The Sunshine Nut Co. - A Journey of Purpose in Mozambique

April 27, 2024

Don Larson's path to founding Sunshine Nut Company was marked by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a tangible difference in the world. With a successful 25-year career in the corporate food industry, including a stint as Director of Cocoa Operations at Hershey, Don had ample experience navigating the complexities of the food business. However, it was his encounters with extreme poverty during his travels to developing nations that stirred something profound within him.


Driven by a calling to address the root causes of poverty and empower vulnerable communities, Don embarked on a spiritual journey in 2007 to seek clarity on his life's purpose. It was during this period of introspection that he received a clear directive: "Go and build food factories in developing nations to bring lasting economic transformation." Inspired by this revelation, Don developed the Sunshine Approach business model, centered on holistic community development and economic empowerment.


In 2011, Don and his family made a bold move, relocating to Mozambique to establish Sunshine Nut Co. Their mission was twofold: to produce premium cashew nuts and to uplift the local community. Mozambique, with its abundant cashew resources and resilient spirit, provided the ideal backdrop for their endeavors.

The journey in Mozambique was not without its challenges. The aftermath of a devastating civil war had left the country grappling with poverty, fragmented families, and underdeveloped infrastructure. However, Don saw potential amidst the adversity.


Cashew farming, once a thriving industry in Mozambique, had suffered a decline during the war but was now experiencing a resurgence. For over one million rural farmers, the revival of the cashew industry offered a glimmer of hope for economic stability and prosperity. The formation of the Sunshine Approach Foundation further solidified Sunshine Nut Co.'s commitment to community development.


As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the foundation focuses on addressing the basic needs of the poor and orphaned in Mozambique. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, the foundation implements projects in areas such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, aiming to uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty.

At the heart of Sunshine Nut Co.'s operations lies a profound sense of social responsibility. By employing adult orphans and dedicating 90% of profits to community projects, the company integrates profitmaking with purpose-driven initiatives. Terri Larson, Don's wife, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the philanthropic efforts, ensuring that Sunshine Nut Co.'s impact extends far beyond the realm of business.


Spearheading what was to become the Sunshine Homes Project, Sunshine Nut Co. ventured beyond conventional philanthropy to create sustainable solutions for vulnerable children. By refurbishing houses and providing caretakers, often widows or abandoned women, Sunshine Nut Co. sought to create nurturing family environments where orphaned or vulnerable children could thrive.


The journey of Sunshine Nut Co. serves as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship infused with compassion. From humble beginnings to impactful endeavors, Don Larson's vision has sparked a ripple effect of change in Mozambique. With each bag of cashews sold, Sunshine Nut Co. not only delivers quality products but also embodies a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Mozambique.

As Sunshine Nut Co. continues to grow and expand its reach, its legacy of purpose-driven entrepreneurship remains a guiding light for businesses seeking to make a meaningful difference in the world. In Mozambique, where challenges abound but resilience reigns supreme, Sunshine Nut Co. stands as a shining example of how business can be a force for positive change.

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