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“ With a long history in the industry, we recognized that farmers had become a commodity and that people don’ t often
see where their food comes from,” opens Stan Smith, CEO.“ We set out to provide
food transparency and connect consumers with farmers, and we had a vision to communicate traceability through our packages. Over time, we’ ve found simple, practical ways to bring that vision to life. Our software system uses QR codes that allow customers to scan them and track ingredients from the moment they arrive through to the production of the products.
“ It’ s a complicated process, as we must keep each ingredient from every farm entirely separate, but doing right by the farmers and the families who enjoy our food makes the effort worthwhile. By promoting the idea that food comes from farms, not factories, we share farmers’ stories and
Delivering Value and Experience
Crown Packaging is Western Canada’ s leading corrugated packaging company. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Richmond, BC, and sales and distribution centres in Kelowna, Calgary and Edmonton, the company serves over 900 customers across the region. By deeply understanding customer needs and crafting custom-tailored packaging solutions, Crown Packaging builds strong, long-term partnerships.
Visit crownpackaging. com or call 604.277.7111 for more information. identities, ensuring they are appropriately honored for their work. For customers, this enables complete visibility, meaning they can trust the ingredients and processes involved in the products they consume.”
Ingredient traceability
Across all its products, One Degree uses sprouted grains to enhance both taste and nutritional value. Sprouted grains are grains at the beginning of the germination process. When a grain sprouts, enzymes in the seed activate and begin to turn stored protein, starches, and fats into more usable forms, while also breaking down antinutrients like phytic acid.
“ Although One Degree was established in 2012, we’ ve been involved in the food industry since 1989 with a sprouted grain bread baking business, Silver Hills Bakery, and we have a longstanding passion when it comes to sprouted grains,” Stan elaborates.“ The sprouting process breaks down antinutrients in whole grains, making vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium easier to absorb both digestively and nutritionally.
“ With connections to the bakery, we started by baking bread with sprouted grains that features complete traceability for every single ingredient, right down to the salt used. We then expanded into other products, firstly sprouted grain flours and then cereals, which have become a key product in today’ s range. While we still produce flour and breads, we have a special emphasis on oats; they’ re a healthy, nutritious product grown in abundance in Canada.”
Family farms
With increased demand for One Degree’ s oat products, the company recently expanded its network of oat farmers.“ We work with several farms for different products, but our biggest group of farms is
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