Earlier this year, guest blogger Gail Barnes revealed that “60% of consumers have avoided purchasing products from companies after learning that they did not have socially responsible practices”. With a wealth of products to choose from, consumers today have ultimate purchasing power and it is up to the brands to fulfil the consumers’ needs and desires. As such, it is no wonder we’ve experienced a flux in brands upping the ante on their ethical practices and, most recently, we’ve come across many food and drink start-ups whose CSR is at the heart of their business.
Last week we spoke with Generosity Water about its brand and how it is using the drink to help people across the world gain access to clean water. After having already funded four water wells, giving 2,000 people in developing countries access to clean water, they have now turned their attention to helping those in Haiti.
Inspired by Generosity Water’s work, we’re taking a look at three more young start-ups that are using their business to help those in need.
Zego – short for “zest on the go” – is a San Francisco-based start-up on a mission to provide nutritious snacks that meet everyone’s dietary and allergy needs. Their “superfood” bars come in a variety of flavours including apple cinnamon and fudgy chocolate and contain all natural, organic ingredients. Whilst claiming their bars are allergy-friendly, they also claim to “go the extra step” by ensuring they safety test each batch for cross contact with allergens. Inspired by the CEO’s own experiences, Zego was also started, in part, to support the work of A Better Course, a non-profit dedicated to improving nutrition for low-income children. From every Zego purchase, 5% is donated to the work of A Better Course.
Launched in March 2013 by entrepreneurs Mary Grace and Nancy Nehoray, Bongo’s aim is to bring the benefits of the baobab tree to US consumers. Its range of products includes its baobab mango and strawberry chews, which claim to be gluten-free and contain high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C. Whilst working to transform the health sector in the US, the company has also launched its own foundation to help empower women, support local harvesters, and encourage the sustainability of the baobab tree in sub-Saharan Africa. 10% of all profits are donated to the foundation to help support the harvesters and their families.
Banán is a young start-up based in Hawaii which uses local bananas and other island ingredients to create dairy-free ice creams, which they then sell from a food truck. Their range consists of flavours such as açaí, limed papaya, and strawberry pitaya. With its strong belief in supporting local farmers and boosting the local economy, it is using its business to help support and build a strong and connected community. “We strive to make buying a locally grown meal as easy as possible for our customers. Our priorities are rooted in both environmental (the team give all their food waste to a local pig farmer for feed) and financial sustainability, and we work to create a synergy between the two,” Banán said. The team has just finished a round of crowdfunding, raising $35,000, and have successfully funded the opening of their first store in Hawaii.
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