = [[Arran Stephens]]; [[Ratana Stephens]]
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| location_city = [[Richmond, British Columbia |Richmond]], [[British Columbia]]
| location_city = [[Richmond, British Columbia |Richmond]], [[British Columbia]]
| location_country = [[Canada]]
| location_country = Canada
| location =
| location =
| locations =
| locations =
| area_served = 50 Countries Worldwide
| area_served = 42 countries worldwide
| key_people = [[Arran Stephens]], CEO; Ratana Stephens, COO
| key_people = Arjan Stephens, President; Jyoti Stephens, Vice-President; [[Arran Stephens]], Co-Founder and Board Member; [[Ratana Stephens]], Co-Founder and Board Member
| industry = [[Organic food]]
| industry = [[Organic food]]
| products = [[Breakfast cereal]]; [[granola]]; [[granola bars]]; [[oatmeal]]; [[waffles]]; [[tortilla chips]]
| products = [[Breakfast cereal]]; [[granola]], [[oatmeal]], [[tortilla chips]], [[toaster pastries]], [[waffles]]
| services =
| services =
| revenue =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| net_income =
| aum = <!-- Only used with financial services companies -->
| aum = <!-- Only used with financial services companies -->
| assets =
| assets =
| equity =
| equity =
| owner =
| owner =
| num_employees = 650
| num_employees = 700
| parent =
| parent =
| divisions = Nature's Path, Envirokidz, Love Crunch, Que Pasa
| divisions = EnviroKidz, Love Crunch, Que Pasa, Qi'a
| subsid = Anita's Organic Flour
| homepage = {{URL|http://naturespath.com}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://naturespath.com/}}
| footnotes =
| intl =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Nature's Path Foods''', commonly known as Nature's Path, is a privately held, family-owned producer of certified [[organic food]]s. Originally known for its [[breakfast cereal]]s, it now has a portfolio of more than 350 products. Founded in 1985 by [[Arran Stephens|Arran]] and Ratana Stephens, Nature's Path employs approximately 650 people, with manufacturing facilities in [[Canada]] and the [[United States]] and sales in more than 50 countries.<ref name="50 years">{{cite web |title=Fifty Years of Pioneering the Organic Food Industry |url=https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/partners/advorganicweek20170917/fifty-years-pioneering-the-organic-food-industry/article36259561/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com& |website=The Globe and Mail |accessdate=19 February 2020}}</ref> All of its products are [[vegetarian]], [[organic certification|certified organic]], and [[The Non-GMO Project|Non-GMO Project]] Verified. Nature's Path is a [[triple bottom line]] social enterprise, and has been recognized for incorporating the notion of [[sustainability]] into its business practices through its support of various charitable and eco-friendly initiatives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enn.com/business/article/41454 |title=Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: Nature’s Path: A Quirkily Beautiful Shift Towards Sustainable Branding |publisher=Enn.com |date=2010-06-21 |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref> The company is regularly named one of Canada's best employers.<ref name="BC's Top Employers">{{cite web|url=http://www.canadastop100.com/bc/ |title=BC's Top Employers |publisher=Canadastop100.com |date=2013-02-06 |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref>
'''Nature's Path Foods''', commonly known as Nature's Path, is a privately held, family-owned producer of certified [[organic food]]s. Originally known for its [[breakfast cereal]]s, it now has a portfolio of more than 150 products. Founded in 1985 by [[Arran Stephens|Arran]] and Ratana Stephens, Nature's Path employs approximately 500 people, with manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States and sales in more than 40 countries.<ref name="treehugger1">{{cite web|last=Heimbuch |first=Jaymi |url=http://www.treehugger.com/culture/arran-stephens-of-natures-path-on-independence-in-the-fast-consolidating-food-industry.html |title=Arran Stephens of Nature's Path on Independence in the Fast-Consolidating Food Industry |publisher=TreeHugger |date=2008-10-31 |access-date=2013-04-02}}</ref> All of its products are [[vegetarian]], [[organic certification|certified organic]], and [[The Non-GMO Project|Non-GMO Project]] Verified. Nature's Path is a [[triple bottom line]] social enterprise and is recognized for incorporating the notion of [[sustainability]] into its business practices through its support of various charitable and eco-friendly initiatives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.enn.com/business/article/41454 |title=Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: Nature's Path: A Quirkily Beautiful Shift Towards Sustainable Branding |publisher=Enn.com |date=2010-06-21 |access-date=2013-04-02}}</ref> The company is regularly named one of Canada's best employers.<ref name="BC's Top Employers">{{cite web|url=http://www.canadastop100.com/bc/ |title=BC's Top Employers |publisher=Canadastop100.com |date=2013-02-06 |access-date=2013-04-02}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


The company was started by [[Arran Stephens]] and Ratana Stephens in 1985 in British Columbia, Canada and the first product was Manna Bread.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tilth.org/education-research/in-good-tilth-magazine/articles/2007/18v/pioneers-of-organic-processing |title=Pioneers of organic processing — Oregon Tilth |publisher=Tilth.org |accessdate=2013-04-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226202045/http://tilth.org/education-research/in-good-tilth-magazine/articles/2007/18v/pioneers-of-organic-processing |archivedate=2013-02-26 }}</ref> The Stephens' son, Arjan, and daughter, Jyoti<ref>{{cite web|author=Diane Jermyn |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/top-employers/green-employers/sustainability-runs-deep-in-cereal-making-family/article1994663/ |title=Sustainability runs deep in cereal-making family |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date= |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref> currently work at Nature's Path. Prior to opening Nature's Path, Arran Stephens opened Canada's first large organic supermarket in 1971, called Lifestream Natural Foods, and sold a successful line of natural products. Lifestream was sold to Kraft in 1981, but bought back by Stephens in 1995.<ref name="treehugger1"/> In September 2018, Nature's Path announced plans to move their head office from Richmond to [[East Vancouver]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/natures-path-foods-vancouver-headquarters-relocation|title=Nature's Path Foods' moving headquarters to Vancouver|last=Chan|first=Kenneth|date=12 September 2018|work=[[Daily Hive]] Vancouver|access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref>
The company was founded by [[Arran Stephens]] and Ratana Stephens in 1985 in British Columbia, Canada,<ref name="treehugger1"/> and its first product was Manna Bread.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tilth.org/education-research/in-good-tilth-magazine/articles/2007/18v/pioneers-of-organic-processing |title=Pioneers of organic processing — Oregon Tilth |publisher=Tilth.org |access-date=2013-04-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226202045/http://tilth.org/education-research/in-good-tilth-magazine/articles/2007/18v/pioneers-of-organic-processing |archive-date=2013-02-26 }}</ref> Previously, Stephens founded Lifestream (1971) Canada's first large organic supermarket and sold a successful line of natural products. Lifestream was sold to [[Kraft Foods|Kraft]] in 1981 but was repurchased by Stephens in 1995.<ref name="treehugger1"/> In September 2018, Nature's Path announced plans to move its head office from Richmond to [[East Vancouver]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/natures-path-foods-vancouver-headquarters-relocation|title=Nature's Path Foods' moving headquarters to Vancouver|last=Chan|first=Kenneth|date=12 September 2018|work=[[Daily Hive]] Vancouver|access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref> The Stephens' son, Arjan, became President of Nature's Path in 2023.

==Awards==

Nature's Path has been voted among Canada's Best 50 Employers in Canada in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018<ref name="BC's Top Employers"/> and among Canada's Greenest Employers in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadastop100.com/environmental/ |title=Canada's Greenest Employers |publisher=Canadastop100.com |date=2012-04-20 |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref>

The [[Organic Trade Association]] recognized founders Arran and Ratana Stephens with the award for Growing Organic Leadership in 2013<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://www.ota.com/news/press-releases/17118
| title = Organic Trade Organization
| last = Haumann
| first = Barbara
| date = 2013-07-09
| website =
| publisher = Organic Trade Organization
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> and a Nature's Path farmer, Doug Crabtree, with the Farmer of the Year award.<ref>{{Cite news
| url = http://farmprogress.com/story-montana-organic-grower-wines-national-farmer-year-award-9-117676
| title = Montana Organic Grower Wins National Farmer of Year Award
| last = Burnham
| first = T.J.
| date = 2014-09-15
| work = Farm Progress
| access-date = 2016-02-25
| via =
}}</ref> Food in Canada recognized Nature's Path with the 2014 award for Leadership in Sustainability.<ref>{{Cite news
| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/grant-thornton-llp-idUSnBw015177a+100+BSW20140401
| title = Food in Canada Announces Winners of 2014 Leadership Awards
| last = Freedman
| first = Tania
| date = 2014-04-01
| work = Reuters
| access-date = 2016-02-25
| via =
}}</ref>

==Environmental and social sustainability==

Nature's Path helped to establish the Sustainable Food Trade Association and in 2009 was one of the first companies to sign onto the Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association's Declaration of Sustainability to promote sustainable practices in the food industry.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web
| url = http://www.organicitsworthit.org/learn/nature’s-path-small-changes-lead-big-differences
| title = Nature’s Path: Small changes lead to big differences
| last = Rose
| first = Jennifer
| date = Fall 2010
| website = Organic It's Worth It
| publisher = The Organic Report
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

The company became [[zero waste]] certified in 2010 and have committed to complete [[carbon neutrality]] by 2020.<ref name=":0" /> It has pledged that all packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.<ref name="Maxwell">{{cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Max |title=Nature’s Path Becomes the First Organic Brand to Join Loop, a Shipping Platform Which Eliminates Packaging Waste |url=https://livingmaxwell.com/loop-natures-path-eliminating-packaging-waste |website=Living Maxwell |accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref> So far Nature's Path has successfully implemented practices that have diverted 92 per cent of their waste from landfills; reduced packaging saving 825,540 gallons of wastewater, 437 tons of paperboard, 7,464 million BTUs of energy and 1.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide; they have launched a supplier code of conduct for labor; empowered employees to take ownership of sustainability and green initiatives; and through their commitment to organic farming have kept over 418,000 lbs of chemical pesticides out of the soil.<ref name="Green">{{cite web |last1=Fusaro |first1=Dave |title=Green Plant of the Year 2018: Nature's Path |url=https://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2018/green-plant-natures-path/ |website=Food Processing |accessdate=18 February 2020}}</ref>

Nature's Path is committed to many charitable and social initiatives. Their Gardens for Good program awards three $15,000 grants to urban gardens to help educate and feed their communities every year – totalling $270,000 so far;<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://ecowatch.com/2015/06/09/gardens-for-good-grant/
| title = Apply Today to Win a $15,000 Gardens for Good Grant
| website = EcoWatch
| access-date = 2016-02-26
}}</ref> they hold an Eat Well Do Good foodraiser for food banks every year which has raised $1.5 million in food over the last 10 years.<ref name="EatWellDoGood">{{cite web |last1=Makan |first1=Jami |title=Nature’s Path hosts event benefitting food-insecure middle schoolers |url=https://www.thenorthernlight.com/stories/natures-path-hosts-event-benefitting-food-insecure-middle-schoolers,9517 |website=The Northern Light |accessdate=19 February 2020}}</ref> Additionally Nature's Path's Bite for Bite program commits $1 million to North American food banks each year,<ref name=":1">
{{Cite web
| url = http://www.tujawellness.com/inspiring-businesses/altruism-for-breakfast-how-natures-path-gives-back.html
| title = Altruism for Breakfast: How Nature's Path Gives Back
| last = McTavish
| first = Valerie
| date = 2014-08-12
| website = Tuja Wellness
| publisher =
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
</ref> and through the EnviroKidz brand's 1% for the Planet affiliation, work to help save endangered species.<ref name=":1" />


== Organic farming ==
== Organic farming ==
The company has purchased of 2,880 acres of organic farmland<ref name="treehugger1" /> in Saskatchewan that it [[Crop share rent|crop shares]] with family farmers (Fox Valley, Legend Farms, Tompkins Landing Heritage Organic Farms) as well as 2,760 acres in Montana<ref>{{Cite web
The company has purchased {{convert|2,880 |acres}} of organic farmland<ref name="treehugger1" /> in Saskatchewan that it [[Crop share rent|crop shares]] with family farmers (Fox Valley, Legend Farms, Tompkins Landing Heritage Organic Farms) as well as {{convert|2,760| acres}} in Montana<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://civileats.com/2015/01/28/growing-organic-cereal-from-the-ground-up/
| url = http://civileats.com/2015/01/28/growing-organic-cereal-from-the-ground-up/
| title = Growing Organic Cereal From the Ground Up
| title = Growing Organic Cereal From the Ground Up
Line 116: Line 51:
| date = 2015-01-28
| date = 2015-01-28
| website = Civil Eats
| website = Civil Eats
| publisher =
| access-date = 2016-02-25
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}</ref> (at Wild Horse, Vilicus Farms – including partnership and apprenticeship program) for a total of 5,640 acres of organic farmland. Nature's Path serves as an outlet/processor for many independent organic family farmers representing approximately 100,000 organic acres.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.organicgardening.com/naturespath |title=Nature's Path Gardens for Good |publisher=Organic Gardening |date= |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref>
}}</ref> (at Wild Horse, Vilicus Farms – including partnership and apprenticeship program) for a total of {{convert|5,640 |acres}} of organic farmland. Nature's Path serves as an outlet/processor for many independent organic family farmers representing approximately {{convert|100,000 |acres||adj=pre|organic}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.organicgardening.com/naturespath |title=Nature's Path Gardens for Good |publisher=Organic Gardening |access-date=2013-04-02 |archive-date=2014-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517124306/http://www.organicgardening.com/naturespath |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Non-GMO support ==
== Non-GMO support ==
Nature's Path has been a staunch opponent of [[GMO]] proliferation since 2001,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commondreams.org/views01/0620-04.htm |title=How Magic Markers Are Messing Up Our Food System |publisher=Commondreams.org |date=2001-06-20 |accessdate=2013-04-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618154915/http://www.commondreams.org/views01/0620-04.htm |archivedate=2013-06-18 }}</ref> and founder Arran Stephens was an early supporter and board member of the Non-GMO Project.<ref name="gourmetretailer1">{{cite web|title=Nature’s Path Supports Mandatory GMO Labeling|url=http://www.gourmetretailer.com/top-story-_nature_acute_s_path_supports_mandatory_gmo_labeling-10255.html|date=Dec 7, 2011|publisher=The Gourmet Retailer}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Nature's Path products are tested to bear the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nongmoproject.org/take-action/search-participating-products/?catID=7 |title=Verified Products |publisher=The Non-GMO Project |date= |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref> The brand sponsored the making of documentary [[GMO OMG]] by [[Jeremy Seifert]] in 2013<ref>
Nature's Path has been a staunch opponent of [[GMO]] proliferation since 2001,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commondreams.org/views01/0620-04.htm |title=How Magic Markers Are Messing Up Our Food System |publisher=Commondreams.org |date=2001-06-20 |access-date=2013-04-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618154915/http://www.commondreams.org/views01/0620-04.htm |archive-date=2013-06-18 }}</ref> and founder Arran Stephens was an early supporter and board member of the Non-GMO Project.<ref name="gourmetretailer1">{{cite web|title=Nature's Path Supports Mandatory GMO Labeling|url=http://www.gourmetretailer.com/top-story-_nature_acute_s_path_supports_mandatory_gmo_labeling-10255.html|date=Dec 7, 2011|publisher=The Gourmet Retailer}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Nature's Path products are tested to bear the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nongmoproject.org/take-action/search-participating-products/?catID=7 |title=Verified Products |publisher=The Non-GMO Project |access-date=2013-04-02}}</ref> The brand sponsored the making of documentary [[GMO OMG]] by [[Jeremy Seifert]] in 2013<ref>
{{Cite web
{{Cite web
| url = http://www.progressivegrocer.com/nature’s-path-presents-‘gmo-omg’?nopaging=1
| url = http://www.progressivegrocer.com/nature’s-path-presents-‘gmo-omg’?nopaging=1
| title = Nature's Path Presents 'GMO OMG'
| title = Nature's Path Presents 'GMO OMG'
| last =
| first =
| date = 2013-04-01
| date = 2013-04-01
| website = Progressive Grocer
| website = Progressive Grocer
| publisher =
| access-date = 2016-02-25
| access-date = 2016-02-25
}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
</ref> and the Right2Know GMO March in 2011. The company was active in supporting the failed [[California Proposition 37 (2012)|Proposition 37]], previously the California Right to Know ballot initiative, for mandatory GMO labeling in California<ref name="gourmetretailer1" /> by contributing $600,000, plus time and support, as well as supporting the Oregon and Colorado Right to Know campaigns in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Uneasy Allies in the Grocery Aisle|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/business/california-referendum-pits-organic-brands-against-corporate-parents.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2|date=September 13, 2012|publisher=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
</ref> and the Right2Know GMO March in 2011. The company was active in supporting the failed [[California Proposition 37 (2012)|Proposition 37]], previously the California Right to Know ballot initiative, for mandatory GMO labeling in California<ref name="gourmetretailer1" /> by contributing $600,000, plus time and support, as well as supporting the Oregon and Colorado Right to Know campaigns in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Uneasy Allies in the Grocery Aisle|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/business/california-referendum-pits-organic-brands-against-corporate-parents.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2|date=September 13, 2012|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


==Products==
==Products==


The company's organic products are sold under the Nature's Path®, Love Crunch®, Qi’a®, Flax Plus®, EnviroKidz®, and Que Pasa® brand names in grocery and specialty foods stores in over 50 countries worldwide.<ref name="50years">{{cite web |title=50 years pioneering the organic food industry |url=https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/partners/advorganicweek20170917/fifty-years-pioneering-the-organic-food-industry/article36259561/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com& |website=The Globe and Mail |accessdate=19 February 2020}}</ref>
The company's organic products are sold under the Nature's Path, Love Crunch, Qi’a, Flax Plus, and EnviroKidz brand names in grocery and specialty foods stores in over 42 countries worldwide.<ref name="treehugger1"/>


All Nature's Path products are certified organic<ref name="nongmoproject1">{{cite web
All Nature's Path products are certified organic<ref name="nongmoproject1">{{cite web
Line 142: Line 73:
|title = Dag Falck
|title = Dag Falck
|publisher = The Non-GMO Project
|publisher = The Non-GMO Project
|accessdate = 2013-04-02
|access-date = 2013-04-02
|url-status = dead
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130409184459/http://www.nongmoproject.org/about/who-we-are/board-of-directors/dag-falck/
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130409184459/http://www.nongmoproject.org/about/who-we-are/board-of-directors/dag-falck/
|archivedate = 2013-04-09
|archive-date = 2013-04-09
}}</ref> and vegetarian, many are [[vegan]],<ref>{{cite web|author=ReLove Plan.et |url=http://www.reloveplanet.com/2011/02/vegan-kitchen-natures-path-cereal.html |title=♥☺ ReLove Plan.et ☺♥: Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Nature's Path Cereal Ⓥ |publisher=Reloveplanet.com |date=2011-02-09 |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref> and a large number are gluten free.<ref>{{cite web|last=Acosta |first=Rosie |url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2012/08/23/top-5-gluten-free-foods/ |title=Top 5 Gluten-Free Foods &#124; Fox News Latino |publisher=Latino.foxnews.com |date=2012-08-23 |accessdate=2013-04-02}}</ref>
}}</ref> and vegetarian, many are [[vegan]],<ref>{{cite web|author=ReLove Plan.et |url=http://www.reloveplanet.com/2011/02/vegan-kitchen-natures-path-cereal.html |title=♥☺ ReLove Plan.et ☺♥: Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Nature's Path Cereal Ⓥ |publisher=Reloveplanet.com |date=2011-02-09 |access-date=2013-04-02}}</ref> and a large number are [[Gluten-free diet|gluten-free]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Acosta |first=Rosie |url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2012/08/23/top-5-gluten-free-foods/ |title=Top 5 Gluten-Free Foods &#124; Fox News Latino |publisher=Latino.foxnews.com |date=2012-08-23 |access-date=2013-04-02}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Organic food]]


==References==
==References==


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.naturespath.com/ Nature's Path]
*[https://twitter.com/naturespath Nature's Path on Twitter]
*[http://facebook.com/naturespath Nature's Path on Facebook]


{{Vancouver Corporations}}
{{Vancouver Corporations}}
Line 166: Line 88:
[[Category:Companies based in Richmond, British Columbia]]
[[Category:Companies based in Richmond, British Columbia]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 1985]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies established in 1985]]
[[Category:Canadian companies established in 1985]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Food and drink companies of Canada]]
[[Category:Organic farming organizations]]
[[Category:Organic farming organizations]]

Latest revision as of 19:40, 8 August 2024

Nature's Path Foods, Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryOrganic food
Founded1985; 39 years ago (1985)
FounderArran Stephens; Ratana Stephens
Headquarters
Richmond, British Columbia
,
Canada
Area served
42 countries worldwide
Key people
Arjan Stephens, President; Jyoti Stephens, Vice-President; Arran Stephens, Co-Founder and Board Member; Ratana Stephens, Co-Founder and Board Member
ProductsBreakfast cereal; granola, oatmeal, tortilla chips, toaster pastries, waffles
Number of employees
700
DivisionsEnviroKidz, Love Crunch, Que Pasa, Qi'a
SubsidiariesAnita's Organic Flour
Websitenaturespath.com

Nature's Path Foods, commonly known as Nature's Path, is a privately held, family-owned producer of certified organic foods. Originally known for its breakfast cereals, it now has a portfolio of more than 150 products. Founded in 1985 by Arran and Ratana Stephens, Nature's Path employs approximately 500 people, with manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States and sales in more than 40 countries.[1] All of its products are vegetarian, certified organic, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Nature's Path is a triple bottom line social enterprise and is recognized for incorporating the notion of sustainability into its business practices through its support of various charitable and eco-friendly initiatives.[2] The company is regularly named one of Canada's best employers.[3]

History

[edit]

The company was founded by Arran Stephens and Ratana Stephens in 1985 in British Columbia, Canada,[1] and its first product was Manna Bread.[4] Previously, Stephens founded Lifestream (1971) Canada's first large organic supermarket and sold a successful line of natural products. Lifestream was sold to Kraft in 1981 but was repurchased by Stephens in 1995.[1] In September 2018, Nature's Path announced plans to move its head office from Richmond to East Vancouver.[5] The Stephens' son, Arjan, became President of Nature's Path in 2023.

Organic farming

[edit]

The company has purchased 2,880 acres (1,170 ha) of organic farmland[1] in Saskatchewan that it crop shares with family farmers (Fox Valley, Legend Farms, Tompkins Landing Heritage Organic Farms) as well as 2,760 acres (1,120 ha) in Montana[6] (at Wild Horse, Vilicus Farms – including partnership and apprenticeship program) for a total of 5,640 acres (2,280 ha) of organic farmland. Nature's Path serves as an outlet/processor for many independent organic family farmers representing approximately 100,000 organic acres (40,000 ha).[7]

Non-GMO support

[edit]

Nature's Path has been a staunch opponent of GMO proliferation since 2001,[8] and founder Arran Stephens was an early supporter and board member of the Non-GMO Project.[9] Nature's Path products are tested to bear the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.[10] The brand sponsored the making of documentary GMO OMG by Jeremy Seifert in 2013[11] and the Right2Know GMO March in 2011. The company was active in supporting the failed Proposition 37, previously the California Right to Know ballot initiative, for mandatory GMO labeling in California[9] by contributing $600,000, plus time and support, as well as supporting the Oregon and Colorado Right to Know campaigns in 2014.[12]

Products

[edit]

The company's organic products are sold under the Nature's Path, Love Crunch, Qi’a, Flax Plus, and EnviroKidz brand names in grocery and specialty foods stores in over 42 countries worldwide.[1]

All Nature's Path products are certified organic[13] and vegetarian, many are vegan,[14] and a large number are gluten-free.[15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Heimbuch, Jaymi (2008-10-31). "Arran Stephens of Nature's Path on Independence in the Fast-Consolidating Food Industry". TreeHugger. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  2. ^ "Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: Nature's Path: A Quirkily Beautiful Shift Towards Sustainable Branding". Enn.com. 2010-06-21. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  3. ^ "BC's Top Employers". Canadastop100.com. 2013-02-06. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  4. ^ "Pioneers of organic processing — Oregon Tilth". Tilth.org. Archived from the original on 2013-02-26. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  5. ^ Chan, Kenneth (12 September 2018). "Nature's Path Foods' moving headquarters to Vancouver". Daily Hive Vancouver. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
  6. ^ Clark, Leilani (2015-01-28). "Growing Organic Cereal From the Ground Up". Civil Eats. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
  7. ^ "Nature's Path Gardens for Good". Organic Gardening. Archived from the original on 2014-05-17. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  8. ^ "How Magic Markers Are Messing Up Our Food System". Commondreams.org. 2001-06-20. Archived from the original on 2013-06-18. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  9. ^ a b "Nature's Path Supports Mandatory GMO Labeling". The Gourmet Retailer. Dec 7, 2011.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "Verified Products". The Non-GMO Project. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  11. ^ "Nature's Path Presents 'GMO OMG'". Progressive Grocer. 2013-04-01. Retrieved 2016-02-25.[permanent dead link]
  12. ^ "Uneasy Allies in the Grocery Aisle". The New York Times. September 13, 2012.
  13. ^ "Dag Falck". The Non-GMO Project. Archived from the original on 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  14. ^ ReLove Plan.et (2011-02-09). "♥☺ ReLove Plan.et ☺♥: Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Nature's Path Cereal Ⓥ". Reloveplanet.com. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  15. ^ Acosta, Rosie (2012-08-23). "Top 5 Gluten-Free Foods | Fox News Latino". Latino.foxnews.com. Retrieved 2013-04-02.
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