The humble cashew is more than just a delicious, crescent-shaped treat. It's a cornerstone of cuisines worldwide and a key ingredient in many plant-based alternatives like dairy-free cheese and milk. Yet behind the buttery flavor lies a story that highlights the importance of fairness, ethics, and sustainability—values we hold dear at Uprise Foods.
Cashew production is labor-intensive and fraught with challenges. Workers, often women, handle nuts that release urushiol, a skin-irritating oil also found in poison ivy. Without proper protection, they face burns, sores, and long-term skin damage. Tragically, in many non-fair trade settings, workers earn as little as $3 a day and can’t afford gloves, leaving them vulnerable to injuries.
Fair trade initiatives through Fairtrade International change this. Workers in Fairtrade programs are provided with protective equipment like gloves or castor oil, which forms a barrier against urushiol. They also earn fair wages, enabling them to support their families, invest in their futures, and break cycles of poverty.
At Uprise Foods, we learned early on about the hardships faced by those in the cashew industry. Shocked by the dangerous conditions and inequities, we committed to sourcing only Fairtrade certified cashews for all our products.
Fair trade isn’t just a label—it’s a promise. It ensures farmers and workers are paid fairly and that a portion of every sale goes back to their communities. These premiums fund critical initiatives like building schools, improving infrastructure, and providing access to clean water and sanitation.
By using only fair trade cashews, we contribute to a system that values dignity, safety, and opportunity for all. Every bag of our NOOCH IT! Grated Cashew Cheese reflects this commitment, certified by Fairtrade International—a badge we wear with pride.
Non-fair trade cashews may seem cheaper, but the real cost is borne by underpaid workers and communities stuck in poverty. By choosing fair trade products, you’re ensuring better conditions and fair compensation for farmers and workers.
When you support Uprise Foods, you’re not just choosing delicious, plant-based foods. You’re standing with us in creating a more equitable and sustainable food system. Together, we can make a difference—one cashew at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
