Ciranda, the premier North American provider of certified organic, non‐GMO and Fair Trade food ingredients, today announced it was named "Business of the Year" in the 30+ employee category by the St. Croix, Wis. Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Ciranda, headquartered in Hudson, Wis., will be honored by the St. Croix EDC at a banquet on Thursday, Feb. 22 in River Falls, Wis.

“Ciranda embodies the varied and unique attributes of St. Croix County businesses,” said St. Croix EDC President Krista Paulus. “The company stands out locally as an employee-owned company committed to corporate giving, volunteering and sustainability. We are proud and grateful for Ciranda's significant contributions to our community.”

In recognizing Ciranda, the St. Croix EDC noted how the company's founders, Hans and Joan Friese, transferred 100 percent of the company's ownership into its employees' hands in 2017. It also recognized Ciranda's commitment to donating a portion of its net income annually to domestic and global organizations. In its 2023 fiscal year, Ciranda donated more than $45,000 domestically. A few local recipients of Ciranda's financial gifts include St. Croix Valley Food Bank, Hudson Hospital Foundation, Grace Place Shelters, Hudson Backpack Program, River Valley Charities and Somerset Food Pantry.

"We are proud to receive this award from the St. Croix EDC that honors decades of work Ciranda has done to create a purpose-driven business and culture that prioritizes our people and our community," said Doug Audette, chief executive officer for Ciranda. -more- "This award also speaks to the value of Ciranda's mission, to create connections that nourish life — whether that be among our employees, within our local community, with our customers, or around our world. We are grateful to the EDC for this recognition and look forward to our future as part of this special St. Croix community."

This is the 31st year of the St. Croix EDC's business awards. The awards program on Feb. 22 will take place at Killarney Hills Golf Course in River Falls.

About Ciranda

Ciranda is the premier North American provider and innovator of certified organic, non-GMO and Fair-Trade food ingredients that create and inspire change. The company has expertise in gluten-free flours and starches; syrups and sweeteners; cocoas and chocolates; coconut products; liquid and powdered lecithins; and vegetable oils. Since 1994, Ciranda has helped grow the organic industry for the benefit of consumers, farmers and communities worldwide. The company is 100% employee-owned and headquartered in Hudson, Wis. To learn more, visit ciranda.com.

About St. Croix EDC

St. Croix EDC was established in 1994 as a public-private business league that operates as the independent economic development arm of St. Croix County, Wis. Reflective activities include marketing and communication, business retention, business expansion, business recruitment, new business incorporations, workforce development, and advocacy on behalf of business and industry. Initiatives taken by St. Croix EDC help improve the business climate of St. Croix County, allowing businesses, large and small, to grow and prosper.