On August 6, 2014, Seward Co-op General Manager Sean Doyle wrote a letter to Michael Potter CEO of Eden Foods in regards to the company’s widespread public controversy (there’s a decent synopsis of the issue in this CNN op-ed) and Eden Foods’ falling sales at Seward Co-op. Sean Doyle’s letter can be read here.

Below is a response from Demian Potter, Vice President of Sales at Eden Foods.

19 August 2014
Mr. Sean Doyle, General Manager
Seward Co-op
2823 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406

Re: Seward Co-op’s letter to Eden Foods postmarked 6 August 2014

Mr. Sean Doyle,

Thank you for contacting us and for sharing. Like you, we have received an energetic response as a result of frequent and dramatic mischaracterizations of Eden Foods relative to a recent decision by the Supreme Court. We regret that you, your staff, and your co-op have been affected by this. We would love to see people become so motivated in support of organic agriculture and toward the improvement of our nation’s food system, goals we share.

After nearly half a century of pioneering work in support of organic food and agriculture Eden Foods remains one of few independent food companies leading our industry in authentic organic food, BPA-Free can linings, and Non-GMO food.

While it is impossible to address all things that our action is not, Eden Foods provided statements offering clarity. You may find facts therein contradicting characterizations presented in your letter.

Eden Foods issued the attached statement 11 July 2014.

On 3 July 2014 we posted the following on our social media platforms:
Clinton, Michigan- Eden Foods is a principled food company. We were convinced that actions of the federal government were illegal, and so filed a formal objection. The recent Supreme Court decision confirms, at least in part, that we were correct. We realized in making our objection that it would give rise to grotesque mischaracterizations and fallacious arguments. We did not fully anticipate the degree of maliciousness and corruption that would visit us. Nevertheless, we believe we did what we should have.

The objection we filed has never been part of the Hobby Lobby lawsuit.

Eden Foods provided a letter last year in response to feedback we received after news of our objection to mandates in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A link to that letter is here.

I hope Eden Foods’ statements are helpful in clearing up misconceptions. We invite you to share them as you deem appropriate.

Thank you for your pragmatic response. We appreciate the merchandising you provide Eden food and value being part of, and a contributor to growth at Seward Co-op. Please let me know how I might be of service.

Very truly yours,

Demian Potter
Vice President Sales