The Lotus Foods love story begins with a journey to China. During the trip, the founders first tasted “tribute rice,” a black rice reserved for Chinese Emperors to ensure their good health and long life. They fell in love with this rice, and in 1995, began importing it into North America. They thought they’d have a simple business, but what they didn’t know is that business would create the desire to change how rice is grown around the world. See, Lotus Foods isn’t satisfied with producing great rice products. They want to have a positive impact on the planet. To do that, they’re constantly innovating and supporting better growing practices that lessen environmental impact. They’ve partnered with various small-scale farmers who use agricultural practices that allow them to double or even triple their yields while using up to 50% less water on average and 80-90% less seed. By conducting their business in an environmentally and socially conscious manner, Lotus Foods hopes to change the world for the better.