About Us
Our Mission
Convenience Without Compromise®
Edward & Sons Trading Company was founded in 1978, in Union, New Jersey by Joel Dee with a goal to provide delicious and convenient vegetarian foods crafted solely from familiar and wholesome ingredients. The company was named after his father, Edward Dee, with a nod to his two brothers.
Today, the California-based company is still family-owned and operated, with Edward's granddaughter, Liz, at the helm. We remain focused on our true goal: to provide consumers with delicious, wholesome, and convenient packaged vegetarian pantry staples.
Our Family of Brands
Edward & Sons®
The Edward & Sons® brand was born in 1978 with the launch of our Natural Instant Miso-Cup®. The wholesome and innovative instant soup mix pioneered the blending of simple, familiar ingredients with unparalleled convenience.
Native Forest®
The Native Forest® brand was born in 1999 with America’s first canned Organic Hearts of Palm, and in 2002 we introduced the first organic coconut milk. Today the brand has a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and coconut milk products.
Let's Do Organic®
Delicious, fun, Let's Do Organic® ingredients include organic coconut flakes & shreds, gluten-free flours, starches, sweetened condensed coconut milk, heavy coconut cream, ice cream cones, and more!
Let's Do Gluten Free®
Our Let's Do Gluten Free® brand was introduced to bring attention to our innovative gluten-free specialty items. Try our tasty gluten-free ice cream cones in both cake style and rolled style sugar cones. Believe us... You won't miss the gluten!
The Wizard's® Organic Sauces
The Wizard's® Organic Sauces are crafted from the finest organic brews and seasonings. The Wizard has transformed Worcestershire sauce into a vegan delight, completely free of anchovies, and full of flavor.
Premier Japan®
Premier Japan® Asian-style sauces begin with traditionally brewed organic tamari, enhanced with premium organic ingredients such as toasted sesame oil, ginger and garlic purées to create delicious versatile condiments and marinades.
Road’s End Organics®
Road’s End Organics® began in 1998 by offering one of the first organic dairy-free mac & cheese. Our delicious and convenient Quick Gravies™ are perfect over mashed potatoes, pot pies, biscuits and more!
Nature Factor®
Nature Factor® Organic Coconut Water is the light, refreshing beverage found in the center of certified organic young coconuts. Free of additives and preservatives, our organic coconut water contains potassium, magnesium, trace minerals, and electrolytes. The perfect natural thirst quencher!
Pioneers in Food
This flyer is from the 1980's, decades ahead of the health-food trend that would later sweep the nation.
Not to brag or anything...
Our History
Take a trip down memory lane and learn about the history of Edward & Sons!
1978
Joel Dee launches Edward & Sons Trading Company with the introduction of Instant Miso-Cup® soup mix. Leaving behind his family candy business, he is inspired to bring wholesome, vegetarian convenience foods to American consumers.
1979
Joel and his partner hit the road with an Airstream trailer, personally introducing Miso-Cup® to health food stores across the country. They also launch Baked Brown Rice Snaps®, pioneering gluten-free snacks long before they become a trend.
1980
With a growing network of retailers and distributors, Edward & Sons establishes its headquarters in scenic Saluda, North Carolina.
1984
The Premier Japan® line is introduced, offering a range of traditional Japanese products, including the first organic, gluten-free Asian sauces like Teriyaki and Hoisin.
1988
Edward & Sons moves its base to Carpinteria, California, expanding its operations and reach in the health food market. The sunny, health-conscious California lifestyle aligns perfectly with the company's mission to provide nutritious, vegetarian foods.
1998
With the Wizard's® brand, Edward & Sons launches the first vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This innovation provides a tasty, vegan-friendly alternative to traditional sauces containing anchovies.
1999
The Native Forest® brand debuts Organic Hearts of Palm, offering a delicious and versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes. Edward & Sons also proudly introduces its pioneering vegan logo, clearly marking its entirely plant-based products.
2002
Edward & Sons brings the first organic coconut milk to the US market under the Native Forest® brand, setting a new standard for quality and sustainability. We also launched the Let’s Do Organic® brand, starting with our organic shredded coconut as its first product.
2004
Let's Do Organic® introduces the first organic vegan ice cream cones, while Native Forest® expands its offerings with the first organic canned pineapple. These additions provide fun and flavorful natural pantry essentials for all.
2007
We proudly introduced Nature Factor® Organic Coconut Water to our lineup well before the coconut water trend took off. Sourced directly from certified organic young coconuts, our coconut water delivers natural, refreshing, electrolyte-rich hydration.
2008
Let's Do Gluten Free® is launched with the introduction of Gluten Free Ice Cream Cones for those that are celiac or avoid gluten. Our tasty gluten-free ice cream cones are offered in cake style and rolled style sugar cones.
2009
We introduced the first organic canned mandarin oranges under the Native Forest® line, grown with care and commitment to organic farming practices, offering a delicious wholesome addition to any pantry.
2016
We launched Let’s Do Organic® Heavy Coconut Cream, the richest organic coconut milk/cream available in a can at the time. Perfect for creating dairy-free whipped cream, sauces, desserts, and more!
Today
Today, we continue to pioneer wholesome vegetarian foods and remain committed to offering Convenience Without Compromise®. Experience the joy of eating well with our thoughtfully crafted offerings.