Lotus Foods: Driving Innovation with B Corp

Lotus Foods

“This is a moral imperative for social and environmental reasons.”

Rice serves as a fundamental part of the diet for over half of the global population. However, it might surprise you to learn that conventional rice farming depletes more than 25% of the world’s renewable fresh water, places millions of women in harsh working conditions, and exacerbates climate change.

For more than 25 years, Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, the visionary co-founders of Lotus Foods, have been dedicated to addressing these challenges and fostering positive transformation in the rice industry.

Yet, this is just the starting point. “As a small company with bold ambitions, we aim to revolutionize rice cultivation and contribute to the crucial changes needed within the food and agriculture sectors,” Levine emphasizes. “This effort is driven by a moral obligation to both societal and environmental needs.”

The range of rice options available today has significantly improved since the days when grocery store selections were limited to brands like Uncle Ben’s and Rice-A-Roni, largely due to the efforts of innovators such as Lee and Levine. They actively seek out and introduce to the market unique rice varieties and the culinary products that stem from them.

Lotus Foods proudly holds B Corp certification, which highlights its mission as “a small company with a significant purpose.” The co-founders are dedicated to providing healthier and sustainably sourced rice options to consumers, encouraging their involvement in creating a positive impact.

B Corp

“To succeed, we must change the rules of the game.”

B Corp operates as a broad non-profit network with an ambitious mission: “to transform the global economy to serve the interests of all people, communities, and the planet.”

Their “Theory of Change” suggests that it’s feasible to reshape the economic landscape into a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative model. To achieve this, they identify adverse effects across various societies and cultures, recommending global strategies as solutions.

B Corp engages with a diverse range of entities, from small start-ups to large multinational companies, as well as local authorities and international governments, striving to “share insights and resources, develop transformative projects, and facilitate economic system reform.”

Curious if a company has B Corp certification? Their “Find a B Corp” tool on their website allows you to verify that you’re supporting businesses that meet their rigorous standards.

In essence, B Corp’s lofty ambition is to “transform the behavior, culture, and foundations of capitalism; to achieve success, we must redefine the rules of the game.”

Their B Lab network seeks to leverage the power of business to help organizations worldwide align profit with purpose. Central to their philosophy is a strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Their ultimate aspiration? “We will not rest until all business serves as a force for good.”