ALOHA, an award-winning, plant-based protein brand and certified B Corporation, is kicking off B Corp Month with the launch of “The Kona Bar," a special edition product that supports sustainable agriculture in Hawaiʻi while giving back to the next generation of environmental stewards. The bar features responsibly-sourced ingredients including 100% Kona Coffee and 100% Hawaiʻi-grown macadamia nuts, and the first commercial launch of Ponova™ oil in a food product, a sustainable plant-based oil made from the beans of ultra-regenerative, climate-resilient pongamia trees on Oʻahu.
Dedicated to using its business as a force for good, ALOHA will donate 10% of proceeds from every Kona Bar sold to Kupu, a nonprofit organization investing in Hawaiʻi’s youth through land stewardship and hands-on education. In addition to being a leader in plant-based food and impact, ALOHA is aiming to be a category leader in sustainability with its commitment to becoming Climate Neutral Certified. No other plant-based protein brand has obtained this certification to date.
The Ponova™ oil in the Kona Bar, crafted by food and agriculture innovation company Terviva, might be a game-changer in the world of plant-based oils and regenerative farming. Ponova™ oil is made by expeller pressing and lightly refining the beans of pongamia trees in a process similar to olive oil. Pongamia is a climate-resilient, super-tree that revitalizes the land and communities where it’s grown. Historically used for reforestation in Asia, it sequesters carbon while improving soil health and water quality. From tree to plate, Terviva harvests and transforms pongamia beans into healthy and food ingredients called Ponova™.
In addition to the Ponova™ oil sourced from Terviva’s Oʻahu farm, the Kona Bar features macadamia nuts from Hamakua Nut Company and Kona Coffee from Greenwell Farms, both located on Hawaiʻi Island. Hamakua Nut Company uses environmentally friendly cultivation practices, never any potentially harmful insecticides or fungicides, and never any fossil fuels. For instance, to dry their nuts they convert the energy of clean burning macadamia nut shells into steam. The farm also generates nearly all electricity via solar and biomass energy. Greenwell Farms is one of the oldest and most respected Kona Coffee farms in Hawaiʻi. Established in 1850, this award-winning, fifth-generation family-owned farm handles every aspect of coffee making from farm to cup, including harvesting and processing to roasting and shipping. Greenwell Farms is committed to regenerative farming practices that nurture the health of its trees and land for generations to come.
The Kona Bar is currently available on ALOHA.com and Thrive Market. ALOHA is currently Thrive Market’s fastest growing and second best-selling brand in the entire bar category, and as a fellow certified B Corporation also committed to becoming Climate Neutral Certified this year, ALOHA is proud to have Thrive Market as a launch partner for this special edition bar.
Like all of ALOHA’s products, the Kona Bar is high in protein, low in sugar, and ethically sourced and crafted with only the highest quality, clean ingredients. It is Non-GMO Project Verified, and made without gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar alcohols. The bar packaging features original artwork by Honolulu-based artist Kelsie Dayna and encapsulates the harmony of land, people and community that the bar represents.
