A growing culture

Nuts for Cheese becomes Fairtrade producer certified; expands onto U.S. shelves

LONDON-BASED food producer Nuts for Cheese, an established leader in Canada’s natural product and vegan cheese categories, has joined the growing Fairtrade movement, sourcing key ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, coconut milk, turmeric and black peppercorns from the global south to produce the world’s first Fairtrade Certified vegan cheese.

The Fairtrade process of certification means a product was fairly grown, traded and is physically traceable, allowing producers, workers and their families to live with dignity.

Nuts for Cheese is sold in more than 1,500 grocery stores across Canada, including major chains and independents, and the company has recently signed deals with U.S.-based natural food distributors, which will see its products stocked at several hundred retailers in the U.S.

Globally, there are 1,411 Fairtrade Producer Certified organizations supporting 1.66 million farmers and workers across 73 countries. In 2018, Canada saw continued engagement and reach of Fairtrade products with retail sales estimated at $500 million.

“In Canada, it’s easy to take basic human rights for granted,” said founder and CEO,  Margaret Coons. “One of our core values is conducting business with integrity. We appreciate how ethically conscious our consumer base is and we truly believe in making a difference through business.”

Along with the expanded distribution south of the border, Nuts for Cheese will also launch two new vegan butter products this summer — original salted and herb & garlic — made from a fermented cashew and coconut base.

Last year, Nuts for Cheese sold about 250,000 wedges, or units, of its nut cheese. By the end of this year it forecasts selling about 100,000 wedges a month.