Norway, Iowa-based Frontier Co-op has been named to Inc. magazine’s 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Social Good category.
The cooperative was recognized for its five-year, $5 million Safe Processing in Cooperative Enterprise project, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Cooperative Development Program.
The project delivered results in three countries. In Guatemala, it validated a steam pasteurization process and established a biofabrication facility for organic pest and disease control. In Sri Lanka, Good Agricultural and Handling Practices trainings reached more than 3,500 smallholders, improving crop yields and expanding access to global markets. In northern India, Frontier Co-op helped launch the region’s first farmer-owned tea processing facility, providing primarily women farmers ownership in the enterprise.
“We’re deeply grateful to USAID’s Cooperative Development Program and to the smallholder farmers in Guatemala, Sri Lanka and India whose partnership and resilience made this work possible,” said Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op. “Thanks to our collaboration, we’ve helped generate long-term value that can be reinvested into farming communities while strengthening our global supply chain.”
Inc.’s Best in Business Awards recognize companies across industries for achievements that have an impact on their communities, industries, the environment or society. Inc. editors and reporters review applications and select honorees in each award category.
Founded in 1976, Frontier Co-op is a 40,000 member-owned cooperative offering culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and aromatherapy products under the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic and Aura Cacia brands.
