Wilderness Poets

It’s 2006 and two adventurers are deep in the Enchanted Valley in Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula. With heavy, gear-filled backpacks,  one of them suddenly blurts out, “Let’s call it Wilderness Poets!” In that moment, surrounded by towering peaks and ancient forests, John Bannerman and Mika Kakizaki changed the course of their lives and decided to devote their time searching for foods that nourish both the body and mind.

What started as a spark of inspiration in the wilderness quickly took root in Portland, Oregon, where the duo began crafting micro-batch nut and seed butters. Their story caught fire with a full-page spread in The Oregonian, which helped them gain a passionate following through co-ops, grocery stores, and cafes across the Pacific Northwest.

John and Mika weren’t content staying put. They moved their operation from Portland to a rural homestead at the base of Mount Saint Helens, where solitude helped them perfect their cold-ground nut butter craft. By 2014, they were sourcing wild-harvested cacao and expanding into niche superfoods. By 2016, they settled in Ashland, Oregon, near the redwoods and stunning southern Oregon coast. Their Ashland location had an added benefit of being close enough to visit Central California’s organic almond, walnut, and pistachio farmers.

Nearly two decades later, Wilderness Poets continues crafting foods with the same spirit that sparked that first conversation in the mountains. Their organic Abundance Trail Mix celebrates superfoods with cashews, pistachios, and cacao nibs sweetened with coconut nectar. Oregon-grown pumpkin seeds from the lush Willamette Valley, Pacific Northwest hazelnuts, and even their Miso Nooch Umami Seasoning reflect their willingness to explore new frontiers in nutrition while showcasing the region’s best flavors.

Every product tells the story of thoughtful sourcing from farms and suppliers John and Mika trust. From their micro-facility in Ashland, they continue operating as the small, family-run company they envisioned in that mountain valley, proving that sometimes the best business ideas come from simply following your nose into the wilderness.

How To Add Farm Stand Products to Your Delivery:
Full Circle members – head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 6pm on your cutoff date. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button “Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products” to add farm products to your delivery.

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