How it all started…

Nature’s Path Organic was founded by Arran and Ratana Stephens in Vancouver, BC in 1985. Today, this passionate family-run company is the largest certified organic breakfast and snack food company in North America. They carry over 150 delicious cold cereals, granolas, hot oatmeal, waffles, bars, and even cookies.

The legacy of organic farming in the Stephens family began way back in 1930. It was with Arran’s father Rupert, on the families second generation, organic berry farm. There, Arran learned the ultimate lesson from his father. To reap what you sow, to always leave the soil better than you found it and to care for and nurture the earth that provides for you.

Arran remembered this motto in everything he did and went on to open Canada’s first vegetarian restaurant called “Woodlands” in 1967. Shortly after that venture, he opened a natural foods store and became a distributor of organic foods. Finally in 1985, he and his wife Ratana founded Nature’s Path, the world’s largest independent organic cereal brand.

A family affair…

Today the Stephens family remains the core of Nature’s Path. Ratana is at the center of every development within the company, which operates on the triple-bottom line of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and financial viability, in that order. Their adult children are very much involved now too.

Jyoti their daughter, is Vice President of Mission and Strategy for Nature’s Path. She leads the company’s commitment to sustainability across all departments. This includes ethical sourcing, energy efficiency, waste reduction, community engagement and eco-friendly packaging alternatives.

Jyoti led the initiative to pilot regenerative organic farming at her parents “Legend Organic Farm” as well. It was the largest globally, to receive the regenerative organic certification. She also led Nature’s Path to becoming the first organic brand partner to join Loop, creating the company’s first reusable granola container. (Seen pictured in the background below)

Her brother, Arjan Stephens is the General Manger of Nature’s Path Foods. He believes our forks and wallets are powerful tools for change and that regenerative organic agriculture is the catalyst that will transform the world for the better. He has led the launch of over 100 products at the company.

Arjan and his wife created the Love Crunch brand and Bite4Bite program. Originally a wedding party favor, the granola was such a hit with the guests, that they made it an official product and created a program. Now for every bag of Love Crunch sold, the equivalent is donated to food banks across North America. To date, this program has donated more than $16.5 million USD worth of food, ensuring that food-insecure communities have access to healthy, organic food.

The Ultimate Goal…

In a world of brand sell-outs, Nature’s Path is proud to remain an independent family enterprise, involved in farming, processing and sharing organic products worldwide.  At Nature’s Path their mission has been and will always be to leave the earth better than they found it. Beyond their commitment to organic food and farming they hold themselves accountable to do what’s best for people and the planet.

Check out the HUGE variety of products at NaturesPath.com

Try the recipe below!

And be sure to follow them on Instagram @NaturesPathOrganic

If you like organic independent food brands, you’ll love Star Anise Foods too!

Until next time…

Erin

xoxo