Aloha launches ‘world’s first’ Ponova oil food product

Plant-based protein brand Aloha has launched the Kona Bar, a high-protein and low-sugar snacking bar that supports sustainable agriculture in Hawaii, where the brand was founded.

The bars are gluten, dairy and soy-free and are made with responsibly-sourced ingredients, including Kona coffee, Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts and the first commercial launch of Ponova oil in a food product. Ponova oil is a sustainable plant-based oil made from the beans of ultra-regenerative, climate-resilient pongamia trees on Hawaii’s O‘ahu island.

Terviva’s Ponova oil with pongamia beans.

The Ponova oil in the bar is crafted by food and agriculture innovation company Terviva and is made by expeller pressing and lightly refining the beans of pongamia trees in a process comparable to that of olive oil. Pongamia trees are historically used for reforestation in Asia as they revitalise land by sequestering carbon and improving soil health and water quality.

Naveen Sikka, CEO of Terviva, said: “Ponova oil is a delicious, premium oil containing Omega-9s that is climate-friendly and helps convert distressed farmland into sustainable, productive acreage. We’re proud to partner with Aloha to bring this innovative ingredient to market.”

In addition to Ponova oil sourced from Terviva’s O’ahu farm, the macadamia nuts are from Hamakua Nut Company and the Kona Coffee from Greenwell Farms, both located on Hawaii Island. Hamakua Nut Company uses environmentally friendly cultivation practices, without harmful insecticides and without any fossil fuels. Greenwell Farms generates nearly all electricity via solar and biomass energy and is committed to regenerative farming practices.

Brad Charron, CEO of Aloha, said: “The launch of the Kona Bar underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable farming and agricultural practices, with Hawaii as a prime example of what the future of farming and stewardship should look like. 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.”