By Agroempresario.com 

GoodSAM Foods, a US-based healthy snacks company, is revolutionizing regenerative agriculture (regen ag) by focusing on vertical integration at the source. By growing, processing, and packaging products close to the farmers in developing countries, GoodSAM ensures that more value—and income—remains with the growers.

Direct Trade: A Game-Changer for Farmers

Through its “direct trade” model, GoodSAM eliminates middlemen, allowing the company to work directly with farmers and their associations. This approach ensures fair pricing for raw goods like cacao, nuts, and fruits—often two to four times what traditional models pay growers.

“One of our big goals is to be an off-taker for these farmers growing in regenerative systems,” says Greg Krupa, head of investor relations at GoodSAM. This method starkly contrasts with mono-cropped, petrochemical-reliant agriculture common in regions like the U.S. Midwest.

Building Value at the Source

GoodSAM sources nuts, coffee, and fruit chips from farmers primarily in Latin America and Africa. Partnerships with organizations such as Limbua and Fairafric in Ghana enable local processing and packaging, ensuring products are ready for export to markets in Europe and the U.S.

Additionally, the company reinvests 1% of its top-line sales into farming communities and provides technical support for sustainable farming practices.

Direct Trade vs. Fair Trade

While fair trade supports high-quality products and living wages, it often struggles with traceability and relies on brokers. Direct trade, by contrast, simplifies the supply chain, guarantees traceability, and ensures that regenerative agriculture standards are met.

GoodSAM is the only consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand at Whole Foods permitted to label its products as “supports regenerative farming.”

Expanding Retail and Digital Presence

GoodSAM’s product portfolio includes nuts, coffee, chocolate, and a recently launched line of fruit chips. While Whole Foods remains the company’s largest retail partner, its e-commerce channels, including Amazon and Thrive Market, are growing rapidly.

“We’re trying to galvanize support from the natural market segment that aligns with our mission,” says Krupa.

Looking ahead, GoodSAM plans to enter big-box retailers within the next two to three years.

Securing Growth Through Funding

GoodSAM recently raised $3.1 million in the first close of its Series A round, with a goal of $5.5 million by February 2025. The funding will enable the company to expand its retail presence, launch new products, and continue investing in its farmer partnerships.

“There’s always more investment needed in our supply network,” says Krupa, “as well as in building our retail and digital brand strategies to connect our community with our mission.”

GoodSAM’s innovative approach is not only redefining how food reaches consumers but also creating sustainable opportunities for farmers worldwide.