BARBERTON, Ohio — A few years ago, Evan Delahanty was a Peace Corps volunteer in South America. He bonded with the Amazonian people; a bond, he says, he didn't want to lose.
"I wanted to maintain my connection to the folks in that part of the world that needed the economic development that respects who they are, that respects their environment, respects what they can and can't do while creating a better life for themselves and their families," Delahanty said.
So, with a few bucks in the bank, he started a fruit snack company. Peaceful Fruits is organic, with no added sugar. Some of the fruits are sourced right from the Amazon, where it all began.
"We were one of the first companies to offer a true nothing but fruit, fruit snack, as crazy as that sounds," Delahanty said. "We started with Acai, a superfood berry that's harvested wild down there in the Amazon. Over time, we've expanded into more and more fruits."
Delahanty says it felt good to have a clean food mission, supporting the people in the Amazon rainforest. But, they had more to give … and a bigger cause. They teamed up with the Blick Center in Akron, giving adults with challenges a chance to work full-wage jobs.
"They are so pumped to come to work, to do a great job, to earn a paycheck. Because, these guys are a key member of the team. That's why, they've got their shirts on, they've earned that right to say they're part of Peaceful Fruits," Delahanty said.
They're part of the team, and so happy to be there.
"I really love it, and I love what (Evan) stands for," said Kim, an employee and Blick Center student.
"I love it and I'm happy to come back," employee Darnell told us.
In 2017, Peaceful Fruits made it into the national spotlight. It appeared on "Shark Tank." No deal, but the exposure tripled sales.
"People always ask me, 'Did you win Shark Tank?' And I always say, 'We didn't get the deal, but we 100 percent won,'" Delahanty said.
Business is booming. They've got eight different flavors, producing 4,000 snacks per day.
Delahanty says Peaceful Fruits has room to grow. And, the world needs to see it.
"We're trying to build this into a national brand. We're about authentic, real food, real snacks, that make people part of building the world into a better place," Delahanty expressed.
All this, while continuing to empower its beloved team.
"I actually have a real job. I feel like I have a purpose now … and that I'm capable of anything," Kim told us.
To learn more about Peaceful Fruits, click HERE.
