The Product Discovery Zone at Spark Change provides a great firsthand look at many of the brands exemplifying these trends and the macro forces that will shape this industry for years to come.

This Spark Change-inspired series will also shine the spotlight on some of these brands by highlighting a different trend each week.

Trend of the week: Sourcing Responsibly

Brands exemplifying the Sourcing Responsibly trend are putting greater effort and intention into their sourcing practices. The result has been greater transparency, more quality and ethically sourced ingredients and more direct trade relationships with farmers and other producers.

1. Applegate Farms

Raising animals humanely is at the core of this brand, which has established its own Applegate Humanely Raised standards. The company works with third-party animal welfare certifiers such as Global Animal Partnership and Certified Humane to ensure that all farms are in compliance with these strict standards, which, among other things, prohibit the use of antibiotics and growth hormones, and stipulate that all animals are 100% vegetarian feed or grass-fed. Find Applegate Farms in the Product Discovery Zone.

2. Rumi Spice

Rumi brings flavorful, ethically sourced and socially responsible spices from Afghanistan to the U.S. Founded by U.S. Army veterans, this company is on a mission to cultivate peace by supporting Afghan farmers economically, empowering Afghan women through direct wages and building out Afghanistan’s agricultural infrastructure. Find Rumi Spice in the Product Discovery Zone.

3. Lotus Foods

This exemplary brand continues to disrupt typical rice production with its More Crop Per Drop method, which makes it possible for farmers to produce more rice with less water, seed and labor. This method not only protects and restores natural resources, but it also improves incomes and quality of life for farmers, especially women, and reduces climate impact. The company’s basmati rice (pictured above) is grown agroecologically on family farms in northern India and is the first rice ever to be certified Regenerative Organic. Find Lotus Foods in the Product Discovery Zone.

See the latest in natural products and connect with exhibitors in the Spark Change Product Discovery Zone. Learn more about Spark Change.