Member Highlight: Patch Organics™

To learn more about Patch Organics™, we asked their team to weigh-in.

Seeing a gap in the market, Patricia created Pumpkin Seed MIlk as a plant-based dairy alternative that was allergen friendly (no nuts!), sustainable and extra nutritious. She partnered with a boutique coffee chain in Manhattan and was selling out of her small batch made product as quickly as she could make it. This is where Gil Kernan, one of her best customers, got involved. Together Patrica and Gil have commercialized Pumpkin Seed Milk in Tetra Pak packaging, and are bringing it to markets across the U.S.

In 3 sentences or less, can you tell us about the work your company is doing and why it is important?

Plant-based milks are leading the movement toward a more plant-based diet across the spectrum, where consumer are making that choice for health, environment and animal welfare concerns.   We feel that customers who cannot have dairy due to allergies, cannot have nuts or soy, should have an option for something that tastes great and provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.  Most of the creamy and good tasting plant milks are made with nuts and this is problematic for a large and growing number of people with nut allergies, and Patch Organics pumpkin seed milk is differentiated in that way, and fills that need.

What do you think others should be aware of with regards to the work your company is doing?

• Allergies are no joke.  There is a growing number of people who have allergies to tree nuts. We created the perfect drink that is free fom the top 8 allergens so everyone can enjoy it.
• Packed with Vitamins and mInerals – Pumpkin Seeds are the best choice when it comes to natural sources of Zinc, magnesium, Iron, Copper, as well as protein, Calcium and a list of macronutrients.
• Taste matters.  The food we consume has to taste great.  Period.

Patch Organics created a premium beverage that meet the consumers needs and demand. Our milks are vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, and Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher and plant-based. They are available in shelf stable Tetra Pak containers. Tetra Pak is making significant strides with their sustainability efforts with their packaging.

We feel strongly about the benefits of incorporating plants into a healthy diet as much as possible.  Further, we think these options should be available to everyone.  For that reason, we have partnered with Food Equality Initiative to donate a portion of our proceeds to the Seven Percent Fund so everyone has access to healthier, better-for-you, allergen-friendly food choices. 

How have the current circumstances of the world changed your business plan?

While we had plenty of challenges and “change in plans”, we also saw the massive shift to buying groceries online as beneficial given our one-year shelf life and aseptic packaging which does not require refrigeration.  We miss the opportunity for in person sampling, where consumers instantly become loyal customers after one taste! We are an easy addition to frequent Amazon orders!

Do you have any exciting news or launches occurring this year?

We will be announcing some new stores and markets where you can find Patch Organics Pumpkin Seed Milk very soon. Check back to our website often for updates. Look for new flavor and larger package sizes later this year for the customers who cannot get enough!

What is one thing you wish you knew as you began your work that you think is important for othersworking in this industry to know?

While you should expect things to take longer and cost more, this is more than offset by the great people that you meet in the industry.

Where can others find you online?

• Website: www.patchmilk.com
• Social Media:  @patchorganics
• Feel free to reach out to Gil Kernan at gil@patchmilk.com

Member Highlight: Green Monday Group

To learn more about Green Monday Group, we asked their team to weigh-in.

What is the name of your company? 

Green Monday Group

movement was established to provide a common platform that institutions and individuals can join to contribute to sustainability and health. While we believe that education and empowerment must go hand in hand, we cannot advocate sustainability just by telling people what not to do. We must come with innovation and provide a new solution, which is where Green Common and OmniPork come into the picture. Today, the Green Monday movement has expanded to a multi-pronged social venture model with offices and advocates across Asia, the UK and USA. We have created and continue to innovate revolutionary products such as OmniPork that both educate and provide practical solutions to sustainable living.

In 3 sentences or less, can you tell us about the work your company is doing and why it is important?

With the Green Monday movement, OmniFoods products, Green Common platform, and Green Monday Ventures impact investment fund, we are building a one-of-a-kind future food ecosystem that inspires and empowers all stakeholders to make change that counters the world’s most urgent crises in climate change, food insecurity, and public health.

What do you think others should be aware of with regards to the work your company is doing?

Green Monday works to increase plant-based diet and lifestyle awareness – and was created as a solution for individuals embarking on a flexitarian lifestyle. We can all vote with every dollar we spend. With every purchase we are shaping the future of our world. So choosing plant-based over meat is to vote for a more humane, more sustainable and healthier future for the planet and for ourselves.

OmniPork is designed to be an all-purpose plant-based pork alternative that is nutritional superior and environmentally friendly. Through our proprietary blend of plant-based protein from pea, non-GMO soy, shiitake mushroom and rice, our superfood OmniPork offers high-quality complete vegan protein fulfil our body. A new way of eating that is healthier for us and healthier for our planet, there is simply no reason to say no!

How have the current circumstances of the world changed your business plan?

Covid-19 is a wake-up call and has made the world more vigilant on public health crises, leading to higher awareness of meat alternatives and Green Monday’s rapid growth. With sustainability becoming a key investment theme accelerated by the pandemic and climate change, investors across the globe are motivated to have environmental, social, and governance front and center for their decision-making process. Businesses are also more driven to provide more solutions to the sustainable health of our people and our planet.

Do you have any exciting news occurring this year?

There are many more exciting, game-changing new products and new concepts in the pipeline, which will for sure empower more people to choose a plant-based diet and lifestyle. Earlier on Earth Day (April 22), OmniPork was launched in selected restaurants in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu. And OmniPork will launch nationally to retail in the U.S. in summer 2021.

What is one thing you wish you knew as you began your work that you think is important for others working in this industry to know?

Purpose and profit can co-exist.  If we want to create the biggest impact, we need to innovate new alternative solutions to empower people to change!

Where can others find you online?

Website:

• Green Monday – https://greenmonday.org/en/
• OmniPork – https://omnipork.co/ 

Social Media:

• OmniPork Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OmniPork.Global
• OmniPork Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/omnipork/