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| Venus Research and Development was founded by Grace Venus in 2003 to develop Private Label and Branded Products for the Natural Food Industry. Venus Research and Development offers a comprehensive resource for small companies searching for innovative product development. Since its inception, Venus Research and Development has assisted bringing over 200 beverages, pasta sauces, soups, salsa, and frozen foods to commercialization. |
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Grace Venus
Grace grew up within the Organic Food Industry. As the daughter of John Battendieri, a pioneer in the world of organic food, she witnessed first hand the creation of several national best-selling organic juice and pasta sauce companies, his most notable conception was Santa Cruz Organic Juices. In 2000, after graduating from University of Oregon, Grace began working for Organic Ingredients in their research and development lab. She began developing beverages for national natural foods retail chains and managing the quality control department. It was here that she realized the drive and passion she had for the organic food industry and decided to follow that drive into opening up her own business. She loved the technical side of the formulating products just as much as the she loved being involved with important movement towards clean, organic and green food. In 2002, Grace was hired as an independent consultant to assist in re-developing the entire product line of soups, juices, and pasta sauces for one of the oldest organic food companies, Walnut Acres, now owned by the Hain Celestial Group.
In 2003 Grace saw the need for an independent organic and natural food development company and started Venus Research and Development. She is now also the mother of two, and enjoys teaching her children about the importance of being responsable for our planet by making the right choices everyday. |
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Maya Johnson
| Maya Johnson grew up in the small environmentally aware town of Arcata, Ca. From an early age her parents instilled in her a respect for the earth taught through her mother’s gardens and her father’s love for the outdoors. Maya also developed a love for good fresh food and began cooking in restaurants at the age of 17. Her experience cooking gave her a love for balancing flavors and creating new and interesting combinations for the pallet. Maya attended the University of California at Santa Cruz and majored in Biology/Environmental Studies; she started working for Venus Research and Development in her senior year. Maya focused her education at UCSC on ecology and sustainable agriculture research. Being involved in organic farming invigorated her belief in a need to reconnect people to the morals behind the food they buy and consume. A position at Venus Research and Development offered her a venue to do just that; provide food options for a large audience of people that are more sustainable for the earth and healthier for the body. She has been working with Grace since 2008 and has found their partnership to be very fruitful and rewarding. Maya currently lives in the Santa Cruz area and spends her time enjoying the outdoors running, hiking, and camping with her friends, family and dog. |
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