AMDP Memo Draft

From: Anastazja Ball, Research and Development @ AMDP

To: Clark Hansen, CEO

Subject: Bob’s Red Mill: AMDP Investment Inquiry

Date: October 15, 2024

As a researcher and developer under Anima Mundi Development Partners, my job is to find businesses that make the world a better place. Anima Mundi Development Partners is focused on supporting not only profitable, but sustainable, socially, and environmentally responsible. Considering these guidelines, I highly recommend the Anima Mundi invests in Bob’s Red Mill; a food company dedicated to healthy food options, and is universally dedicated to the well being of people.

AMDP Standards;

Anima Mundi Development is dedicated to these 4 business standards;

Triple Bottom Line:

• Profit: A responsible strategy to ensure financial growth and productivity; the revenue and income of the company.
• People: A commitment to the proper care of those who interact with the company; employees, suppliers, investors, community, and consumers. 
• Planet: A commitment to the proper care of the planet and environment; the businesses impact on the planet. 

(Harvard Business)

Corporate Social Responsibility:

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its investors, and the public. This is the company's dedication to being socially responsible outside of the internal business framework which includes but is not limited to; environmental, ethical, philanthropic, and financial responsibility. (Fernando)

Social Enterprise:

A business that uses entrepreneurial strategies to make a positive societal or environmental impact. In other words, the business prioritizes making profit in order to fund and combat issues. (Investopedia)

Carbon Footprint:

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by an individual, product, organization, or activity/action. Carbon footprint is a way to determine how one's actions contribute to climate change. It is important to reduce our carbon footprint as it directly impacts the impending global warming occurring today. It is measured by summing the emissions generated from every stage of a product or service's lifetime; this goes for any products from cars and commutes, to food and livestock production. (Nature Conservancy)

Anima Mundi is dedicated to achieving a low carbon footprint and minimizing any harm enacted on the environment.

The Business: What is Bob’s Red Mill and why is it important?

Bob’s Red Mill is a company that produces a wide range of organic, natural, and whole grain foods that are accessible to all. They are popular for their large variety of grains and flours, as well as their selection of gluten-free/celiac, vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly options. Dating back to 1978, Bob’s Red Mill was created for the purpose of the people with an overall dedication to providing a healthy environment from the food they create to their employees daily work lives. 

In 2010, Bob’s Red Mill became a 100% employee owned company, also known under an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan). “Under an ESOP, Bob’s Red Mill employees receive company stock each year. That means each and every one of us has a vested interest in the profitability of the company, and keenly realize that what we do on a day-to-day basis can affect us all.” (Bob’s Red Mill). Bob’s Red Mill is one of less than 7,000 ESOP based businesses, celebrating the great feat of empowering employees.

Bob’s Red Mill is a strong business, typically first to be grabbed off the shelves for those looking for healthier and cleaner dietary options. With a priority in food safety and quality, Bob’s Red Mill is USDA Organic Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified (on over 200 products), Fair Trade USA Certified (on select products), as well as received an astounding 98% SQF (Safe Quality Food) rating from the Global Food Safety Initiative. 

Bob’s Red Mill stands strong on its business promises and reputation, easily organizing its site by its values, goals, sustainability, and more. 

On the topic of sustainability, Bob’s Red Mill is very open and strong in their values. The mill has managed to reach a 93.4% recycling diversion rate, meaning they are only a few points away from being a zero waste facility. Their production trucks also run on renewable diesel fuel, which emits 60% less carbon emissions than that of normal fuel. 

Bob’s Red Mill also has a high value for their community, donating 136 tons of food to local banks, as well as aiding in funding over 5,000 students breakfast and education.