5 organic and sustainable food and beverage brands making waves in India

This World Environment Day, as concerns about sustainability and ethical consumption continue to gain prominence globally, the food and beverage industry in India is also undergoing a transformation towards organic and sustainable practices. In India, a diverse array of food and beverage brands are leading the charge, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship while offering high-quality products to consumers. It's imperative to celebrate and support brands that prioritize organic and sustainable practices, contributing positively to the planet.

So while we explore just the tip of the iceberg, take a look at these five brands that do their bit for the environment.

Under the Mango Tree
Under The Mango Tree (UTMT) emerged from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities in India. Over two decades of working closely with rural farmers, Vijaya, the founder, facilitated the exploration of various livelihood options and empowered farmers to explore microfinance opportunities. However, the biggest challenge still remained was finding a sustainable and long-term option that empowered rather than exploited these farmers.
Recognizing the potential of beekeeping to not only produce honey but also enhance agricultural productivity through pollination, Vijaya envisioned a solution: training farmers to incorporate bee boxes on their farms and providing markets for the honey collected. Vijaya realized that despite the country's diverse flora yielding various flavors of honey, urban consumers were limited to a uniform-tasting variety. Prioritizing sustainability, UTMT fosters enduring partnerships and champions the indigenous bee, Apis cerana indica, ensuring ethical practices. Through its for-profit arm, UTMT establishes fair-trade honey markets and sources organic honey from farmer cooperatives. The non-profit UTMT Society trains farmers in beekeeping, enabling livelihood diversification. UTMT embodies a holistic approach, fostering prosperity while preserving ecosystems.

Araku Coffee
Araku, India’s pioneering coffee brand, leads the seed-to-cup journey with its flagship stores in Bangalore and Paris. Situated in the pristine Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh, Araku boasts the world’s largest certified organic coffee plantation. Araku’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its regenerative agriculture approach, enriching the soil with nutrient-rich compost and preserving biodiversity. Recognized internationally for its quality, Araku is the world’s first terroir-mapped coffee, consistently scoring above 90 in specialty coffee ratings. Its emphasis on organic farming and sustainability has garnered acclaim, with awards such as the Epicure D’or at Prix Épicures De L’Épicerie Fine Awards, making it a trailblazer in India’s coffee industry.

Pascati Artisanal Chocolates 
Pascati emerges as a prominent figure in India's artisanal chocolate landscape, driven by a dedication to organic excellence and sustainable practices. Crafting chocolate bars from the finest cacao beans, meticulously roasted, cracked, winnowed and conched in a controlled environment to enhance flavor, Pascati stands out among chocolatiers for its commitment to perfection in every batch.
Beyond taste, Pascati's adherence to fair trade principles is noteworthy. By ethically and sustainably sourcing its ingredients through direct collaborations, Pascati ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their work. In essence, indulging in Pascati's chocolate isn't just about satisfying cravings—it's about making a positive impact, one chocolate bar at a time.

Wakao Foods 
Wakao Foods emerged as a trailblazer in India's culinary landscape, pioneering the use of jackfruit as the core ingredient in its products. Based in Goa, this sustainable food brand is committed to offering handpicked, natural products aimed at benefiting both consumers and the planet. With products crafted from ethically grown and sourced produce, while following stringent hygiene standards, Wakao Foods processes and packages its offerings to maintain the highest quality standards.

Paper Boat 
Paper Boat, renowned for its traditional Indian flavors, like Aam Panna, Jaljeera, Anar, etc. has made sustainability a cornerstone of its brand identity through innovative packaging solutions. Embracing stylized juice pouches crafted from renewable resources, the brand ensures its packaging is fully recyclable.
In 2016, the parent company expanded their product line beyond drinks to include a range of traditional delicacies such as peanut chikki. For the production of chikki, the company adopts a fair-trade approach by sourcing groundnuts directly from a farmers’ collective near Rajkot at minimum prices. This commitment ensures that everyone involved in the production process, from farmers to producers, is fairly employed and compensated.

From promoting fair-trade practices to championing ethical sourcing and sustainable packaging, these brands are not only offering delicious products but also making a positive impact on the planet and the communities they serve. As consumers, we have the power to support these brands and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. Let's continue to celebrate and support organic and sustainable initiatives, making every day a World Environment Day.