Based in Norwich, Vermont, King Arthur Flour Company, founded in 1970, is America’s oldest flour company. Certified by B Corporation, one of King Arthur Flour Company’s main values is its employees. Relationships are the base of what they do, and what they are premised on. What is more, the company has been completely employee-owned since 1996, meaning that the workers have a stake in the success or failure of the company. This translates into an environment of openness and inclusiveness where employees are able to discuss and understand the company’s plans, goals, challenges and strategies.
Thus, customers and employees have a personal relationship with the company, creating excellent bags of flour. King Arthur Flour sells numerous types of flour including whole wheat flour, white whole wheat flour, unbleached bread flour, organic all-purpose flour, organic whole wheat flour and organic white whole wheat flour.
King Arthur Flour also has a bakery and café where shoppers can watch bakers in a demo kitchen, while drinking coffee or treats and accessing Wi-Fi. Furthermore, King Arthur Flour has a Baking Education Center where they offer baking classes for everyone from children looking to have some fun to professional bakers looking to take their practice to the next level.
In terms of social responsibility, King Arthur Flour has something called their Life Skills Bread Baking Program where students are able to learn how to bake bread, with donations going to local food pantries. Its official social responsibility mission is divided into four distinct, but related parts: products, community, environment and employees. All these areas create a purpose-driven company that is able to strive in a competitive market. Interestingly, all full-time employees are given forty hours of volunteer service, paid by King Arthur flour, to contribute to a non-profit organization of their choice.
King Arthur Flour Company has been recognized by Wall Street Journal as one of the Top Small Workplaces. In 2008, they were rewarded the Terry Ehrich Large Company Leader Award by the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. These are just a few of the honors that this unique company has received. All of King Arthur Flour’s official recognitions exemplify the ways in which it impacts the community.
Contact Information:
King Arthur Flour Company Website
135 US Route 5 South
Norwich, Vermont
05055-9430
United States
Telephone: 802-649-3361
Fax: 802-649-3365
Relationship-Based Baking Businesses
King Arthur Flour Company is Employee-Owned
Trend Themes
1. Employee-owned Companies - There is an opportunity for companies to become employee-owned to increase inclusiveness and create an environment of openness and transparency.
2. Purpose-driven Companies - Companies can adopt a purpose-driven approach by dividing their social responsibility mission into distinct but related parts for increased impact on the community.
3. Baking Education - There is a growing trend towards baking education, from children to professional bakers, indicating an opportunity to expand baking schools and classes.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Industry - Companies within the food and beverage industry can implement purpose-driven strategies and programs to engage employees and customers, as well as give back to their communities.
2. Retail Industry - Retail companies can create welcoming environments for customers while providing education and experiences around their products or services.
3. Education Industry - There is a potential for growth in the baking education industry, with opportunities for schools, classes, and certifications for future bakers or professionals.