“Converting a coconut plantation from conventional to organic takes time - organic certification requires that crops do not receive any synthetic chemicals including fertilizers or pesticides for three (3) years prior to the harvest of the crops.” “Organic coconut farmlands do not just appear overnight,” the plaintiffs wrote. “In a matter of a mere decade, the industry of packaged coconut water has exploded into one of the fastest growing beverage categories in the United States grossing hundreds of millions of dollars a year,” the plaintiffs wrote in their complaint. Harmless Harvest said it is 'justifiably disappointed at the motivations behind this lawsuit and will remain committed to tirelessly defending its product and processes, and all they represent to so many around the world.'Ĭoconut water, in particular, is naturally hydrating with its rich electrolyte contents and low in calories, making it a natural alternative to sports drinks.

The organic certifications for Harmless Harvest are available online. Organic Food Productions Act (OFPA) to carry out such authorizations. “If we had unlimited time and financial resources we would fight this case to the end in court, confident in the knowledge that we would prevail because our products are safe, wholesome and organic.”īioagricert is an independent certification and control body based in Europe and is accredited by the 1990 U.S. “Like so many other food, beverage and consumer product companies facing distracting and unwarranted lawsuits today, we have reached a settlement with a plaintiffs’ law firm with the best interests of our consumers, employees and suppliers in mind,” said Whitney Spielfogel, Director of Communications for Harmless Harvest. It says its products are certified organic by Bioagricert, but agreed to settle this lawsuit only to end costly and protracted litigation.

Harmless Harvest vigorously denies any wrongdoing and liability. They argued Harmless Harvest tried to capitalize on American consumers’ growing interest in organic and raw foods and beverages, noting their health benefits. “Specifically, Defendant purposefully and knowingly (i) purchased coconuts from coconut plantations which have no organic certification (ii) purchased coconuts from street vendors whose source of supply is unknown (iii) purchased ‘green-washed’ coconuts from ‘brokers’ who would certify that the coconuts are organic even though they are not (iv) caused farmers to sign a ‘Farmer’s Agreement’ promising to use organic farming techniques without testing soil sample and (v) conspired with the organic certifier Bioagricert in obtaining fraudulent organic certification,” they wrote in their complaint.

Harmless harvest organic coconut water