RSF Social Finance Makes a Loan to Harmless Harvest
SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2015 /3BL Media/ - RSF Social Finance (RSF) is pleased to announce a new loan to Harmless Harvest, a San Francisco-based social enterprise that sells 100% Raw & Organic Coconut Water, which is sourced and bottled in Thailand from the harvest of a specific species of coconuts called Nam Hom. RSF financing, in participation with New Resource Bank, will be used to fund working capital needs and build inventory during the peak coconut season to sustain the growing demand of Harmless Harvest products in the United States.
Driven by a belief in positive consumerism and the need for more integrity in our brand-based culture, Justin Guilbert and Douglas Riboud founded Harmless Harvest in 2009. Their business is based on the belief that production and industries don’t have to be detrimental to the environment or the communities at the source, their intention being to promote constructive capitalism. This model values and rewards every stakeholder and contributor in the supply chain, from the farmers to the end consumers, and is committed to positive ecological impact.
“The values of Harmless Harvest are directly aligned with RSF’s dedication to supporting new economic models that support sustainable food and agriculture,” says Ted Levinson, Senior Director of Lending at RSF. “They are making this happen at all levels of the company—production, distribution, and retail—while also raising public awareness of the value of organic farming.”
In September 2014, Harmless Harvest became the first Fair for Life fair trade certified coconut water in the United States. In order to achieve this certification, the company was required to demonstrate fair trade practices at each level of its supply chain; form long-term, ongoing partnerships with workers who manufacture their products; establish a safe environment with fair wages and benefits for all employees and partners; and utilize a fair trade premium that will go towards social initiatives in local communities in Thailand. The company plans to apply its fair trade premium towards creating funds for health and education related improvements in Thailand.
“With a mutual focus on social and environmental impact, the partnership between RSF, New Resource, and Harmless Harvest is a clear fit,” says Douglas. “With this loan, we are able to expand our business along with the fair trade and organic practices we require.”
Justin adds, “The loan from RSF and New Resource means more land and water is safeguarded from chemical pesticides and fertilizers, more individuals are employed with a decent wage, and more people are able to consume healthy products. We are proud to work with like-minded organizations and to use this loan to prove that better products can be made in better ways.”
Harmless Harvest has worked hard to form partnerships with Thai communities, offering stable options for employment and income with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability. By investing to build a modern production plant near the Thai farms, the company is now able to employ over 200 local workers, with a goal of doubling that number over the next two years. The co-founders are working with local co-ops to develop new capacity throughout the region, and they expect the number of coconuts available to increase by 200% by 2016. The company has also developed a teaching farm in Thailand promoting organic and sustainable farming practices to Thai farmers.
“It is very encouraging to see that the core values with which Harmless Harvest operates, values that benefit the environment and promote the well-being of local economies, can be a catalyst for success,” notes Bill Peterson, Chief Credit Officer for New Resource Bank. “At the same time, it is great to have a partner like RSF Social Finance that recognizes that financial institutions can act as agents of change by supporting companies that operate sustainably.”
About RSF Social Finance
Located in San Francisco, CA, RSF Social Finance (RSF) is a financial services organization dedicated to transforming the way the world works with money. Since 1984, the organization has made over $275 million in loans and $130 million in grants to non-profit and for-profit social enterprises working in the areas of Food & Agriculture, Education & the Arts, and Ecological Stewardship. RSF's lending capital comes primarily from over 1,600 individuals who have invested $1,000 or more in the organization's Social Investment Fund. Investors earn a competitive return on their money comparable to a certificate of deposit while their funds are deployed to leading social enterprises. To learn more, visit www.rsfsocialfinance.org
About Harmless Harvest
Founded in 2009 by Douglas Riboud and Justin Guilbert, Harmless Harvest is a progressive food & beverage initiative set on demonstrating that an ecosystem-based business model can and should be how food is made. By combining innovative scientific methods with local traditional knowledge, Harmless Harvest integrates the long-term welfare of all its stakeholders - from plant to customer - in the creation of better products for all. For more information, visit www.harmlessharvest.com
About New Resource Bank
New Resource Bank is the premier bank for people who are leading the way to a more sustainable world. We match an entrepreneurial spirit with a dedication to achieving environmental and social as well as financial returns. Our mission is to advance sustainability with everything we do—the loans we make, the way we operate and our commitment to putting deposits to work for good. To learn more, visit www.newresourcebank.com
Contact
Ted Levinson - Senior Director, Lending
ted.levinson@rsfsocialfinance.org
415.561.6179
Megan Mendenhall - Communications Associate
megan.mendenhall@rsfsocialfinance.org
415.561.6161
