Creating food at home is a challenge that many people face when they want to avoid preservatives and additives. Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods offers a solution with their authentic products that taste like homemade. Founded in 1981 by Layla and Ibrahim “Abe” Hanna, Cedar’s Foods started as a small family business in Massachusetts. The Hannas missed the flavors of Lebanon, so Layla began making hommus, taboule, and baba ghannouj at home using her family’s recipe. This endeavor turned into a successful business, especially after partnering with Market Basket, a regional supermarket chain, in 1984. Today, Cedar’s Foods is recognized nationally for its commitment to quality and authenticity, producing over 145 million pounds of product annually.
Charles Hanna, the son of the founders, took over as CEO in the 1990s and has played a significant role in scaling Cedar’s Foods to new heights. His leadership has focused on maintaining the family’s legacy while embracing innovation and expansion. One key factor that sets Cedar’s Foods apart is its dedication to preserving traditional recipes, such as the original hommus recipe that has been passed down through generations. This commitment to authenticity has built a loyal customer base for the brand.
While Cedar’s Foods has achieved success in the food industry, its commitment to community engagement is equally impressive. The company has always integrated social responsibility into its business ethos, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. Cedar’s with Heart, launched in 2020, is an initiative that reflects the company’s dedication to making a positive impact through charitable activities and community support. Since its inception, Cedar’s with Heart has donated over $2,000,000 and provided meals to more than 50,000 individuals.
Cedar’s Foods has partnered with various organizations to address food insecurity and support enrichment programs in local communities. For example, the company has supported the YMCA of the North Shore in Haverhill, Massachusetts, by donating to the Backpack Foods Program, which provides nutritious food for families in need. Cedar’s Foods has also collaborated with The Granite YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salem and Greater Haverhill to provide meals and snacks to children in underserved communities. Additionally, the company has contributed to programs like the “Kids in the Kitchen” educational cooking program, which aims to teach children healthy eating habits from a young age.
In addition to addressing food insecurity, Cedar’s Foods has supported initiatives that benefit underserved populations, such as single mothers living with metastatic breast cancer. Through partnerships with organizations like Infinite Strength and L’Arche Boston North, Cedar’s has provided housing, groceries, and financial support to families affected by these conditions. The company has also donated to educational programs that cater to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, furthering its impact on a diverse range of communities.
As the founder of sustainability publication Azure Road, the impact of consumer choices on the environment weighs on my mind. Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods has shown a commitment to sustainability through its community initiatives and ethical practices. The company’s certifications, including Kosher (OU), Gluten-Free, Vegan, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project Verification, demonstrate its dedication to high food safety standards and quality ingredients. By supporting Cedar’s Foods, consumers not only enjoy delicious products but also contribute to community initiatives that make a difference in the lives of many.
Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods is more than just a food brand—it is a symbol of authenticity, community engagement, and sustainability. From its humble beginnings as a family business to becoming a national brand, Cedar’s Foods has maintained a strong commitment to quality and innovation. Through initiatives like Cedar’s with Heart, the company continues to make a positive impact on local communities and support charitable causes. So, the next time you indulge in a package of Cedar’s hommus, remember that you are not just savoring a tasty treat but also supporting a brand that cares deeply about its customers and the world around it.