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Wright Wines
"Our wines are certified by the New Zealand Vegetarian Society, being suitable for vegetarians/vegans."
Location: 202 Wainui Road, Gisborne, New Zealand
Owners: Geoff Wright (vegan), and his partner (vegetarian)
In business since: 2000
Certified organic by CERTNZ, an organic agency in New Zealand.
"Most wines contain one of the following; isinglass (type of fish), gelatin, egg whites, skim milk/casein (from egg whites). We do not use any of the above additives in our wines."
They are currently setting up their vineyard and winery on a farm in Ormond Valley Road and welcome wwoofers (willing workers on organic farms) to their block.
Vegan Dream
Location: Humboldt County, Arcata CA.
In business: was incorporated in 1988.
Sells: Three flavors of vegan, non GMO soy jerky.
Background: The CEO saw the need for a vegan jerky in the marketplace that was actually tasty and better than beef jerky. They are excited about offering a great tasting jerky that is both healthy and earth-friendly.
Turtle Island, makers of Tofurky
"We make our products in small batches using only the finest organic and natural ingredients. No preservatives, MSG, or other artificial ingredients are added to our products."
Location: in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, about an hour east of Portland, Oregon. Their plant is on the Columbia River, in Hood River Oregon.
Owner: Seth Tibbott, the company president is a thirty year vegetarian. He has been vegan for periods of time throughout this time. Currently he is usually vegan.
No GMO ingredients.
The company produces a line of organic tofu based faux meats in the form of sausages, deli-slices, holiday products such as mock turkey, the best tasting tempeh, and super burgers; all very popular vegan meat alternatives because of the excellence of their products.
Background: Seth's vegetarianism has always been rooted in environmentalism. He started making tempeh and branched out into the famous Tofurky when he recognized a need for a vegan main course at holiday meals.
Quoting their web site: "Our goal is to supply the residents of 'Turtle Island' with meatless food products that are delicious, nutritious, convenient and affordable. And, since 1980 we have been doing just that! At Turtle Island Foods, our products are designed to promote the health and vitality of both the people and the ecosystems of our 'island' home. The name 'Turtle Island' comes from a common Native American legend and it is their name for the North American continent..."
The Ultimate Meal
Location: Santa Barbara, CA.
Owner: Sam Gerard, a staunch vegan of 24 years.
Vegan staff: 100%
In business: 24 years
He offers the world these fine products:
The Ultimate Meal &
MealBar - "The name says it all"
The ultimate combination of the best SuperFoods & Anti-Oxidants.
The Ultimate
FloraZyme - "The best of two worlds"
The ultimate combination of the best
Pre-Biotic & Digestive Enzymes.
The Ultimate Defense
- "Anti-Oxidant Perfection"
The ultimate combination of the best
Anti-Oxidants.
The Ultimate Blue-Green - "100% Organic Spirulina"
The Ultimate
Sweetener - "100% Birch Sugar"
The ultimate sugar alternative (even for
diabetics) on Earth.
The Ultimate Water Purifier
The Ultimate Shower Filter
Background: In 1980, Sam Gerard was listening to the 'Animals' album by Pink Floyd. After reading the lyrics of the song 'Sheep', he became an ethical (though junk-eating) vegetarian THAT NIGHT. Nine months later, he became a health fanatic Vegan. Soon after (being a perfectionist), he started making his OWN superfood concoction. Within a year, his serious hobby forced him into treating it as a bonafide business. The rest is history, accomplished without multi-level-marketing, big profit margins, company reps, distributors, brokers, or advertising. Just FIERCELY loyal customers and unprecedented word of mouth.
Turtle Mountain
In the mid 90's it became clear that Turtle Mountain had a strong following of vegetarians and vegans alike. In recognition of their loyalty and enthusiasm for Turtle Mountain's products, Mark pushed to insure all products produced by Turtle Mountain were completely animal-free; a commitment that remains strong to this day.
Location: 330 Seneca Rd., Eugene, OR. 97402
Founder/CEO/President: Mark Brawerman (not a vegan)
In business since: 1990, and all U.S. vegans are happy about that!
Produces: Organic So Delicious ice cream, Purely Decadent ice cream, Lil' Buddies, Sweet Nothings frozen treats, etc.
"Although we are recognized first and foremost by our products, we are perhaps most proud of our contribution to the environment. As a sponsor of the Sea Turtle Restoration Project (STRP) we provide much needed funds to help save the ever-shrinking habitats of sea turtles. Our dream is to one day hear that the populations of the many endangered species of sea turtles have stabilized and are on the rebound. Until then, we will make every effort to help the people at STRP fight to save the wonderful creatures."
Background: Turtle Mountain began as a one-man operation by its founder CEO/President Mark Brawerman. As a consumer of healthy food alternatives, Mark saw a growing need for products that tasted like their dairy counter parts but contained no dairy ingredients. Working on his own, Mark began to develop a series of non-dairy frozen desserts. Through considerable trial and tribulation Turtle Mountain was born.
From the onset, Mark's vision was to provide consumers with only the best tasting products that Mother Nature could provide. His dream was to build a business that would be recognized as a leader in non-dairy alternatives. Since 1990 Turtle Mountain has specialized in the creation and production of dairy-free frozen desserts.
Yachana Gourmet
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Owner and staff: not vegan. The majority of the staff is Ecuadorian (only the owner and one staff member are North American) and veganism is not generally understood nor recognized in Ecuador.
In business since: 2000
Procuces: Yachana Jungle Chocolate (tasty chocolate nibs toasted to perfection), mixed with either Macadamia Nuts, Brazil Nuts & Coffee, Raisins & Coconut or Pineapple.
The company was started to be a catalyst for the commercialization of cacao from the Ecuadorian Amazon. The idea is to add value to the cacao (the term cocoa is used once it is processed) in Ecuador so that the income from the processes stays in the country and help the farmers.
"I think it's important to mention that our work helps support the rainforest conservation programs of FUNEDESIN. FUNEDESIN buys rainforest to help protect the habitat of people and animals of the area. Yachana Gourmet only works with small cacao farmers, who grow their cacao in the shade, we do not support mono-crop, plantation style production of cacao which destroys animal habitat and creates erosion and rainforest destruction" explains Laura McCurry; Yachana Gourmet's Sales and Marketing Manager.
Freezees Nutcreem
Location: Chino Valley, AZ 86323
Owner: growing towards veganism
Vegan staff: none
In business: 15 years.
Produces: nut-based frozen dessert: No Butter Pecan, Vanilla, Strawberry, Fudgee Fudge Carob and Peanut Caramel Carob in pint containers. The novelties come in these flavors: Sweedee Pies: Crispee Cashew, Crispee Pecan and Crispee Fudge Carob.
For those wanting a non-soy based frozen dessert, they are a dream come true. Freezees Nutcreems are a delicious healthy vegan alternative, and I speak from experience!
Background: When Jimmy Nutcreem discovered he was allergic to ice-cream, one of his favorite foods, Jim and his wife turned the problem into an opportunity. They invested their life savings and developed Freezees Nutcreem, a non-dairy frozen dessert. Freezees hit the West coast market in May of 2000. Since then, their growth has been dramatic. "Why? Because we believe, you'll agree, it's the world's #1 and NUTTIEST ice cream alternative!" say the owners. Jim's wife, Soon Chin Rauls, is the marketing manager for Freezees Nutcreem.
Spice of Life Meatless Meats
Owner: Spice Williams, actress and stunt woman, who has been a vegan for 30 years and is a fine example of physical fitness.
Vegan staff: 100%.
In business: 13 years.
They produce jerky made from defatted soy flour, Bragg Liquid Aminos, sunflower oil, and natural spices.
Spice of Life Meatless Meats are wheat-free, cholesterol-free, high in fiber and protein, and have the look, taste and texture of a wide range of meats.
Absent are the animal drugs (sterols, antibiotics, hormones, etc.), and high concentrates of agricultural chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.), and other animal waste residues that make meat and dairy consumption so unhealthy.
Background: Spice Williams Crosby (her husband is the oldest grandson of singer Bing Crosby) became vegan at age 26. "I had my third drug and alcohol overdose and made up my mind to turn my life around. I took my medicinal knowledge and searched for a truth.
"I was a treatment nurse, medical transcriber and grew up in a medical world on a ranch with lots of meat and dairy. The American Way!!! I knew I had to go into the truth of the body and find out biochemically why I had a weight problem, health problems, skin problems, etc. How I was eating and living my life, I knew wasn't working. So I took my blinders off and went for it.
"I stumbled across a book called Food Combining by Herbert Shelton and my concept of food and life totally turned around. I began to study digestion time and realized that animal flesh and diary was rotting and putrefying in my gut lining. Pleasant thought, huh? As I began to eliminate the foods that took the longest, I took on a lifestyle of eating that changed my body and my sense of well being.
"One day, someone asked me what I eat. I told them and they began to tell me I was a VEGAN! I replied, 'A what?' I had no idea I had transformed myself into something that actually had a name for it. Then I was asked if I chose this lifestyle for health or for love of animals. I had never really thought of why, but the time of my change, it was purely for health. However, the cleaner my body became, the evidence of not wanting to participate in the killing of animals became extremely apparent and now I know it's for both reasons."
"Not only do I feel better, but safer. I talked to many people every week who are dealing with cancers, auto immune diseases and feeling bad, overweight, headaches, hormonal imbalances etc... I don't have to worry about any of that stuff. I feel clean and safe."
"How dare we take an animal's life! Think about it...when we kill animals, we TAKE their life away. Who died and made us God? We are ignorant and full of excuses for doing this. I will have no part of this action of man."
"Remember, a picture is worth a 1,000 words and the first thing I'm always told is, 'you don't look like a vegan!' Well, that's because, most vegetarians or vegans don't do it right and don't look healthy! I'll be 48, April 26, 2000 and I was kick boxing and lifting weights the day my water broke five years ago. I try to live my life with using all my knowledge to guide me to make the right choices. If you change to a very healthy lifestyle and you set an example of love, and high energy then the world will come to you asking you the same question they ask me...'What do you eat that makes you look so healthy, full of energy and strong' I just smile and proudly say, 'I'm a VEGAN!'"
ZenSoy
Products are all certified vegan and organic.
Location: 21 Empire Blvd., S. Hackensack, NJ. 07606
Owner and staff are not vegan.
Marketing Manager: Cheryl Surana
In business since: 1999
They manufacture and distribute soy milks (plain, vanilla, chocolate, and cappuccino) and refrigerated puddings in assorted flavors that come in a fun unique packaging.
The owner, though he is not vegan, was a visionary in that he saw the need for more soy products and then created wonderful tasting/consistency soy milk and soy pudding. ZenSoy is a family owned business
Maine Coast Sea Vegetables
Location: 3 Georges Pond Rd., Franklin ME. 04634
Owner: Shep Erhart, a vegan for 32 years
Vegan staff: about 20%
In business: 35 years
They won a Socially Responsible Business Award in 2004.
Produces: whole and milled, certified organic dulse, kelp (N. atlantic kombu ), alaria (N. Atlantic wakame), laver (wild nori), and sea lettuce. In addition, they offer Kelp Krunch energy bars, sea veggie flavored corn tortilla Sea Chips, and six varieties of spice shaker Sea Seasonings.
Background: "In 1971 my wife and I were eating expensive Japanese seaweed on our macrobiotic diet. We saw something at low tide that looked good, so we started harvesting just for us at first. Then our friends wanted some and one thing has led to another, slowly and organically. In 1974, we stopped eating all animal food as part of a spiritual commitment to do the least amount of harm as possible. Our daughter was born that year and was raised vegan and still is at 32."
Whole Soy Company
"We at WholeSoy maintain the globe as our logo to signify our dedication to protecting the planet. WholeSoy's commitment to the environment is in our name. We use only whole organic soybeans free from genetic modification."
Location: 353 Sacramento St., Suite 1120, San Francisco, CA
Owner and staff: not vegan.
In business: 8 years, luckily for us vegans.
Whole Soy Yogurt (6 oz. size, 9 fruit flavors, plus plain and vanilla). Whole Soy Yogurt (24 oz. size in plain and vanilla), Whole Soy Frozen Yogurt (9 flavors), Whole Soy Organic Soy Smoothies (4 fruit flavors), and now WholeSoy Cream Cheese Style Soy Spread (Original and Garlic/Herb).
Background: Almost 30 years ago, Whole Soy's founder, Ted Nordquist, learned the natural Chinese and Japanese methods of converting whole soybeans into dairy-like products. In 1979, Ted utilized that knowledge to start a small soy foods plant near Uppsala, Sweden. From that point forward, Ted devoted his life to developing great tasting dairy-like products from whole soybeans.
In 1996, Ted moved back to the United States with his family and began making WholeSoy yogurt. Though they are now a little bigger, all of their products are still developed by Ted in cooperation with food scientists and processors. Ted developed a soybean processing technique that is entirely chemical-free.
Ted believes by reducing our dependence on animal products for protein and replacing it with soy protein, we will be able to further reduce our impact on the environment. It takes considerable land, water, fertilizer and other resources to produce animal protein which could otherwise be utilized in the direct production of plant-based protein for human consumption (www.vegan.org).
"WholeSoy does not use any genetically modified organisms in our products. Unfortunately, soybeans are one of the most genetically modified crops. We purchase our organic, GM-free soybeans from a single organic supplier to ensure our soybeans are the highest quality soybeans on the market. In fact, we recently tested our products for any traces of genetically modified organisms and were given a clean bill of health! WholeSoy understands the negative impact of pesticides and herbicides on our environment and farmlands. We utilize only certified organic soybeans. We use certified organic ingredients whenever possible."
Organicville
"It is the only product line in the marketplace that is certified organic, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, no added sugar, and it tastes great too! Organicville's Organic Vinaigrettes incorporate our commitment to quality, health benefits, and great taste!"
Location: 1200 65th Street Suite 107, Emeryville, CA. 94608
Owner: Rachel Kruse, a vegan and third generation vegetarian who has never eaten animal products.
In business: two years
All certified vegan products. Nine organic vegan vinaigrettes: olive oil and balsamic, sun dried tomato and garlic, herbs de provence, orange cranberry, miso ginger, sesame tamari, tarragon dijon, pomegranate, sesame goddess.
Background: "I grew up in the Midwest. I am a third generation vegetarian who simply can't get enough salad. As I have been a lifelong lover of salad, so too have I been a lifelong organic consumer. However, I couldn't find an organic dressing that tasted great. So I created Organicville. We gather superior ingredients from organic food artisans from around the world. We use traditionally aged vinegar and high quality blends of expeller pressed oils."
The Natural Whole Food Bar
All products are certified vegan. The certification was granted by Vegan Action (Richmond, VA.) (www.vegan.org) who has long been recognized for their reputation and integrity in the governance of ensuring products meet the standards necessary to achieve the distinction of becoming Vegan Certified.
Location: Oceanside, CA. 92069.
Owner (and designer of the bars): Dan Armentrout eats a lot of vegan food, but also includes fish.
In business since: August 2005
Varieties include: Crunchy Peanut, Crunchy Almond, Apple Dapple Crunch, Soyberry Crunch, Crunchy Cashew, Crunchy Walnut, Crunchy Sunflower Seed, Asci Berry Crunch, and Date/Fig/Almond.
Kosher, wheat & gluten-free, dairy & cholesterol-free and contains no trans fat or GMOs.
The Natural Whole Food Bars have earned several notable distinctions within the market place, aside from being certified vegan, they also recently received notification of being classified as low glycemic after having submitted to rigorous lab testing over a 10 week period. What further sets the product line apart from its contemporaries is the fact that the bars contain 20-25 grams of protein, not more than 10 grams of natural and/or organic sweeteners, 5-7 grams of soluble fiber and are chock full of heart healthy fats.
Background: "My primary reason to develop The Natural Bar was because after years of working in the nutrition industry, I grew more and more disheartened about the products being brought to market. It got to the point that it was all about the bottom line and cutting quality for the sake of mere profits. I could not ask my family to eat the products the companies I worked for were making! As I get older I see things from a different perspective. I believe it is more important now, more than ever, for me to leave the planet in a better position that it was in just yesterday. Knowing that industries of every sort take the same approach to business as that of my former employers, it makes me shudder to think what is being done to get food sources to market today. As evidence, we see the proliferation of animal-borne illnesses like mad cow disease and avian flu. It is unprecedented that these two plagues would hit at the same time in history and the simple facts are that the mitigating circumstances surrounding their arrival are years of human influence within these species."
Grainaissance
Makers of 14 flavors of Amazake Rice Shakes and 8 flavors of Mochi Bake & Serve Rice Squares.
Location: 1580 62nd St., Emeryville, CA. 94608
Owner and staff: not vegan
In business since: 1979
Background: Tony Plotkin; President, started the company when he was following a macrobiotic diet. He still is mostly macrobiotic.
Ceres Organics
President & CEO: Brittin Eustis
Staff: no strict vegans.All products are made with organic ingredients.
Their premier product is Soyatoo! Soy whip, the first aerosol soy whipped cream. "Next year we will introduce the whipping cream version of Soyatoo! which allows for custom flavoring and sweetening! Coming soon we will have Viana. An exciting line of vegan, organic soy meat alternatives. Also, Sunergia, a line of exciting flavored and infused tofu products."
"Our goal is to give people a true vegan alternative that looks and tastes very similar to the real thing so that its easier for them to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle."
Background: Ceres Organics is a division of Ceres Organic Harvest which has been serving the organic community since 1992. Britt developed a passion for organic food production in his early 20's. He worked in retail natural foods, wholesale distribution, food processing, as well as organic agriculture. In 1975 he manufactured and distributed organic apple juice from organically grown apples from the western slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. In 1976 he owned a regional organic grain processing operation inOver the next 15 years he helped develop a wholesale natural foods distribution in the Rocky Mountain Region, specialty and organic crop production for the wholesale trade, as well as organic certification standards for food processing. In 1992 he started Ceres Organic Harvest, Inc. to provide certified organic semolina and durum patent flour to the pasta industry.
Chicake
Owner:
Alan Munro, a vegan for 13 years.In business since:
January 12th, 2006Currently just two products: vegan cheesecake, called Chi Cake, and vegan Nanaimo Bars, called Veganaimo Bars. Both are plant-based, made with gluten-free, organic ingredients and contain no trans fats.
Products made in a vegan kitchen.
Background:
"I became a vegan overnight, after reading Diet for a New America. John Robbins' book profoundly moved me and encouraged me to volunteer at EarthSave Canada in Vancouver, BC. Hearing Michael Klaper at various events also drove home the logic of a vegan diet. Many years later, I realized that the various "real" jobs I'd had--in Information Systems management--weren't satisfying, nor did they directly contribute to a better world. I wanted to be part of something that would help the paradigm shift to plant-based eating. I thought that producing vegan foods would be something practical and especially helpful for folks making the transition to a more compassionate and resource-friendly way of eating.""I have a great interest in sustainability. At present, my café and restaurant customers receive Chi Cakes and Veganaimo Bars in reusable containers, which I collect each week, wash and use again hundreds of times. I would like one day to provide our products to retail food stores in reusable packaging, which could possibly be returned for a deposit. I also look forward to when my products will be delivered by electric vehicle. On a personal note, I'm glad to be doing something positive in the 'mainstream', but I've always had a hope of living and working within a vegan-oriented community."
Sweet And Sara
"Making life a little sweeter for your health, the animals,
and the planet we share"
Owner: Sara Sohn has been vegan for 16 years.
Staff: Not vegan, unfortunately.
In business: 1.5 years
- Marshmallows (in vanilla and toasted coconut)
- Smores, aka moonpies (in original and peanut butter)
Background: Sara Sohn has been an ethical vegan since 13. Sweet & Sara was born because of Sara’s love for marshmallows and there were no vegan marshmallows available.
Hipo Hyfryd
"We
are a 100% vegan company in both ingredients and all the products we use to
clean, print, cloth, etc."
Location: Wales, UK
Owner: Gareth (owner and head chocolatier) is a vegan of 10 years. "I am very strict throughout everything I do."
Staff: All four staff members are vegan.
In business: 3 years
Products:
~ gourmet vegan truffles in 8 flavors (maple syrup, coffee, rose,
ginger, chilli, cinnamon, coconut and salt n pepper). These are a rich
creamy truffle encased in a 55% cacao chocolate. They are made from a
combination of two organic belgium chocolates and a number of other natural
(mainly organic) flavours. They come in packs of 16 or 4.
~ chocolate crunch/nuggets in 3 flavors (cacao, coffee and goji) A
little bag of six chocolate bites. Whole coffee beans, goji berries or cacao
nibs are encased in organic belgium chocolate to give you a treat that is
perfect for dealing with the mid morning/afternoon munchies.
~ 2 recipe books (Voluptuous Vole and The Happy Hippo) Each book of
50 recipes range from the simple to the complex. Throughout the books are
the chefs random thoughts or events that led him to come up with the
recipes.
"We believe strongly in freedom of information and for that reason our two cookbooks are available for download online for anyone to enjoy."
Background: "Truthfully veganism came to me partly because of my love for life but mainly because I wanted to impress a very wonderful man. His influence on me opened my eyes to the horror of my previous diet and my own research on the subject drew me in and 10 years later I love everything about veganism and am very pleased to have set up my own company to help me deal with my love of opulent chocolate.
"The reason for a chocolate business was that friends loved my chocolate treats. I never really intended to make this as big as it is becoming but I am still loving my job/hobby so I carry on."
Lagustas
Luscious
"100% vegan - no honey or bone
char sugar or anything."
Location: New Paltz, NY, about 1.5 hours from NYC. "We work out of a commercial kitchen and do not have a storefront, although if you are traveling to the area and want to see if we have any truffles you might be able to pick up on the way, feel free to inquire via email!"
Owner: "I have been vegan for 15 years."
Staff: "We are a company of 1 full-timer and 3-4 part timers. My employees vary from vegan, mostly vegan, and mostly vegetarian."
In business: Five years
"We make vegan chocolate truffles and assorted chocolates that we ship across the country. As well, we run a vegan meal delivery service in the NYC and upstate NY areas."
Background: "I became vegan at the age of 15 because I was working in the animal rights movement. I was already a vegetarian, but doing animal rights work really convinced me of the need to go vegan."
"Most of our customers are not vegans, just people who want to eat healthier and/or like our food and chocolates!"
The Vegetarian Express
Location: mail or phone order only
Owners: vegan
In business since: 2004
Sells: 20 products, including seasonings, gravy mixes, burgers, waffles, soups and pasta meals.
Background: "We are vegan by choice, health concerns, spiritual issues. We believe in what we are doing. We are making it easy for vegans to eat fast, delicious, wholegrain foods."
Soycrunch
Owners & Staff: not vegan
In business: 8 years
Sells: one product that comes in 5 flavors. They are made from textured soy protein and evaporated cane juice plus other natural vegan ingredients.
Background: "The CEO started the company to give her children a healthy sweet snack with nutritional value."
Sheese
Location: Scotland, UK.
Owners & Staff: The company is jointly owned by 5 people, none of whom is vegan.
In business since: The company started in 1988. "We took over in Jan 2003"
Sells: non-dairy 'Sheese' in nine flavors including 'blue style', 'edam style' and 'gouda style', and 'Creamy Sheese', in five flavors including 'garlic and herb' and 'Mexican style'.
All products are vegan, gluten-free, free from hydrogenated fat and GMO-free.
Background:
"Debbie
Dawson was diagnosed with cancer of the kidneys at the age of 9. She had 2
major operations and was booked in for a third as she was told it was
spreading. At 12 she found out about (the benefits of) a healthy diet and
stopped eating meat, eggs, dairy and honey. This was very easy for her as
she loved animals.
She never went for the third operation and has never been to a doctor since.
She would highly recommend an animal free (or Vegan) diet to anyone who
loves animals and wants to be healthy.
Since infancy, the other 4 directors (Mike & Pete Manvell and Guy & Mark
Crichton) have never eaten any meat, poultry or dairy products. They have
been healthy all their lives. They have never had any of the typical
childhood diseases (measles, mumps, chicken pox) and have never been ill or
needed to go to a doctor."
"Sheese has been produced since 1988. We were very good friends with the previous owners (they too were non-animal eaters), and when the opportunity came up to buy the company it was ideal for us. We loved the products and wanted to be involved in something where you are offering people an alternative to dairy & animal products."
Vegan Worldwide
Owner: Chef Matteo (Matthew Silverman) a vegan for 14+ years. No other staff at this point.
In business since: June 2007
Sells: vegan (cooked and raw) cookies, snacks, cakes, pies, bulk ingredients for professionals or the home novice.
Background: Chef Matteo became vegan for environmental and compassionate reasons. He decided that was the best to address our problems at hand.
Chef Matteo has worked as a private chef for 7 years. His restaurant, 4 Course Vegan, was opened in January of 2003. 4 Course Vegan began as a way to offer high quality, seasonal, and local foods to the public through an informal setting. He began Vegan Worldwide as a way to offer high quality, vegan products to the public.
www.veganww.com
www.4coursevegan.com
Crispy Cat Candy Bars
Owner: owner Joel Schantz and his family are vegans of 10+ years.
In business since: The company started in 2002, but rebranded in 2007.
Roasted Peanut Crispy Cat - A throwback to days of old fashioned candy bars that used real, high quality ingredients. A roasted peanut flavored center is covered in the best chocolate you’ve ever tasted and chock-full of salty peanuts. You’ll know you’re eating a candy bar!
Mint Coconut Crispy Cat - A soft center of flaky coconut and crispy rice is submerged in rich dark chocolate and finished with cool minty lightness. Even those who might not love coconut will jump for joy. Be prepared to be uplifted!
Toasted Almond Crispy Cat -Toasty almonds explode in every bite! Dark cocoa flavor combines with the toastiest almonds to make every bite pure fulfillment. Treasure the richness!
Background: "Joel Schantz was an out-of-shape rock guitarist living in Miami. He wanted to feel better so he started eating a vegetarian diet, which quickly became vegan as he noticed his improved state of well-being."
"Crispy Cat Candy Bars make the first organic candy bar!...and yes it’s vegan too! Our goal is to provide the candy-loving public with a fun, healthy, and environmentally saavy product that you can truly feel good about eating. Enjoy!"
Synergy Drinks
Owner: The company's owner has been a vegetarian for over 30 years.
In business since: February 1995
Sells: Kombucha. All products are also 100% raw and organic.
Background: "I was raised a vegetarian by parents that simply believed that it was a better way of life. I started my company after Kombucha helped my mom with her breast cancer"
GoMacro
"We have many animals on our farm and we are firm believers in animal rights. We donate products to humane societies and veg groups throughout the Country. All of our products are made fresh every week and shipped direct to the stores. Everything is handmade with low energy usage. This is part of the macrobiotic philosophy and helps us maintain a low carbon footprint."
Location: Viola, Wisconsin
Owners & Staff: Owners are vegan. "We do not require that staff be vegan. 50% including owners are vegan."
In business since: January 2004
Sells: Macrotreats, Macrobars, Gluten-free bars, Macronutrient bars
Background: In January of 2003, Amelia Kirchoff was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I went on a macrobiotic diet eliminating eggs, dairy, refined products, processed foods and animal products. As I got better I started to make macrobiotic desserts since there were none in the stores, using grains and fruits grown on our farm. My daughter took them to a health food store in Chicago where she was a teacher and that was the start of GoMacro. Today the Products are still handmade in a facility on our farm."
"We have many animals on our farm and we are firm believers in animal rights. We donate products to humane societies and veg groups throughout the Country. All of our products are made fresh every week and shipped direct to the stores. Everything is handmade with low energy usage. This is part of the macrobiotic philosophy and helps us maintain a low carbon footprint."
Wax Orchards
Location: Bothell, Washington
Owners & Staff: Neither owner is vegan.
In business since: the early seventies
Sells: All-fruit jams, fudge sauces, fruit syrups and Fruit Sweet (an alternative sweetener made from fruit concentrate)
Nana's Cookie Company
"All Nana’s Cookies contain no dairy, no eggs, no hydrogenated oils, no added salt and no refined sugars."
Location: San Diego, California
Owners & Staff: Vegan owner. Some of the staff are vegan.
In business since: 1982
Sells: Nana's Cookies, Cookie Bars and Cookie Bites
"It all began over a decade ago when I was inspired to create a cookie that was delicious and actually ‘good’ for you. Having founded and directed a health food co-op for over 20 years, I wanted my cookie to be extremely healthy but a cookie is supposed to taste sweet. What’s a woman to do? I created Nana’s Cookies exclusively from all natural, all organic, wholesome ingredients… and I made sure they tasted irresistibly delicious.
In my cookie creations, I eliminated all refined sugars, thus eliminating the ‘rush’ and subsequent ‘crash’ common from snacks containing refined sugars. I even refused to use the ‘hidden’ sugars often listed as ‘natural’ ingredients, such as evaporated cane juice, concentrated fruit juice, beet sugar, brown sugar, as well as sucanat, agave, maltitol, corn syrup and fructose-just to name a few.
After months of mixing, baking, and tasting, I finally perfected four cookie flavors worthy of the Nana’s Cookie Company name. Working on a shoestring budget, I literally loaded up my car and sold and delivered cookies store to store. Today we have over 30 Nana’s Cookies flavors including Nana's Cookie Bites, Nana's Cookie Bars and Nana's "O"Mega Fiber Bars. All of these wonderful treats are available in No Gluten varieties. I discovered in my adventure that anything is possible and with perseverance fabulous flavors could be found in all my cookies, including those cookies that are No Wheat and No Gluten for those with special needs."
Nutiva
"Nutiva’s purpose is to produce the highest quality organic superfoods, providing superior nutritional value to our customers while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and a fair return to the farmers on whom we depend. We donate 1 percent of our sales to groups that promote sustainable agriculture."
Location: Santa Paula, California
Owner: Not vegan. Some of the staff are vegan.
In business since: 1999
Sells: Coconut Oil, Hemp Seeds, Hemp Oil, HempProtein Powder, Hemp Bars, Flax Hemp Bars, Flax Raisin Bars, Hempshake Berry Pomegranate, Hempshake Amazon Acai, Hempshake Fair Trade Chocolate
"We’re building a business characterized by high standards in all aspects of our company, from the organic farms that grow our foods, through the production, packaging, and transportation of our products.
Our watchwords—nutritious superfoods, healthier people, and a sustainable planet—express our commitment to move beyond conventional food industry practices to embrace a bigger picture that supports the long-term well-being of humanity as a whole.
We educate people worldwide on current developments in nutritional science, organic farming, green energy, and fair trade practices within the global economy."
Vega
Location: BC, Canada
Owner & Staff: Vega was formulated by Brendan Brazier, a professional triathlete and vegan for 20 years. Many of the staff at Sequel are vegetarian or vegan.
In business since: 2004
Sells: Whole Food Health Optimizer, Whole Food Energy Bars, Antioxidant EFA Oil Blend, Smoothie Infusion, Vibrancy Bars, and Sport Performance Optimizer.
"Brendan Brazier was 15 when he decided he wanted to become a professional triathlete. He looked at training and diet routine of the pros and found nutrition to be the main factor in optimizing performance. Through research, Brendan determined that an entirely plant-based diet would allow him to maximize recovery, allowing to improve faster and race stronger. Part of his nutrition routine was a post-workout recovery drink; this drink was the basis for Vega’s first product: Whole Food Health Optimizer. In 2004, Brendan partnered with Sequel Naturals to take his creation public. From there, they added more products to the Vega line. Today, Brendan tours the country promoting his Vega line, educating people on the benefits of plant-based nutrition and speaking about this bestselling book titled, The Thrive Diet."
Vega has created an online community to support people on a plant-based diet: www.vegacommunity.com.
