Sustainability Has Sweet Rewards:
Dagoba Chocolate Receives
Socially Responsible Business Award and
the Spirit of Organic Award
(October 3, 2005 – Ashland, OR) Dagoba Organic Chocolate received two awards recognizing its leadership in sustainable practices - the Socially Responsible Business Award and the Spirit of Organic
Award. These were given at the Natural Products Expo East in September and are markers of leadership – being determined by industry peers.
“We are honored to be chosen by our colleagues, and from a field of exemplary businesses that we respect highly,” says Founding Alchemist Frederick Schilling. “We have always been dedicated to producing the highest quality products under fully sustainable and ethical means, and these awards challenge us to rise to even higher standards. We hope we inspire others as so many have inspired us, for only together can we create the better world we envision
The Socially Responsible Business Award recognizes companies demonstrating exceptional practices in nine areas defined by the Social Venture Network: ethics, accountability, governance, employment
practices, business relationships, financial return, products and services, community involvement and environmental protection. Other winners include NOW Foods, Organic India and Dr. Bronner’s.
Howard Schiffer of Vitamin Angel Alliance also received a special recognition. The award is sponsored by Golden Temple with support from Expo East and several other companies.
The Spirit of Organic Awards singled out the next generation of organic leaders, those at the vanguard who are taking the movement into the future. Additional winners were Uncle Matt's Organic,
Wholesome Harvest and Bugday. Jungle products also received a special recognition. This awards is sponsored by the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the Organic Trade Association.
At the age of 30, Frederick Schilling founded Dagoba to create the world’s finest chocolates under fully sustainable means. Dagoba was the first US chocolate manufacturer to operate a dedicated
organic facility and produce only organic chocolates and sources its cacao through direct relationships with producers, as well as through Fair Trade Certified co-ops, ensuring equitable wages and
conditions. The company’s focus on quality and innovation has resulted in numerous awards across the organic and conventional sectors, bringing wider respect and support to organics and sustainable
business.
“Our success – driven by dedicated staff and family members - shows that social responsibility can be the foundation of a strong business, that you can have the best of all worlds,” says Frederick
Schilling. “Consumer support for socially responsible companies is a critical in completing the circle and we are grateful to all consumers who have joined the industry’s efforts in this way.”
Dagoba seeks to create the world’s finest chocolate under fully sustainable means, offering a full line of bars, baking essentials, drinking chocolates, specialty and foodservice. All are Certified
Organic and Kosher, many are Fair Trade Certified. DAGOBA has gained high regards, including “Best Dark Chocolate” - San Francisco Chronicle, “Best Organic Bars” - Food & Wine and World’s Best
Chocolate” - CNN/Money. Dagoba is family owned and manufactures using entirely renewable energy.
Contact: 800-393-6075, melissa@dagobachocolate.com
