Wholesome Sweeteners, formed in 2001, is the nation’s leading provider of sustainable, environmentally and ethically responsible, great tasting sweeteners in the USA. The sweeteners are Organic, Fairtrade Certified, Non-GMO Verified, highest quality sugars, syrups, and honeys, all made from nature’s best resources.

Wholesome Sweeteners pioneered the certification process for Fairtrade Certified sugar and honey in the USA in 2005 and 2008 respectively.  The Fairtrade Certification guarantees farmers receive a fair price for their crops plus an additional premium payment that is democratically used to benefit the community. Wholesome Sweeteners has paid more than $8.5 million in social premiums to benefit our Fairtrade partners, farming and beekeeping cooperatives in the developing world.  

The Company has grown to become a recognized leader in socially and environmentally responsible business practices and products. Over 60 new products have been developed during the last 10 years and they are the first choice for many notable chefs and consumer good-food advocates alike. Wholesome Sweeteners is the leading brand of organic sweeteners in grocery stores and the leading supplier of organic sweeteners to food companies as an ingredient.

In March of 2012, Arlon Group, a private equity firm based in New York, focused on food and agriculture, in partnership with Wholesome Sweeteners management and Edward Billington & Son, acquired a significant stake in Wholesome Sweeteners. Arlon led the buyout of Wholesome Sweeteners alongside Billington, Wholesome Sweeteners’ management and several other investors. Imperial Sugar Company sold all shares to the investor parties. Billington’s continuing involvement, along with the retention and increased ownership stake of Wholesome Sweeteners management, guarantees continuity of the consumer focused philosophy and entrepreneurial culture.

Arlon Group invests in middle market companies across all stages of the food and agriculture supply chain, including production, processing, distribution, food service and retail. It seeks to achieve attractive long-term returns by combining its well-developed investment process in the food and agriculture sectors with the strategic insight of an experienced industry participant. Arlon Group believes that its long-term perspective, food sector expertise, and commitment to partnering with management teams make it a strong partner to food businesses that are pursuing stable growth.

Edward Billington's & Son’s is a diverse, international foods and agriculture group. It is one of Britain’s largest, privately owned family businesses, recognized for quality, service and innovation. Established in 1858, it has more than 150 years of knowledge and experience in organic and all-natural farming and extensive expertise in sourcing the finest quality sugars across the globe.  In 1992, Billington’s was the first company in the world to bring a certified organic sugar to market.

With new ownership, Wholesome Sweeteners will continue to remain focused on providing our customers with the highest quality, most ethically sourced and fairly traded sustainable sweeteners.