For his part, Adams has a holistic view of his duties and simply states that his primary responsibility will be ensuring that every customer experience with the company’s products meets or exceeds their expectations. “Our customers are paying a premium for our products and I am here to make sure that we deliver on our promise to provide the highest quality Organic Sweeteners.” According to Davet, Adams has worked in food manufacturing his entire career, and has more than 25+ years of extensive and diversified experience in corporate Quality Assurance, Food Safety and Regulatory Affairs. He joins the organic sweetener company from Kerry Ingredients, where he was most recently the Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining Kerry Ingredients, Adams had roles in both plant and corporate quality assurance for both NutraSweet and Corn Products International. “We are thrilled that Billy has joined our team and will provide strategic leadership given his strong background with carbohydrate sweeteners,” said Davet. “He is meticulously focused on food quality and food safety to protect our customers and the company's brand.” Adams points out that he was aware of Wholesome Sweeteners’ reputation in the industry and was excited about the opportunity to join the company. “Wholesome Sweeteners continues to grow and increase its share of the market,” says Adams. “Looking to the future, the company has proven that it can deliver innovative new organic sweeteners that appeal to its customer base.” When asked if it’s more difficult to oversee quality controls for a company that produces organic food products, Adams surprisingly says no. He explains that it’s easier to meet the quality standards for manufacturing organic products because the regulations are so clear. He goes on to say that non-organic food products are produced under broader guidelines that are not always as clearly outlined compared to the regulations that control the production of organic foods. Right now, Adams is primarily focused on understanding the scope of the business and the demands of its customers, which include consumer, retail, industrial and food service. However, he readily shares that he has also been working on the development of a new product since he joined the company. This year, Wholesome Sweeteners plans to introduce an Organic Coconut Palm Sugar, which is made from evaporated coconut palm nectar. This has given Adams an early opportunity to learn how the company strategically prepares to take a product to market, from the initial ideation through sample trials to actual packaging and finally delivery to customers. Adams admits that one of the reasons he joined Wholesome Sweeteners was because of the unique and varying tasks his new position offered. He did not want to be doing the same thing day after day. He goes on to say, “I appreciate that every day I will face different challenges, which is what truly motivates me. I welcome the chance to introduce a new product to the marketplace that I believe will make a difference, not only to the consumer, but also to the company, which will continue to move it forward.” He has an MBA from Augusta State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. At one time, Adams was an avid runner and would like to take advantage of the mild Houston weather to get back into the sport. He is an all-around sports enthusiast and enjoys watching all sports. He especially enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. Adams and his family will be relocating to the Sugar Land area, where the company is headquartered, from Augusta, Georgia sometime this coming summer. |
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Marjorie joined Wholesome Sweeteners approximately six year ago and, since that time, has been instrumental in the development of new products for both private label and branded, packaging, purchasing and design, as well as for organic honey sourcing.
“Marjorie has been responsible for the rapid development of our Retail, Private Label and Food Service sku’s, which have all increased, dramatically during her tenure,” said Pauline McKee, Vice President of Marketing for Wholesome Sweeteners. “I’m confident that she will continue to demonstrate the same extraordinary level of effectiveness in her new position as director.”
According to McKee, one of Marjorie’s most recent achievements was successfully coordinating with the various department teams within Wholesome Sweeteners – which included Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Finance and Marketing – to create the new 36 ounce Twin Agave for Costco and facilitate the seamless transition to this new product. She points out that Marjorie also effectively managed the strategic purchasing of $7 million of packaging per year, ensuring the company took advantage of optimum pricing by strongly negotiating with suppliers. McKee adds that while leading the packing design and concept process, Marjorie has been influential in creating impactful new packaging such as for Organic Stevia and the Organic Coconut Palm Sugar Pouch.
In her new role, Marjorie will oversee all aspects of product development for the company, including leading the company’s new product development process, which encompasses product research, feasibility studies, blue-sky ideas and, most importantly, getting new products to market quickly and accurately. She will also look to identify opportunities to expand into new product outside of the sweeteners category. Furthermore, Marjorie will continue to lead the sourcing, supply and procurement plans for branded and private label Fair Trade organic honey range, which McKee notes continues to gain market share and be of increasing importance to the company’s overall sales.
When asked what she enjoys most about working in product development, Marjorie quickly replies, “There are so many factors to take into consideration when developing a new product like sourcing, processing, distribution and marketing. This whole process starts with me and my team and I find it all to be very challenging but at the same time wonderfully exciting.”
In addition to her busy work related activities, Marjorie is in her final stage of achieving her Masters of Business Administration from Tulane University. She has been attending night and weekend classes for the past two years and is on target to receive her master’s degree this May.
Marjorie graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in marketing. Before joining Wholesome Sweeteners, she worked in her family’s garment business, successfully managing product development and marketing for baby clothing.
Press Release
For Immediate Release: September 29, 2011
Media Contacts:
Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz, 281-275-3120
Young Texas Olympians in the Making Run, Bike and Swim in Sugar Land Triathlon
At 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011, more than 350 kids will participate in the Fifth Annual Sugar Tri Kidz Triathlon held at First Colony Aquatic Center in Sugar Land. Wholesome Sweeteners is once again the title sponsor of the event, which is fast becoming a popular tradition in the community and is now the largest kids triathlon in the South. The “kids only” event, which includes swimming, biking and running, is great for kids who want to try competing in a triathlon.
“Wholesome Sweeteners is proud of our continued support of this event which creates an environment for kids that fosters a healthy lifestyle and sense of accomplishment as well as some friendly competition,” say Nigel Willerton, Wholesome Sweeteners’ CEO and triathlete who competes in Iron Man events in the US and UK. “Year after year this triathlon continues to be successful thanks to all the hard work of the participants, volunteers and sponsors.”
In order to participate, children must be between the ages of 5-12 as of December 31, 2011 and be a USA Triathlon member, which costs only $5 per year. Distances for each portion of the triathlon varies based on the child’s age group.
The triathlon not only provides area children with the opportunity to compete and be active but also gives back to the community. The proceeds of the event go to the Snowdrop Foundation and the Cdifferent Foundation. The Snowdrop Foundation is an organization dedicated to assisting patients and families at the Texas Children’s Cancer Center. The Cdifferent Foundation is especially close to Willerton’s heart as he helped guide a blind athlete, Brandon Adame, through the inaugural Texas Iron Man Competition this past May. Cdifferent was founded to inspire visually impaired people to lead active and healthy lives. The foundation creates opportunities for the visually impaired athletes to compete in events such as the Iron Man by matching them up with sighted guides.
Parents who would like to register their kids for the race or who are seeking more information can visit http://sugartrikidz.org.
Press Release
For Immediate Release: January 11, 2012
Media Contacts:
Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz
281-275-3120
For Immediate Release: January 11, 2012
Media Contacts:
Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz
281-275-3120
Wholesome Sweeteners Surpasses Fair Trade $4 million Milestone!
Since pioneering the Fair Trade Certification process for sweeteners in 2005, Wholesome Sweeteners has paid more than $4 million in social premiums to benefit farming and beekeeping cooperatives in the developing world. Fair Trade premiums are paid over and above the price of the product and must be used by the co-op to benefit the community as a whole. As a member of a Fair Trade cooperative, farmers are given the opportunity to own land, send their children to school, and build thriving communities. Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy safe working conditions and living wages. Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, health care services, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
Because farmers receive a fair price for their products, they are able to practice environmentally sustainable farming methods (no harmful agrochemicals or GMOS) that protect their health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.
our co-op’s village in Malawi. Villagers no longer have to walk miles for clean drinking water or live without basic necessities that are so common in the developed world.
As awareness of Fair Trade products and their benefits grow, Wholesome Sweeteners will continue to educate customers and champion the rights
Nigel Willerton, Company Co-Founder and CEO of Wholesome Sweeteners and Jorge Baez, President of the Paraguayan FT Co-op, Caneros Organicos Asociados (CORA) in front of the new trucks that Fair Trade premiums paid by Wholesome Sweeteners helped purchase.
Press Release
Bobbie Kahara Moves to Marketing Group at Wholesome Sweeteners
For Immediate Release: September 22, 2011
Media Contacts:
Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz
281-275-3120
Bobbie Lynn Kahara may be new to the marketing group at Wholesome Sweeteners but she is no stranger to the company. Prior to her position as Events and Promotions Associate Marketing Manager, Bobbie was in the customer service department of the organization for approximately four years. During this time, she had an opportunity to engage with customers on a daily basis, developing an immense appreciation for their needs and expectations, which she feels will benefit her in her new role.
When Bobbie learned of the opening in marketing she decided to apply for the position because she was keenly interested in expanding her knowledge of the operations of the company and felt she could leverage the skills she has acquired during her many years in customer service.
“We are thrilled to have Bobbie join our team,” remarked Pauline McKee, Vice President of Marketing for Wholesome Sweeteners. “Her prior experience and understanding of our customers and the industry will enhance our marketing efforts and be a huge asset to the company.”
Bobbie’s responsibilities are focused on managing the planning, scheduling, organization and co-ordination of all trade shows, consumer exhibitions, promotions, demonstrations, and marketing events for the company. This is no small task since the company attends approximately 30 trade shows and expos a year.
“Previously, I usually worked with customers via email or over the phone so trade shows provide a wonderful opportunity to meet with our customers face to face,” said Bobbie.
Bobbie has learned that the typical consumer customer for Wholesome Sweeteners is more informed about the food he or she purchases and consumes. She recognizes that customers have different reasons for choosing Wholesome Sweetener products. It may be because the products are organic, or support Fair Trade, or perhaps because they are non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) certified.
“While working in customer service, I frequently heard from customers who were very appreciative of the selection of sweeteners we provide,” Bobbie proudly states. “I think that’s what makes us unique is that we offer such a large selection of products – everything from low-glycemic to zero calories to agaves, honeys and syrups.”
Bobbie shares that she enjoys learning new things and that is the main reason she applied for the marketing position. It’s clear to those who work with Bobbie that she truly enjoys interacting with customers.
Since she began working at Wholesome Sweeteners, Bobbie admits she has developed a strong appreciation for the importance of organic and natural foods.
“I have made a number of changes in my lifestyle.” She adds “I’m now very conscious of how and where I shop and what types of food I purchase for my family. I also recognize the significance of shopping at local farmers markets and patronizing restaurants that serve local meats and produce. I know that making these small efforts will benefit not only my family, but the community and the environment.”
Currently, Bobbie is coordinating the company’s attendance at the annual Natural Products Expo East, taking place in Baltimore later this month. The company has exhibited at the show for a number of years and it is one of the biggest trade shows the company attends. This is the first large trade show that Bobbie is responsible for managing and her excitement is evident, partly because the company will be introducing several new products at the show.
Although she spent most of her childhood growing up in Maine, Bobbie has been in Houston for more than 20 years. Bobbie and her two sisters moved to Texas after their mother decided that the family needed a change. She laughs as she explains that her mother couldn’t have picked a place more different from Maine than Houston.
She recounts how her mother quickly acclimated to Houston. According to Bobbie, “I don’t think we were here for more than a week when my mother bought a bumper sticker that read ‘I wasn’t born in Texas but I got her as fast as I could’.”
Bobbie concludes by sharing that her new job is just about perfect for her because it allows her to learn the marketing side of the business but she can still frequently engage with customers – something she has grown to enjoy immensely.-Carlos Arcos
Press Release
Wholesome Sweeteners Welcomes Monica Clem as Marketing Communications Coordinator
For Immediate Release: September 15, 2011
Media Contacts:
Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz
281-275-3120
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Monica attended St. Edwards University in Austin. While at St. Edwards, Monica began working for the Austin Farmers Market, an organization under the umbrella of the Sustainable Food Center (SFC). SFC is a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education. She worked with the farmers market for two years, starting off as an intern but after quickly proving her abilities, she was hired on permanently.
She admits that she gave her “blood, sweat and tears” to the farmers market. While her college friends were getting ready to go out on Friday night, she was going to bed at 9 p.m. since she had to be up on Saturday morning at 3 a.m. to help with the set up at the market.
“I don’t regret those early mornings because this was the beginning of my love for sustainable and organic foods,” says Monica. “I developed a great respect for those small farmers that were trying to make a living off farming. It made it all worthwhile when a farmer would tell me that because of the farmers market, they were able to support their family.”
As the Marketing Communications Coordinator for Wholesome Sweeteners, Monica is responsible for a multitude of activities. She manages the company’s web presence including overseeing all of its online social media efforts that allow the brand to better engage with its customers through such popular social media networks like Facebook and Twitter.
Monica explains that social media provides the company with an opportunity to increase the visibility of the brand and communicate with consumers one on one. She explains how a customer may visit the Wholesome Sweeteners website and decide to try one of the posted recipes. The customer may then go to the company’s Facebook page or send a tweet asking a question about the recipe, like what is the conversion for different types of sweeteners.
According to Monica, the challenge is to respond in a timely manner. “Members of the marketing department take turns monitoring our social media outlets and responding to any inquiries,” Monica states.” Someone in the department is connected at every point during the day. We can’t always reply immediately but we make the utmost effort to reply to all customer requests by the end of each day.”
She points out that this interaction with the customer via social media networks provides a great perspective in real time on who the customers are and what products they are using.
Monica shares that the company also attempts to offer its social media followers information on a broad range of topics that promote a lifestyle that is aligned with the company’s philosophy like organics, non-GMO verified products, Fair Trade and sustainability, to name a few.
Currently, Monica is preparing for National Fair Trade Month in October. Wholesome Sweeteners is working with Fair Trade USA to educate the public on Fair Trade and the benefits of purchasing Fair Trade products. She explains that it is important to let the public know that Fair Trade is not about giving aid to these farmers but is a means to provide them with a fair premium for their products that allows them to provide for their families and help build schools, health clinics, and roads.
She gives one of many examples of how the Fair Trade premiums that Wholesome Sweeteners paid to its partners in Africa helped bring clean drinking water to the farming village. She adds that stories like this will serve as a powerful motivator for consumers to purchase Fair Trade because they can make a direct impact on the lives of farmers and their families in developing countries as well as encourage environmentally-friendly farming practices that benefit everyone.
“This is one of the largest marketing efforts that Fair Trade USA has offered and we are excited to be a part of it,” says Monica. “There is an ongoing opportunity to educate consumers about organics and Fair Trade as well as about the Wholesome Sweeteners brand. For instance, consumers, especially in more rural areas may not be able to buy our products at their local supermarket but we can tell them where they can purchase our sweeteners online.”
She mentions that 36 percent of consumers know about Fair Trade products so a goal has been set to increase this number to 40 percent through Fair Trade month.
Outside of work, Monica and her husband stay busy with their 13-month old daughter. Monica tries to purchase organic and all-natural foods as much as possible to feed her family. It’s a zeal she developed when she began working with the farmers market in Austin. She proudly admits that they are feeding their daughter only organic and natural foods. They are so committed to doing this that they made their own baby food until recently when their daughter began eating solid foods.
Monica confesses that she and her husband are “foodies” and cook frequently and also enjoy trying out new restaurants in Houston’s vibrant dining scene. She proudly puts forward that food is a centerpiece of her family’s life and is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. They spend so much time in the kitchen that she and her husband built their dream kitchen.
“Wholesome Sweeteners was such a natural fit for me,” Monica says with a smile. “Joining Wholesome is like returning to those amazing days when I was working for the farmers market and I couldn’t be happier.”-Carlos Arcos
Press Release
For Immediate Release: June 15, 2011
Media Contacts:
Monica E. Clem, Marketing Communications, Monica@OrganicSugars.biz
281-275-3120
As the demand for organic food products continues to grow at a rapid pace, Wholesome Sweeteners is expanding its presence in the marketplace by establishing a food service division to supplement its retail and industrial operations. The company has hired Chris Fauser, a veteran of the food service industry, to lead this new group.
“We are excited to have Chris join our team,” said Pauline McKee, Vice President of Marketing for Wholesome Sweeteners. “With sales of organic food and beverages continuing to grow, we see a fantastic opportunity to tap in to the food service industry and feel fortunate to have Chris’s expertise and experience on our side as we enter this new market.”
Fauser is tasked with developing and implementing a plan to establish a food service operation within the company, which includes instituting a network of brokers and a distribution system to reach customers.
According to Fauser, “There already exists a broad base of customers that want our product because many in the food service industry are currently purchasing our sweeteners at the retail level. The biggest challenge is determining exactly what the customer requires from us.”
Fauser explains that it will also be a challenge to identify brokers and sales partners that understand organic and the story behind Fair Trade. He also states that securing distribution channels will be a critical element in supplying customers with product. Another issue will be determining the appropriate packaging that will meet the needs of food service providers.
“As we grow the food service side of the business, I anticipate an increasing demand from traditional restaurants. Research shows that people who prefer to consume organic foods eat out less than traditional consumers. As restaurants try and attract this customer base, they will seek out convenient and reliable sources of quality, organic products.”
Fauser proudly shares that ten of the top 100 restaurant chains have already contacted Wholesome asking for more information about using their products as an ingredient or purchasing packets for placement on tables. In addition, he has had strong interest from management groups, including operating units of Aramark and Sodexo, which manage food service programs for numerous colleges and universities where many students understand the benefits of organic foods on the environment and the benefits of Fair Trade.
Fauser wasted no time in getting his feet wet. In his first week on the job, he attended the National Restaurant Association Show held in Chicago at the end of May. He confesses that attending the show was a hectic way to start his new job but concedes it was a great learning experience, providing him with an immediate opportunity to touch and feel the products, and listen to what customers had to say about the great quality and flavor. During the show he spoke with a number of attendees who are looking to make a move to more green initiatives to demonstrate their concern for environmental issues.
“Thanks in part to several high-profile chefs, including Rick Bayless with Frontera in Chicago and Marcus Samuelsson with Aquavit in New York, who spoke highly about our sweeteners at the show, we received more than 500 leads,” says Fauser. “One is from an executive chef for a Marriott Hotel who heard from one of the chefs during the conference that our Organic Blue Agave Syrup was a must have product for his kitchen.”
He credits the strong brand recognition the company has developed to the superb leadership of the company, specifically Pauline McKee.
“Pauline has done a tremendous job in developing relationships and partnerships with well-known chefs and organic enthusiasts who are loyal fans of Wholesome’s products, and supporters of the sustainable and Fair Trade movements.”
Fauser points out that the greatest opportunities at the moment appear to be on the West Coast where there is more of a demand for organic products and consumers place a value on Fair Trade initiatives. As evidence of this fact, he estimates that of the approximately 500 leads received at the NRA show, almost 50 percent of those leads were from three or four states located on the West Coast. He notes that getting representation and establishing distribution in that region quickly is another priority of his.
Fauser’s experience in the food service industry includes positions with major food companies such as Sara Lee, De Wafelbakkers and Aurora Foods (now part of Pinnacle Foods). He also operated his own business for several years that produced quality, convenient, and nutritious products for the school food service market.
He attended the University of Indiana in Bloomington for his undergraduate degree and received an M.B.A. from Union University in Jackson, Tenn. While at Indiana, he played soccer for the university and was on the team that won two consecutive national championships. After college he briefly played professionally for the both the Memphis Rogues and the Memphis Storm. He still enjoys playing and coaching soccer when not spending time with his wife and two young children.
When asked what impresses him most about Wholesome Sweeteners, he quickly responds “What I keep hearing from our current clients is how our customer service is second to none. Coming from corporate environments where customer service was not a priority, this is very refreshing.”
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Wholesome Sweeteners’ CEO to Run Across Ethiopia—
for fair trade and education
For Immediate Release: January 5, 2011
Media Contacts:
Pauline McKee, VP Marketing, Pauline@OrganicSugars.biz, 281-490-9579
Karen Stevenson, Communications, Karen@OrganicSugars.biz, 773-904-7915
On of the runners ... Wholesome Sweeteners' CEO Nigel Willerton.
The beneficiaries ... Students in Afursa Waro, Ethiopia Houston/Sugar Land TX
At 45, Willerton, a Houstonian, is an established Iron Man competitor, but more than that, he’s committed to Fair Trade and has seen first-hand what additional income can mean for farming cooperatives and their communities. Willerton helms Texas-based Wholesome Sweeteners, US’s largest supplier of Fair Trade Certified, organic and natural sugars, honeys, and agave syrups. Willerton pioneered standards for Fair Trade Certified sweeteners in the US in 2005.
Fair Trade Certification represents a binding contract between Wholesome and the farming and beekeeping cooperatives in Malawi, Paraguay, Mexico and Brazil that supply Wholesome’s sugars and honeys. The Fair Trade agreements provide for direct payment, fair market prices, and a social premium paid beyond the price of the cane sugars and honeys the co-ops supply. Since 2005, Wholesome has paid more than $2.5 million in social premiums to cooperative partners. (Premiums are above and beyond the price of the sugar or honey) In turn, the co-ops have invested the premiums in safe water, transportation, and communication systems; schools and clinics, and the resources to maintain them; and in organic and sustainable practices that will ensure future income for the co-op members and their families.
“Sometimes, that extra mile makes all the difference. Add 250 of them together and we can make a real impact,” Willerton says. “The Run Across Ethiopia is about direct intervention in education, above and beyond supporting Fair Trade farmers, to make the desperately needed schooling happen now! It’s simple really--building a new school in Ethiopia could take a lifetime, or a few months if we can help with the right resources. Long-term, education and knowledge will lift countries like Ethiopia out of poverty.”
The run will begin in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and wind through the Great Rift Valley to Afursa Waro, the hub for more than 129 coffee cooperatives and more than 800,000 families. “Our goal is to let farmers know that people on the other side of the world really care about their kids’ future—and to back it up with money. I am honored to have been invited to participate in the run.”
The project is a campaign of On The Ground, a non-profit 501c3 established by Chris Treter, the founder and president of Higher Grounds Trading Company in Traverse City, Michigan. OTG works directly with communities around the globe to help them gain sustainable access to fresh water, education, and quality healthcare. According to OTG, the average coffee grower in Afursa Waro earns $1.25 a day; it will take more than $40,000 to build a single school there. (The average American spends $165 a year on coffee, more than 50% of the annual wage of the people who grow and pick the coffee beans in Afursa Waro.)
Through the Run Across Ethiopia, OTG is on track to raise more than $175,000 to build a number of schools to serve the co-ops’ kids. Willerton’s efforts will be an individual contribution to the cause (tracked daily on Wholesome’s on-line resources). Wholesome Sweeteners matched, dollar-for-dollar, every individual donation made in Willerton’s honor before December 31, 2010. For more information, please visit www.OrganicSugars.biz.
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For more information ... In addition to following Willerton’s blog at www.OrganicSugars.biz, see his great interview and hear why he is Running Across Ethiopia (the link is on Wholesome's home page as well). Visit http://www.onthegroundglobal.org/On_The_Ground/Home for complete updates on the runners’ progress.
** The Run has been extended to 12 days.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Wholesome Sweeteners: Taking a firm stand against GMO foods
For Immediate Release: 4th January, 2010
Media Contacts:
Pauline McKee, VP Marketing: 281-490-9579; Pauline@OrganicSugars.biz
Karen Stevenson, Communications: 773.904.7915; Karen@OrganicSugars.biz
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Sugar Land, TX --- It’s really all about food—what we eat, how it’s grown and by whom, and how it’s made. For years, Wholesome Sweeteners has been a staunch advocate for “clean food,” food that’s free from synthetic chemicals, food that’s grown rather than manufactured, food that our great-grandparents would recognize and know how to cook. “Sometimes it seems that we’re a long way from real food,” says Pauline McKee, Wholesome Sweeteners VP of Marketing. “As a company specializing in organic and all-natural sugars, honeys, agaves and syrups, Wholesome Sweeteners appreciates consumers who take the time to read labels. Product labels tell us where the food comes from, who made it, what is in it and how it is produced. More than that, a product label speaks volumes about a company’s business beliefs and practices.”
“Case-in-point,” says McKee, “the Non-GMO Project recently verified Wholesome Sweeteners’ products as compliant with their rigorous non-GMO standard. Their verification reinforces our long-standing commitment to always offer consumers organic and sustainably produced sweeteners that are as close to nature as they can be. The Non-GMO Project has independently verified that we practice what we preach.”
The Non-GMO Project is a not-for-profit collaboration of “manufacturers, retailers, processors, distributors, farmers, seed companies and consumers” – all of whom share the belief that consumers should know if their food is genetically modified or not. More than an independent 3rd party verification, the Non-GMO Project verification allows Wholesome Sweeteners’ packages to bear a stamp to assure consumers that a food product has been tested for GMOs.”
McKee believes that consumers need this verification now more than ever. “As more of our foods become genetically modified and deliberately mixed with non-GMO crops, it is very difficult for any of us to exercise our right to choose between GMO and non-GMO foods. I’m evermore concerned over genetically modified food ingredients,” says McKee. “I know that millions of others are too. This is an important assurance for all of us.”
The recent Non-GMO verification adds to Wholesome Sweeteners’ market distinction of also being the only Fair Trade Certified™ sweetener company in the United States. The Fair Trade label, which appears on the company’s sugars from Malawi and Paraguay, and honeys from Mexico and Brazil, means farmers who produced the products are being given a fair chance in the marketplace.
About Wholesome Sweeteners
Wholesome Sweeteners is the nation's leader in Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and sustainably produced sugars from Malawi and Paraguay, Blue Agave syrups from Mexico and honeys from Mexico and Brazil.
Based in Sugar Land, Texas, Wholesome Sweeteners was established in 2001. The company is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year. In addition to bringing the best organic, sustainable and unrefined sweeteners to the North American market, Wholesome pioneered the certification process for Fair Trade Certified sugar and honey. Since pioneering Fair Trade, Wholesome has paid more than $2.5 million to farming and beekeeping cooperatives in the developing world. Fair Trade means that farmers can buy land, send their kids to school, and build thriving communities.
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As featured ...
Chadwick Boyd, of Atlanta's Lovely & Delicious, wades through a sea of sweeteners on Good Day Atlanta. Enjoy the recipe!
New Product Release: 2010 (PDF)
Contact: Karen Stevenson, Communications Manager, 773-904-7915 or Karen@OrganicSugars.biz
What’s your FLAVOR?
Wholesome Sweeteners
Introduces
Cinnamon, Maple, Strawberry and Vanilla
FLAVORED BLUE AGAVES
“These are amazing … From pancakes, to coffees and iced beverages, I can think of a million uses and tons of recipe ideas for each new flavor!”
--Karen Stevenson, Wholesome’s taste-test team
The innovators at Wholesome Sweeteners have introduced amazing NEW Cinnamon, Maple, Strawberry and Vanilla Flavored Organic Blue Agave Syrups. Made from the renowned Blue Agave, Wholesome’s Organic Blue Agaves are low glycemic, 25% sweeter than sugar and now with incomparable pop-in-your-mouth flavors!
Organic Cinnamon Flavored Blue Agave Syrup
Cinnamon’s spicy warmth, with a sweet, mild fragrance blended perfectly with Organic Raw Blue Agave. Try it in coffee, hot chocolate, on waffles, toast or in gingerbread.
Organic Maple Flavored Blue Agave Syrup
Warm maple tones and comforting aroma blended perfectly with our sweet Raw Blue Agave. Perfect on pancakes, wonderful on ice cream, oatmeal, in glazes and marinades, or in your own homemade granola.
Organic Strawberry Flavored Blue Agave Syrup
Tease your taste buds with this sweet, strawberry-flavored Raw Blue Agave. Perfect as a topping for cheesecake, in herbal tea or strawberry lemonade, and in home made salad dressings.
Organic Vanilla Flavored Blue Agave Syrup
A lush vanilla-bean flavor blended perfectly with our sweet Blue Agave. Excellent in beverages like almond and rice milk, in mixed drinks, in baking, and as a rich dessert topping.
As always, Wholesome’s Blue Agave products are organic, GMO-Free, gluten-free, and kosher. No HFCS or synthetic chemicals.
Also from Wholesome Sweeteners
New reformulated Light Organic Corn Syrup also now available in a recyclable, unbreakable bottle. It’s the organic alternative to conventional corn syrups. Each bottle contains one full cup. With just a hint of organic vanilla, it's perfect in pies, baked goods and candies. Delicious poured over pancakes, waffles or ice cream. (GMO-Free, gluten-free, and kosher. No HFCS or synthetic chemicals.)
About Wholesome Sweeteners
Wholesome Sweeteners is the nation’s leader in Fair Trade Certified, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, and sustainably produced sugars, syrups, nectars and honeys, all made from nature’s best resources. In addition to bringing the best organic, sustainable and unrefined sweeteners to the North American market, Wholesome pioneered the certification process for Fair Trade Certified sugar and honey. Since pioneering Fair Trade in 2005, Wholesome Sweeteners has paid more than $6 million in social premiums to benefit farming and beekeeping cooperatives in the developing world. Premiums are paid over and above the price of the product and they must be used by the co-op to benefit the community as a whole. Fair Trade means that farmers can buy land, send their kids to school, and building thriving communities.
Many thanks, The Wholesome Sweeteners Communications Team
Attention editors and journalists: To receive media advisories and press releases, please email info@OrganicSugars.biz and note "media interest" in the subject line. We'll be in touch as soon as possible.
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