Arran and Ratana Stephens are the co-founders and co-owners of Nature’s Path, a family owned and operated enterprise based in Richmond and one of the world’s leaders in organic food manufacturing and distributing companies.

They began with a modest restaurant that was started with Arran’s $7 and a $1,500 loan. Today their business, built on the philosophy of ethical business practice, sustainability, altruism and employing 650 people, sells products in 50 countries.

Nature’s Path’s success has been widely recognized and the company has received numerous accolades including being named B.C.’s Top Employer by the Vancouver Sun (2010 to 2016 inclusive), Canada’s Marketing Hall of Legends Award (2021:), Drishti Media Group: Lifetime Achievement Award (Ratana – November 1, 2020), Canada’s Top Employer by the Globe and Mail (2014-17 inclusive), Canada’s Best 100 Employer’s by Maclean’s Magazine (2004-06 inclusive}, Financial Post’s 10 Best Companies to Work For (2014, 2015) and recipient of the Business Excellence Award (leadership category) by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce in 2015. They were inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame in 2020.

The couple has served B.C. by working with many institutions, charities and non-governmental organizations. Between personal donations and the charitable contributions of their company, they have donated over $40 million to support worthy causes in B.C., the rest of Canada and internationally. Many institutions have benefited from their philanthropy including the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Vancouver General Hospital, B.C. Children’s Hospital, and Greater Vancouver Foodbank. Their philanthropy has been recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals which bestowed on them the Giving Heart award in 2016.

Arran was the recipient of the Ernst and Young manufacturing and distribution award; Ernst and Young entrepreneur of the year manufacturing & distribution award; Leadership award from B.C. Food Science and Technology; Sustainability award from the B.C. Food Manufacturer’s Association; and he was inducted into the Canadian Health Food Association’s Organic Hall of Fame.

Ratana has received the YWCA Woman of Distinction award; RBC Mehfi Award; and PIRS 35th Anniversary Bright Light’s Award. She’s been named one of Canada’s 10 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, B.C. Business magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women, and Profit/Chatelaine magazines’ WI00: Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs.

As a team, Arran and Ratana were inducted into the New Hope Hall of Legend and received the Growing Organic Award by the Organic Trade Association and the Leadership Award for character and vision from the Leadership Institute.