Feb 28, 2025

Lotus Foods Co-Founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee announce the creation of the Lotus Foods Foundation, reflect on Lotus Foods' journey and look ahead to the next 30 years

Lotus Foods, a global pioneer in heirloom, organic, and regenerative rice cultivation, proudly celebrates its 30th year, dedicating this milestone anniversary to "Cultivating Connection." To commemorate 30 years of being pioneers and innovators in sustainable rice production and rice-based products, the co-founders are building on Lotus Foods legacy by creating the Lotus Foods Foundation. With the establishment of the foundation and a significant investment by Grounded Capital in 2024, Lotus Foods is uniquely positioned to accelerate the shift toward a more regenerative food system. This year also marks a leadership evolution as Co-Founder Caryl Levine prepares for her final appearance at Natural Products Expo West. Caryl's visionary leadership established Lotus Foods as a catalyst for worldwide change in regenerative rice production.

Lotus Foods is uniquely positioned to accelerate the shift toward a more regenerative food system.

“When we founded Lotus Foods 30 years ago, our mission was clear: to preserve the biodiversity of rice by partnering with small family farmers committed to sustainable practices, while providing them with fair trade access to markets,” said Caryl Levine, co-founder of Lotus Foods. She will continue to guide the company's future as Chair of its Board of Directors. “Today, I am deeply proud of how our mission has evolved—from pioneering pigmented rice, organic and regenerative rice cultivation to enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. It’s been a journey of a lifetime, and I’m profoundly grateful for the support we’ve received along the way.”

Expo West attendees can learn more about Lotus Foods, its 30-year legacy and its plans for the future by visiting Booth 1541 in the Organic Pavilion, Hall B, March 5-7, 2025.

Lotus Foods Foundation: Amplifying Impact

With seed funding from Lotus Foods’ founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, the Lotus Foods Foundation aims to support initiatives that accelerate the company’s mission of promoting climate-friendly rice production, women’s empowerment and farmer resilience through the deployment of $1 million in grants over its first five years. Working to complement the Company’s initiatives, the Foundation will focus on supporting four central areas: 

1. Regenerative Agriculture

2. Enhancing Smallholder Farmer Livelihoods

3. Women Empowerment

4. Engaging employees in impact initiatives

Over the past 30 years, Lotus Foods’ commitment to regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing has led to significant environmental and social impacts.

A Legacy of Impact Milestones

Lotus Foods’ mission is to change how rice is grown around the world. Over the past 30 years, Lotus Foods’ commitment to regenerative agriculture and ethical sourcing has led to significant environmental and social impacts that mitigate climate change, promote farmers’ resilience, and empower women. Most recent impacts include:

• Water Conservation: Since 2009, Lotus Foods has saved approximately 7.4 billion gallons of water by promoting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), known as More Crop Per Drop®. 

• Climate Impact: The company has reduced methane emissions by 40% and mitigated 69,300 tons of CO₂ emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. 

• Fair Trade Premiums: Over 5,000 families have benefited from organic and fair trade premiums, enhancing equitable livelihoods for farmers. 

• Regenerative Organic Certification: In 2023, Lotus Foods' White and Brown Organic Basmati Rice achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) Gold status, underscoring the company’s dedication to organic production practices that not only support a healthy planet but also foster a fair and equitable society.

Expanding Regenerative Innovation

Lotus Foods continued to expand its line of high-quality, organic products with the goal of making sustainable, nourishing food more accessible. In January 2025, Lotus Foods introduced its Organic Brown Udon Rice Noodles in over 1,100 Walmart stores nationwide and online via Walmart Marketplace. Crafted with only two sustainably sourced, non-GMO ingredients—organic brown rice and organic white rice—these gluten-free noodles offer a nutritious and versatile option for health-conscious consumers. Here at Expo West, Lotus Foods announced the launch of its Organic Wide White Rice Ramen, an expansion of its best-selling Ramen 4-Pack line that has been recognized as a NEXTY Award Finalist in the Best New Organic Food category. Lotus Foods currently offers 31 organic, gluten-free SKUs, spanning Rice, Ramen, Rice Noodles, Heat + Eat Rice Pouches, and Ramen Soup Cups.

The next 30 years will be about deepening our impact, scaling our efforts, and continuing to lead the way toward a more agroecological food system," said Ken Lee, Lotus Foods co-founder.

Just Getting Started

"Lotus Foods has always been about innovation, sustainability, and building meaningful connections—between farmers, food, and the people who enjoy it,” said Ken Lee, Lotus Foods co-founder. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to pushing boundaries along the regenerative pathway to continue to innovate delicious and nutritious planet-friendly rice products. The next 30 years will be about deepening our impact, scaling our efforts, and continuing to lead the way toward a more agroecological food system."