Marise May | Chas Organics

In this episode, I sit down with Marise from Chas Organics to explore her team’s commitment to organic, fair trade, and sustainable food production. Marise shares how their mission is deeply rooted in providing high-quality, Ayurvedic-inspired products sourced from Sri Lanka. She walks us through the values that drive their production—making organic food both accessible and affordable—while fostering a circular, regenerative approach to business with suppliers and farmers they’re proud to support. We also chat about their 1% for Elephants initiative—a first on Aisle 42! Their work to reduce human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka is a powerful example of business making this world a better place through conservation. To learn more go to https://chasorganics.com/. To learn more about who’s behind this podcast and how we help food and beverage brands grow faster, visit https://www.ethicalfoodgroup.com/. Here’s a summary of this interview: Chas Organics’ Mission – The company is dedicated to empowering communities through good health and great food, with a focus on holistic, Ayurvedic-inspired products. Diverse Product Range – Their lineup includes coconut milk, heirloom rice, spices, curry pastes, canned tropical fruits, and warming beverages, all 100% organic and sustainably sourced. Sourcing from Sri Lanka – The company partners with small-scale regenerative organic farmers, ensuring premium, high-quality ingredients free from heavy metals and contaminants. Fair Trade Commitment – Most products are Fair for Life certified, supporting ethical wages and sustainable farming practices while fostering long-term partnerships with suppliers. Retail Expansion – While maintaining a strong presence in independent health food stores, Chas Organics is also expanding its reach through Costco, Loblaws, and online platforms like Amazon. 1% for Elephants Initiative – The brand actively funds conservation projects in Sri Lanka, working to reduce human-elephant conflict by restoring wetlands and protecting migration corridors. Ethical Coconut Sourcing – Chas Organics ensures that no monkey labor is used in their coconut harvesting, a cruel practice still found in some regions. Consumer Education – Marise highlights the importance of consumer choice and awareness in driving demand for ethical and organic products, influencing retailers to prioritize sustainability. New Product Innovations – The company is expanding into the U.S. market and rebranding its heirloom rice line, with more product innovations on the horizon. Sustainability at the Core – Beyond organic certification, Chas Organics prioritizes regenerative agriculture, fair trade, and environmental conservation as key pillars of its business model.