Maine Coast Sea Vegetables was presented a 2004 Socially Responsible Business Award at a banquet in Washington DC during The Natural Products Exposition in mid October.
Receiving the award on behalf of all employees and harvesters was Maine Coast Sea Vegetables President, Shep Erhart. “I am very grateful,” he said, to all those who have put their hearts and minds into the company for past 33 years”. He emphasized the interdependence of all involved, including the wild plants, the ocean, all his mentors, his co-workers and all those loyal customers who recognize the value of the products.
The Socially Responsible Business Awards acknowledge businesses and individuals within the natural products industry who have demonstrated socially responsible business practices. Each nominee must document their application of the Social Venture Network Standards in ethics, accountability, governance, financial returns, employment practices, business relationships, products and services, community involvement, and environmental protection. Past winners include Whole Foods, Seventh Generation, Eden Foods and Tom’s of Maine.
Maine Coast Sea Vegetables was founded in 1971 by Mr. Erhart and his wife Linnette. Their goal was to make indigenous seaweeds, hand harvested in a sustainable manner, available as food for themselves and others. MCSV now employs 15 people year ‘round at its 10,000 sq. ft. Franklin facility and contracts with 30-40 seasonal harvesters April to October. In 1993 Maine Coast Sea Vegetables was the first sea vegetable company in the industry to receive Organic Certification, deepening it’s commitment to sustainable harvesting and careful handling practices.
Besides 6 different whole dried sea vegetables in bulk and display bags (dulse and kelp are favorites), the company offers a number of innovative, value added products. These include Sea Seasonings (shakers of ground seaweed, herbs and spices), Sea Chips (tortilla chips seasoned with seaweed instead of salt), and Kelp Krunch (sesame seed energy bars fortified with kelp).
Most products are distributed nationwide through natural food stores and “Supernaturals” such as Whole Food and Wild Oats. Some products have also been recently introduced in 75 Shaws Supermarkets throughout New England. All are available directly via Maine Coast Sea Vegetable’s informative website, which includes pictures of the harvest, detailed nutritional info, many recipes and an extensive FAQs page.
