At the intersection of indulgence and impact, Alter Eco is redefining what it means to enjoy chocolate while caring for the planet. Under the leadership of its current CEO and Chairman, who led the acquisition of the company in 2023, Alter Eco continues to pursue its unwavering mission: to restore ecosystems, improve livelihoods, and reduce waste — all while crafting some of the world’s most delicious treats.
Since its founding in 2005, Alter Eco has championed regenerative farming, fair wages, and sustainable packaging. The company’s mission — “Restoring Ecosystems, Improving Livelihoods, and Reducing Waste” — remains the guiding star behind every decision. From sourcing cacao through dynamic agroforestry to ensuring compostable chocolate wrappers, Alter Eco’s commitment to positive impact is woven into every facet of its operations.
Alter Eco Foods
What sets Alter Eco apart is its holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that every choice reflects care for the planet and its people. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with consumers craving authenticity and accountability in the brands they support.
Sustainability at the Core
Alter Eco has long been a trailblazer in eco-friendly packaging. As early as 2013, the brand debuted backyard-compostable truffle wrappers — a pioneering move in an industry dominated by plastic. Developing materials that both protect product quality and decompose responsibly has been no easy feat. Yet, Alter Eco’s unwavering dedication to sustainability continues to push them ahead of the curve.
Today, the company’s chocolate bars use compostable materials, and its granola is packaged in post-consumer recycled bags. While these innovations come at a higher cost, they reflect Alter Eco’s firm belief that business success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Supply chain traceability is another cornerstone of Alter Eco’s model. The company partners closely with farmer cooperatives, ensuring transparency from bean to bar. Through funding and educational initiatives, Alter Eco helps these farmers adopt regenerative practices that replenish soil health, diversify crops, and improve long-term resilience. Their annual Regenerative Report offers full transparency on progress and areas of growth, underscoring their commitment to honest storytelling.
Empowering Farmers, Restoring Ecosystems
Alter Eco’s relationship with its farmers goes far beyond transactional trade. They view farmers as partners in their mission to regenerate the planet. Many of these relationships have lasted for decades, with Alter Eco providing ongoing support through education, training, and access to better resources.
By prioritizing regenerative agriculture, Alter Eco helps farming communities break free from the cycle of monoculture, improving both their ecological impact and economic well-being. The focus on dynamic agroforestry not only increases biodiversity but also ensures farmers can grow secondary crops for their own sustenance and local markets.
This integrated approach strengthens entire communities, fostering independence and sustainability at the grassroots level. The positive ripple effect is undeniable: healthier soils, more resilient farms, and empowered growers shaping a better future for their families.
Innovating for Impact
Innovation is central to Alter Eco’s DNA. The team is relentless in its pursuit of better solutions — not only in packaging but also in product development. Their latest creation, Oat Clusters, is a testament to this spirit. Launched at Natural Products Expo West, these crunchy, no-sugar-added granola bites are coated in rich, organic dark chocolate, delivering a guilt-free indulgence that perfectly marries taste and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the company is actively exploring plant-based milk chocolate alternatives to cater to the growing community of dairy-free consumers. These new offerings align with Alter Eco’s goal of providing delicious, ethically sourced treats that satisfy evolving consumer preferences.
Beyond product innovation, Alter Eco is deeply committed to scaling regenerative organic certification across its line. Despite the complexities of multi-ingredient products like chocolate and granola, the brand views this pursuit as non-negotiable. It’s a bold move that further cements Alter Eco as an industry leader and trusted pioneer.
Ethical Business Practices and Corporate Responsibility
Alter Eco’s commitment to the planet extends far beyond its products. The company proudly achieved carbon neutrality, offsetting 100% of its emissions across operations. In 2024, they reached another impressive milestone: plastic neutrality. For every pound of plastic used, they invest in initiatives that remove an equivalent amount from the environment, helping to balance their ecological footprint.
Yet, the goal isn’t just neutrality — it’s continuous reduction. Alter Eco remains laser-focused on lowering its emissions and plastic use altogether, viewing offsets as a temporary measure while they strive for true sustainability through circular packaging and supply chain innovation.
Fair trade principles are deeply embedded in the company’s DNA. Alter Eco works directly with cooperatives to ensure fair compensation for farmers and laborers. By providing education and tools to transition from monoculture to regenerative farming, the brand supports not only the environment but also the financial empowerment of its global partners.
A Culture of Purposeful Leadership
Inside Alter Eco, sustainability is more than a goal — it’s a way of life. The culture promotes accountability and ownership at every level of the organization. Whether it’s choosing organic cotton for employee uniforms or scrutinizing the carbon footprint of a marketing campaign, the team embodies the mission in their daily decisions.
The closure of the Alter Eco Foundation in 2024 was a pivotal moment that illustrates this pragmatic leadership style. Rather than maintaining a separate foundation, the company chose to integrate its philanthropic efforts directly into its business operations. This move streamlined resources and maximized impact, allowing Alter Eco to deliver meaningful change more efficiently.
For the leadership team, including the CEO and Chairman, every strategic decision is filtered through a simple but powerful lens: will this leave the planet better than we found it? It’s this clarity of purpose that continues to guide the company’s path forward.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Goodness
As the organic food industry matures, Alter Eco is poised to lead the charge into its next evolution. The company is actively working to expand beyond chocolate and granola into new categories that align with its mission and values. While details remain under wraps, the vision is clear — to continue delighting conscious consumers with delicious, sustainable offerings.
Alter Eco is also amplifying its efforts to scale regenerative organic practices across its entire portfolio. This pursuit not only benefits the environment but also sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in ethical food production.
With consumers increasingly demanding transparency, accountability, and real impact, Alter Eco stands as a beacon of what the future of food should look like: regenerative, ethical, and irresistibly delicious.
A Legacy of Regeneration
Alter Eco’s journey is a testament to the power of business as a force for good. By focusing on regenerative agriculture, fair trade, and sustainable packaging, the company proves that profitability and purpose are not mutually exclusive. Under the leadership of its visionary CEO and Chairman, Alter Eco continues to show the world that doing good can — and should — taste just as sweet as it feels.
As the brand moves forward, its mission remains unwavering: restore ecosystems, improve livelihoods, and reduce waste. With each chocolate bar, granola bite, and innovative creation, Alter Eco invites us all to savor the future of sustainable indulgence.
To learn more about their mission and products, visit: www.alterecofoods.com