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Frontier Co-op's Recognition as a Leader in Social Good

Frontier Co-op, based in Norway, Iowa, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being named in Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list, particularly in the Best Social Good category. This prestigious honor emphasizes the importance of companies that not only excel in their respective industries but also contribute positively to society. As part of the annual awards, Inc. recognizes organizations that have demonstrated exceptional execution and made considerable impacts within their communities and industries.

SPICE Project: A Commitment to Sustainable Development

One of the key reasons for Frontier Co-op’s recognition is its ambitious five-year initiative known as the Safe Processing in Cooperative Enterprise (SPICE) project. This endeavor involved an extensive investment of $5 million, executed in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Cooperative Development Program (CDP). The SPICE project aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and support smallholder farmers in regions like Guatemala, Sri Lanka, and Northern India.

Achievements in Guatemala

In Guatemala, the SPICE project focused on validating steam pasteurization processes and establishing a biofabrication facility. This facility plays a crucial role in organic pest and disease control, significantly increasing the value of the spices produced. Such advancements not only enhance product quality but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the region.

Advancing Agricultural Practices in Sri Lanka

The initiative made immense strides in Sri Lanka, where it provided Good Agricultural and Handling Practices (GAHP) training to over 3,500 smallholders. Through these training sessions, farmers can improve their crop yields and subsequently gain greater access to global markets. This empowerment is central to Frontier Co-op's mission of fostering shared prosperity.

Empowering Women Farmers in Northern India

In Northern India, Frontier Co-op has been instrumental in launching the region's first farmer-owned tea processing facility. This initiative has primarily benefitted women farmers, granting them a stake in the enterprise. Such ownership not only empowers these women but also transforms community dynamics, providing new economic opportunities and greater independence.

An Industry-Wide Recognition

Frontier Co-op's inclusion in Inc.'s Best in Business list highlights the impactful contributions that emerge from organizations prioritizing social responsibility. As noted by Bonny Ghosh, the editorial director at Inc., each Best in Business honoree has achieved notable milestones that resonate beyond their business metrics. The range of celebrated companies spans various industries, showcasing innovations in technology, healthcare, finance, and retail, all reflecting a commitment to social good.

Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op, expressed deep gratitude towards the USAID's Cooperative Development Program and the local farmers whose resilience has made these initiatives possible. He remarked, "Thanks to our collaboration, we've helped generate long-term value that can be reinvested into farming communities while strengthening our global supply chain."

About Frontier Co-op

Founded in 1976, Frontier Co-op is a 40,000 member-owned organization that offers a vast array of products for natural living. Its brands include Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic™, and Aura Cacia™. The cooperative focuses on providing high-quality culinary herbs, spices, and aromatherapy products while maintaining a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

For those interested in exploring this impactful list and learning more about other visionary companies that share similar values, the complete list is available on Inc.com and will be featured in the upcoming winter print edition of Inc. magazine.

Final Thoughts

Frontier Co-op's achievements signify not just business success but also the power of initiatives that improve lives and support sustainable practices. As society increasingly values corporate responsibility, the recognition of such efforts serves as both encouragement and inspiration for businesses striving to make a difference.