Hawaii-sourced Aloha reveals key breakthrough sustainably sourced bar for B Corp Month
pic: Aloha
Hawaii-sourced plant protein brand Aloha is marking B Corp Month in delivering its latest “Kona Bar” which is claimed as a global product breakthrough, developed to support local sustainable agriculture on the island, reports Neill Barston.
The award-winning business explained its latest series features 100% responsibly sourced ingredients including Kona Coffee, macadamia nuts from the island, and the debut launch of Panova oil within a product – sourced from climate-resilient pongamia trees on Oʻahu.
As the business revealed to Confectionery Production, the latest bar series has placed minimising environmental impact of manufacturing its series as a key consideration for its development.
Significantly, the Kona Bar has been created as high in protein, low in sugar, and ethically sourced and featuring clean ingredients. It is Non-GMO Project Verified, and made without gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar alcohols. The bar packaging features original artwork by Honolulu-based artist Kelsie Dayna and encapsulates the harmony of land, people and community that the bar represents.
The company has confirmed that it is aiming to further improve upon its present B Corporation status, which indicates it has conformed to enhanced environmental standards, with an additional drive to become climate neutral certified this year.
It intends to donate 10% of proceeds from every Kona Bar sold to Kupu, a nonprofit organisation investing in Hawaiʻi’s youth through land stewardship and hands-on education. In addition to being a leader in plant-based food and impact, Aloha is aiming to be a category leader in sustainability with its commitment to becoming Climate Neutral Certified. No other plant-based protein brand has obtained this certification to date.
“The launch of the Kona Bar underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable farming and agricultural practices, with Hawaiʻi as a prime example of what the future of farming and land stewardship should look like,” said Brad Charron, CEO of Aloha.
“As we grow, we’re committed to finding new and innovative ways to use our business as a force for good. This is a critical step in delivering on our mission to create delicious and nutritious food while making a positive impact on the world.”
According to the business, the Ponova oil in the Kona Bar, crafted by food and agriculture innovation company Terviva, has the potential to be considered a game-changer in the world of plant-based oils and regenerative farming. It is made by expeller pressing and lightly refining the beans of pongamia trees in a process similar to olive oil.
The climate-resilient species has been hailed for its strong environmentally positive credentials- having historically been used for reforestation in Asia. It sequesters carbon while improving soil health and water quality. From tree to plate, Terviva harvests and transforms pongamia beans into healthy and delicious food ingredients known as Ponova.
“Ponova oil is a delicious, premium oil containing Omega-9s that is climate-friendly and helps convert distressed farmland into sustainable, productive acreage,” said Naveen Sikka, CEO of Terviva. “We’re proud to partner with Aloha to bring this innovative ingredient to market.”
In addition to the new oil sourced from Terviva’s Oʻahu farm, the Kona Bar features macadamia nuts from Hamakua Nut Company and Kona Coffee from Greenwell Farms, both located on Hawaii Island. Hamakua Nut Company uses environmentally friendly cultivation practices, never any potentially harmful insecticides or fungicides, and never any fossil fuels.
As the company added, to dry the range’s nuts through converting the energy of clean burning macadamia nut shells into steam. The farm also generates nearly all electricity via solar and biomass energy. Greenwell Farms is one of the oldest and most respected Kona Coffee farms in Hawaiʻi. Established in 1850, this award-winning, fifth-generation family-owned farm handles every aspect of coffee making from farm to cup, including harvesting and processing to roasting and shipping. Greenwell Farms is committed to regenerative farming practices that nurture the health of its trees and land for generations to come.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Aloha, a brand that aligns with our values and our mission,” said Jeremiah McElwee, chief merchandising officer of Thrive Market, which is stocking the bar, alongside its own website, aloha.com. “This collaboration is a testament to the power of like-minded brands working together to create a meaningful and positive impact.”
