AAK expanded its AkoPlanet™ platform for plant-based foods in the US. The expansion introduces a coconut oil that abides by high sustainability standards and supports AAK’s commitment as a leading supplier of sustainable plant-based ingredient solutions, while supporting farmers, and features traceability to the farm. With the introduction of AkoPlanet™ CNO 16-001 in the United States, this product is now available globally.

AAK has been advocating for collective action on coconut sustainability for many years and is a founding member of the global platform that is working toward a more responsible and resilient coconut sector - The Sustainable Coconut Partnership (https://www.coconutpartnership.org), along with other leaders in the food and beverage industry. Due to a lack of agreement surrounding sustainable coconut practices in the industry, AAK’s participation in this global platform signifies its commitment to pave the way for a more sustainable coconut oil future.

From traceability and transparency on field level practices, to low contaminants and coconut nursery replanting programs, through to ultimately the consumer’s plate, AAK is committed to supporting a more sustainable coconut oil supply chain.

“It is not common to have traceability to the farmer, knowing who has grown the coconuts that make the final oil and also working with suppliers on a long-standing strategic partnership,” said Ryan Branch, Senior Marketing Manager, AAK USA. “With AkoPlanet™, AAK makes tastier, healthier, plant-based foods made with love for people, plants and the planet.”

Along with meeting rigorous health and sustainability standards, AAK’s products are carefully tested and developed to suit consumers’ needs and requirements. The team members at AAK uses their expertise to ensure that solutions for better functionality, health and well-being products taste as well as they work. We draw upon our long track record in responsible sourcing to ensure products meet—if not exceed—the sustainability standards our customers require.

For example, AAK has conducted risk assessments with Proforest and worked with key suppliers to establish a primate-friendly supply chain where monkeys are not used to harvest coconuts. AAK has also worked with Satelligence on deforestation and coconut trees age mapping to ensure no deforestation as well as the aging trees and supply chain continuation issues can be addressed accordingly. This satellite monitoring will be continued and there are many program extensions such as scaling up the replanting program, with continued human rights and social concern monitoring. AAK is leading efforts to build data and insights in an industry where they are not always readily available.

“At AAK, we are committed to helping formulators develop tastier and healthier plant-based foods that consumers will enjoy and purchase loyally,” said Branch. “Our experts work together to leverage food science, product development and an expansive toolbox of supplier partners to create healthier and more sustainable foods that are great-tasting, 100% plant-based, non-GMO and more. With our range of AkoPlanet™ solutions and dedicated approach, we can take plant-based foods beyond where they are today.”

With coast-to-coast Innovation Centers, the versatility provided by one of the broadest lines of plant-based oils and fats in the industry and more than 150 years of experience, AAK answers the most demanding product development challenges, co-developing solutions together with its customers. AAK is dedicated to making better nutrition happen for all ages and across multiple nutrition market segments.

Find out more about AAK’s offerings and many of its latest Co-Development solutions that can help you get your products to market faster.

About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 3,900 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities.