In 1972, young New Zealander Christopher Dawson began to question the impact of modern agriculture. He recognised the harm caused by uncontrolled deforestation, the dominance of monoculture, and mass food production, and the potential risks these posed to the prosperity of future generations.
Determined to learn more, he worked with numerous organic producers in New Zealand before moving to the UK in 1974 to continue his studies. Six years later, he set out on an inspiring journey to Japan, which led him to found Clearspring in 1993—a family-run business known today for its authentic, award-winning Japanese and organic foods. Over thirty years later, the company continues to thrive with a motivated, harmonious team and a smooth generational transition under the leadership of his daughter, Maria Dawson.
«We remain deeply rooted in the same values that inspired me all those years ago: a relentless passion and commitment to introduce the world to the most authentic plant- based Japanese foods – foods that are not only organic and of exceptional taste, but are also crafted with integrity and respect for tradition,» explains Christopher Dawson.
Protect, promote and provide
In 1993, Clearspring set out on a mission to provide high-quality organic foods from around the world, made using local, traditional recipes for the enjoyment and health of people now and in the future. Inspired by local farming methods and a variety of seeds—some even ancient—they committed from the start to knowledge-sharing and collaboration with groups promoting regenerative agriculture.
Traditional values are constantly reinterpreted to meet modern needs
«We aim to create products that are thoughtful, sustainable, and rooted in respect for the land,» says Dawson. Thirty-two years later, that mission remains unchanged, with Clearspring products now reaching over 60 countries worldwide, including Spain.
World-renowned quality
Clearspring offers a unique range of more than 300 organic, authentic, plant-based products—from essential Japanese staples like miso and tofu to Mediterranean pantry items like oils and vinegars, as well as other traditional Asian foods.
To preserve the natural quality of their ingredients, Clearspring relies on minimal processing and avoids additives, artificial colouring, genetically modified organisms, and refined sugars. They also replace table salt with sea salt in the production of items like miso, for example. «It’s these small things, which make a big difference, that give consumers the confidence that we will always stay true to our values,» explain Jag Singh, Marketing Manager, and Richard Trevor, International Key Account Manager, during Bio Eco Actual’s visit to Clearspring’s headquarters in London.
Innovation without abandoning tradition
At Clearspring, traditional values are constantly reinterpreted to meet modern needs with functional, sustainable, and authentic offerings. «Innovation doesn’t have to mean compromise. At Clearspring, we take well-loved, often non-Japanese foods and reimagine them by incorporating our organic Japanese ingredients, including seasonings and probiotic miso. The result is a unique fusion that respects both tradition and today’s lifestyles – like our Organic Instant Miso Soups, Organic Oat Biscuits with Matcha and Miso, or our award-winning Organic Tamari Roasted Almonds and Cashews,» says Dawson.
Innovation, however, goes beyond the essence of the products—it also transforms their packaging. Eliminating and replacing plastic packaging, especially single-use plastic, is one of Clearspring’s key sustainability goals. Recently, the company removed plastic trays from its Organic Seaveg Crispies snack range, without affecting the taste or crisp texture of the seaweed. This change alone has eliminated nearly five million disposable plastic trays per year—equivalent to almost 18 tonnes less waste. They also replaced the plastic packaging of their Organic Japanese Tofu – Silken & Smooth with cardboard packaging.
«It’s not just about selling products—it’s about inspiring people to consider making lifestyle and food choice changes for a potential positive impact on their health and the health of the planet»
Commitment, contribution, education, and inspiration
Clearspring’s positive impact aims to go beyond sustainable food marketing, seeking to leave a mark on the community through volunteering, small-scale gardening projects, school-based educational programmes, and awareness campaigns to bring organic products closer to the general public. «Awareness is essential. People need to see, feel, and understand that organic food is not just better for them, but for the world they live in,» affirms the founder.
With this in mind, last July Clearspring launched a six-month campaign in the Barcelona metro in collaboration with Bio Eco Actual, aiming to increase awareness and consumption of organic food. in. «Campaigns like the one are a powerful way to break through the noise to bring the message of clean, ethical food to the everyday journey of consumers. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about inspiring people. If we want organic to be mainstream, we need to meet people where they are and speak with clarity, honesty and purpose, whilst inspiring them with amazing flavours and recipes», emphasizes Christopher Dawson.
Authors: Oriol Urrutia, Co-Edito, and Ariadna Coma, Journalist
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