Lotus Foods began when its founders first tasted an amazing black rice during their travels in China. It was called “tribute rice”, or “longevity rice” because it was reserved for Chinese Emperors to ensure their good health and long life. In 1995, they began importing black rice, calling it Forbidden Rice® after the Forbidden City, the Chinese Imperial palace. Since then their goals have been high, but they're proud to say they’ve stayed true to them along the way.

Specifically, they’re trying to change how rice is grown around the world.  They believe that by pursuing smart product innovation, better growing practices, and delicious whole grain heirloom rice varieties they will lessen their environmental impact, improve nutrition for consumers and create more social and economic justice for small farmers.

In 2008, they committed to partnering with small-scale farmers who radically changed how they grow rice, using less to produce more.  With a set of practices that we call More Crop Per Drop™ farmers can double and even triple their yields using up to 50% less water on average and 80-90% less seed. 

In 2016, they became a fully certified B Corp or Benefit Corporation. B corporations are legally obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on their employees, suppliers, community, consumers, and environment.