As a staple in many kitchens, hummus (or hommus), often struggles to match the quality of homemade versions, especially when sourced from grocery store brands laden with preservatives. Fortunately, there are exceptions. Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods has emerged as a noteworthy contender in the realm of quality hummus, rooted in its founders’ dedication to authentic recipes and community involvement.
Cedar’s Foods traces its origins to the heartfelt efforts of Layla and Ibrahim “Abe” Hanna, who established the company after relocating to the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts in 1981. Grappling with homesickness, Layla decided to recreate the beloved hummus of her childhood, using her family’s traditional recipe. This humble endeavor began in their kitchen, where Layla and Abe skillfully crafted not just hummus, but also tabbouleh and baba ghanouj. Their breakthrough moment occurred when their products caught the eye of Market Basket, a popular regional supermarket chain, which helped catapult Cedar’s into the market.
By 1984, Cedar’s Foods had officially taken shape as a company. Over the years, it has transformed into a national brand, celebrated for its authentic Mediterranean flavors and commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Operating out of a substantial 500,000 square foot facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Cedar’s now employs over 1,000 people and produces an astonishing 145 million pounds of product annually. Cedar’s hummus continues to hold its place as the flagship product, made according to the Hanna family recipe, ensuring that tradition remains at the forefront of its production.
Entering the scene in the 1990s, Charles Hanna took the reins as CEO and has been pivotal in steering Cedar’s toward national prominence. His leadership style embraces a deep respect for the Hanna legacy while fostering innovation to adapt to a changing market. Unlike many companies that pivot away from their roots, Cedar’s stands out for its commitment to authenticity, ensuring that every batch of hummus reflects the original family recipe.
Under his guidance, Cedar’s has forged essential partnerships on a national scale and expanded its product lineup, all while retaining quality. Charles’s vision seems to encapsulate a balance between honoring tradition and embracing modern culinary trends, thereby ensuring Cedar’s Foods remains competitive and relevant in a crowded market.
What truly differentiates Cedar’s Foods is not just its delectable product range but also its profound commitment to social responsibility. This ethos stems from the Hanna family’s origins and their appreciation for the support they received during their early days. Their approach to business encompasses a broader socio-economic perspective, making community involvement a cornerstone of their operations.
In 2020, Cedar’s formalized its community engagement through the Cedar’s with Heart initiative, responding to food insecurity and supporting community enrichment programs. To date, Cedar’s with Heart has made significant financial contributions, donating over $2 million and impacting more than 50,000 lives.
Cedar’s Foods exemplifies its commitment through partnerships with local organizations. A notable example is the long-standing collaboration with the YMCA of the North Shore. Their support of the Backpack Foods Program has resulted in funding over 20,000 backpacks filled with nutritious food, directly benefiting families in need.
Commitment Beyond the Plate
Cedar’s charitable efforts also extend to youth programs designed to instill healthy eating habits in children. Through the “Kids in the Kitchen” program, Cedar’s commitment translates into funding over $100,000 to promote nutrition education. This initiative has successfully reached thousands of children, ensuring they learn to appreciate healthy cooking from a young age.
Partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salem and Greater Haverhill showcase Cedar’s commitment to supporting families through various programs, while their collaboration with Infinite Strength aids families affected by metastatic breast cancer through housing and grocery assistance.
Additionally, Cedar’s philanthropic reach encompasses support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its affiliation with L’Arche Boston North, further solidifying Cedar’s commitment to serving diverse community needs.
A Choice that Matters
When you opt for Cedar’s lemon hummus at the grocery store, you are not just picking up a delicious product; you are contributing to a broader narrative of community support and social responsibility. The company’s deep commitment to authenticity, coupled with its extensive community initiatives, demonstrates that Cedar’s Foods is more than just a brand—it’s a community-driven enterprise that stands as a beacon of quality and compassion in the culinary landscape. Thus, consumers can take pride in knowing they are not only savoring a truly authentic taste but also participating in a journey of community upliftment and sustainable practices.
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