What if you could buy foods that provided health for you and nature?
Nutrition is a selling point for many food companies, but how the ingredients are cultivated or harvested often begs less consideration. The irony is quality nutrients require optimal growing environments and nature as our larder needs love.
Observing this principle from seed to supplement are the good folks at Forest Superfoods. Indicative of the company name, reforesting and ecologically sound practices are highly valued in the brands production. Sourcing culturally diverse crops, some with ancient heritage, and all harbouring unique nutritional properties—Forest Superfoods offers customers a quality line of natural food supplements and the chance to invest their health dollars back into nature.
I recently caught-up with Forest Superfoods Strategic Director, Justin A H Snyder, to find out what’s behind the companies growing success…
What makes Forest Superfoods unique?
I think what makes us unique to everyone else is our focus on educating people. We know there is a lot of hype in the health food industry and we try to give the customer as much scientific research and knowledge about a particular super food as possible so they can make an informed decision.
We are growing by 50% a year and I think it is a testament to our informative and easy to use website.
What are the benefits of Ancient Superfoods (to consumer, grower and environment)?
Many customers tell me that super foods changed their lives. People appreciate having an alternative to pharmaceuticals available for various ailments. Super Foods are also nutrient-dense and thus great for overall well-being.
For the first time in history we have access to all these incredible exotic foods from all over the world.
How did you research and select the supplements and sources for your store?
New products are chosen based often on customers requests. We then research the products and choose the ones we think are a good match for our business.
We only buy if we can find the item organic certified and from a reputable seller that has all the proper documentation.
What do you love about running Forest Superfoods?
When customers tell me that we changed their lives!
What role does Forest Superfoods play in supporting reforestation and making ancient superfoods more widely available?
We donate 5% of all profits to a company called Carbon Neutral. They plant native trees in WA and look after the trees until maturity. We have planted a small forest already!
How has interest in wild and ancient harvests changed since you began?
It has certainly increased dramatically and with this it means more sellers enter the market, many of which are not concerned with quality of the product they sell.
There has also begun to be shortages for certain products that only grow in particular regions. Last year, for example, Peru virtually ran out of Maca overnight!
Where do you envisage wild food supplements heading?
I think it is going more towards blends of different super foods that together have a specific benefit (ie: more energy).
What are some of your favourite superfoods?
I love all of them but I take Maca, Our Greens Mix and Bee Pollen daily.
Our Naked Greens is one of our best sellers. It contains certified organic Spirulina / Chlorella / Barley Grass (Australian) / Wheatgrass (Australian) / Moringa / Kale … and nothing else! No sweeteners or fillers like other brands.
Any tips on what to look for in a quality supplement?
– Certified Organic products.
– A reputable seller (check their facebook reviews, google trust reviews, etc.).
– Certificates of analysis of the product.
What advise do you have for those looking to start a business based on a passion?
Don’t start the business unless you are passionate about it. The first few years can be tough and the belief in what you are doing will keep you pushing forward. Never take on debt for a new idea until you can see it is profitable. Don’t confuse revenue with profit—know the numbers intimately.
Discover the full range of Forest Superfoods at: www.forestsuperfoods.com.au