Clif Bar

A baker and former mountain guide,{{cite news|last=Riddell|first=Lindsay|title=Gary Erickson, co-founder, co-owner and co-CEO of Clif Bar & Co.|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2012/03/02/gary-erickson-of-clif-bar-co.html?page=all|accessdate=26 June 2012|newspaper=San Francisco Business Times|date=March 2, 2012|archive-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814065805/http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2012/03/02/gary-erickson-of-clif-bar-co.html?page=all|url-status=live}} Erickson got the idea for his product in 1990 on a day-long, 175-mile bike ride, for which he packed Powerbars, the only energy bars on the market at that time.Dahl, Darren [http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/06/14/clif-bar-how-a-husband-wife-team-built-a-235-million-empire/ Clif Bar: How a Husband-Wife Team Built a $235 Million Empire] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624055102/http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/06/14/clif-bar-how-a-husband-wife-team-built-a-235-million-empire/ |date=2010-06-24 }} ‘’AOL Small Business’’.{{cite news |last1=Hosni |first1=Nadia |title=Triple Bottom Line: Clif Bar & Company |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/1667917/triple-bottom-line-clif-bar-company |access-date=27 November 2024 |work=Fast Company/Tonic}} Two years later, after experimenting in his mother's kitchen, he settled on a recipe for what would become the Clif Bar.[http://www.clifbar.com/soul/who_we_are/ Who We Are] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825020446/http://www.clifbar.com/soul/who_we_are |date=2010-08-25 }} ClifBar.com. Erickson tried several names and formulations—including Forza, Torque, and Gary's Bar—before settling on Clif Bar, named after his father Clifford.Erickson, Gary and Lois Lorentzen. Raising the Bar: The Story of Clif Bar. San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass. 2004. The packaging image of a rock climber was first drawn by Doug Gilmour on a napkin over dinner in San Francisco. At a September 1991 bike show, Erickson debuted three flavors: double chocolate, apricot, and date oatmeal.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

In Clif Bar's first year, its revenues exceeded $700,000, fueled primarily by strong sales in bike shops and the growth of the health and natural foods movement. Sales doubled each year and, by 1997, revenue surpassed $20 million.[https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/22/business/from-out-of-the-gym-into-the-grocery-store-energy-bars-jump-into-the-mainstream.html?pagewanted=all From Out of the Gym, Into the Grocery Store] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605030337/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/22/business/from-out-of-the-gym-into-the-grocery-store-energy-bars-jump-into-the-mainstream.html?pagewanted=all |date=2016-06-05 }} The New York Times. November 22, 1997. In 1997, the company name was changed from Kali's SportNaturals to Clif Bar, Inc.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080614005642/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=3324689 Clif Bar & Company: Company Overview] Bloomberg Business. In 2010, the company moved into a new headquarters in the EmeryTech Building in Emeryville, California.{{Cite web |url=http://www.clifbar.com/press/release/clif_bar_company_brings_love_of_outdoors_inside_with_new_planet_friendly_he/ |title=Clif Bar & Company | Press | Release | Clif Bar Company Brings Love of Outdoors Inside with New Planet Friendly He | |access-date=2012-06-20 |archive-date=2011-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805230213/http://www.clifbar.com/press/release/clif_bar_company_brings_love_of_outdoors_inside_with_new_planet_friendly_he/ |url-status=dead }} Designed by ZGF Architects LLP, the former manufacturing plant earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum status.{{cite news|last=Kaye|first=Leon|title=Clif Bar Celebrates Its 20th Birthday With LEED Platinum Headquarters|url=http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/05/clif-bar-20th-birthday-leed-platinum-headquarters/|accessdate=25 June 2012|newspaper=Triple Pundit|date=May 18, 2012|archive-date=19 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019092759/http://www.triplepundit.com/2012/05/clif-bar-20th-birthday-leed-platinum-headquarters/|url-status=live}} The building was repurposed and sustainably designed with photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, reclaimed wood, live plants, and other biophilic features.{{cite news|last=. McKnight|first=Jenna M|title=Clif Bar Headquarters|url=http://greensource.construction.com/green_building_projects/2012/1201-clif-bar-headquarters.asp|accessdate=22 June 2012|newspaper=Greensource|date=January 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527043933/http://greensource.construction.com/green_building_projects/2012/1201-clif-bar-headquarters.asp|archivedate=27 May 2012}}

File:Two LUNA Bars.jpg

In March 1999, Clif Bar introduced LUNA Bar, specifically marketed towards women. In April 2000, Erickson and Thomas turned down a $120 million offer from Quaker Oats to buy the company.[https://www.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703580904575131843763093942.html A Company Fueled by Athlete's Sweat] The Wall Street Journal. March 24, 2010.

Clif Bar & Company was ranked No. 1 in the Forbes "Breakaway Brands" survey, conducted by Landor Associates using Young & Rubicam's Brand Asset Valuator database measuring brand momentum from 2006 to 2009.[https://www.forbes.com/2010/10/08/google-facebook-disney-blackberry-apple-breakaway-brands-cmo-network.html Breakaway Brands Offer Simple Pleasures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610203549/http://www.forbes.com/2010/10/08/google-facebook-disney-blackberry-apple-breakaway-brands-cmo-network.html |date=2016-06-10 }} Forbes. Oct. 8, 2010.

In June 2022, it was announced that the company would be bought by Mondelez International for $2.9 billion.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61875451 | title=Cadbury owner buys US energy bar maker Clif for $2.9bn | date=21 June 2022 | publisher=BBC News | access-date=21 June 2022 | archive-date=21 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621035722/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61875451 | url-status=live }}

Erickson and Crawford founded the Clif Bar Family Foundation in 2006.{{cite web|title=Our Story|url=http://clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/About-Us/Our-Story|publisher=Clif Bar Family Foundation|accessdate=26 June 2012|archive-date=31 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531221223/http://clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/About-Us/Our-Story|url-status=live}} Through 2012 it had committed $1 million to promote organic seed research and conserve crop genetic diversity.

Erickson and Crawford also own the Clif Family Winery & Farm in the Napa Valley, which had its first national release in 2008.{{citation | title=Clif Hanger | author=Ted Loos | publisher=ARTINFO | date=May 7, 2008 | url=http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/27517/clif-hanger/ | accessdate=2008-05-14 | archive-date=2008-07-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704134514/http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/27517/clif-hanger/ | url-status=live }}

File:Two Clif Bars.jpg

File:Clif Chocolate Mint Builder's Bar cut in half 2.jpg]]

In addition to its signature original Clif Bar, the company produces a variety of energy bars tailored to women, children, and other markets, a sports drink, and fruit-based items such as fruit ropes.{{cite news|title=(Website/ Products)|url=http://www.clifbar.com/|accessdate=26 August 2014|newspaper=Clif Bar & Company|archive-date=27 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827021847/http://www.clifbar.com/|url-status=live}} In 2014, the company unveiled four gel-like squeezable 'energy foods' that were expanded in early 2016 to encompass six flavors.{{Cite web|title = Clif Organic Energy Food Getting New Flavors - Cold Outdoorsman|url = http://coldoutdoorsman.com/camping/clif-organic-energy-food-getting-new-flavors|website = Cold Outdoorsman|date = 15 February 2016|access-date = 2016-02-16|language = en-US|archive-date = 2016-02-17|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160217175443/http://coldoutdoorsman.com/camping/clif-organic-energy-food-getting-new-flavors|url-status = live}} All products use organic ingredients. Seventy percent of the company's purchased ingredients are certified organic.{{cite news|last=Lempert|first=Phil|title=Sustainability Series: Clif Bar|url=http://www.supermarketguru.com/index.cfm/go/sg.viewArticle/articleId/2823|accessdate=25 June 2012|newspaper=The Lembert Report|date=February 9, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130203105946/http://www.supermarketguru.com/index.cfm/go/sg.viewArticle/articleId/2823|archivedate=3 February 2013}}

The Clif Bar company has instituted policies intended to make it more green-friendly. It switched to organic ingredients and eliminated shrink-wrap, saving 90,000 pounds of plastic and $400,000 annually, and invested in wind energy to offset fossil fuel usage.{{cite news|title=The Pioneers|url=http://www.inc.com/magazine/20061101/green50_pioneers.html|accessdate=25 June 2012|newspaper=Inc.|date=November 1, 2006|archive-date=1 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601232102/http://www.inc.com/magazine/20061101/green50_pioneers.html|url-status=live}}

To help reduce fuel consumption, Clif Bar began giving employees $6,500 in 2007 to switch to bio-diesel or high-mileage hybrid cars. As a bio-diesel incentive program, "Cool Commute" was the first of its type nationwide and drew praise from Al Gore for helping to aid the fight against global warming.[http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=1416 Al Gore congratulates Clif Bar on its biodiesel efforts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927110234/http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=1416 |date=2007-09-27 }} Biodiesel Magazine. February 2007. In 2008, the company began giving employees up to $500 to purchase a commuter bike, with annual rewards up to $960 for getting to work on foot, bicycle, or public transportation.{{cite news|last=Steverman|first=Ben|title=Creative Employee Benefits|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/money-gallery/2011-09-14/creative-employee-benefits.html#slide3|accessdate=25 June 2012|newspaper=Bloomberg|date=September 14, 2011|archive-date=2012-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702012427/http://www.bloomberg.com/money-gallery/2011-09-14/creative-employee-benefits.html#slide3|url-status=live}} The company also began offering employees up to $1,000 annually to make eco-improvement to their homes, such as insulation, solar panel installation, and new windows.[http://www.clifbar.com/uploads/press_downloads/CBCO-Sustainability-Benefits.pdf Sustainability Benefits Program] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922115826/http://www.clifbar.com/uploads/press_downloads/CBCO-Sustainability-Benefits.pdf |date=2010-09-22 }} ClifBar.com. In April 2009, Clif Bar joined Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy also known as BICEP, a coalition of companies including Nike, eBay and The North Face, with the goal of passing progressive climate and energy legislation.[http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/04/16/aspen-skiing-clif-bar-seventh-generation-strengthen-bicep-climate-coalition Aspen Skiing, Clif Bar, and Seventh Generation Strengthen BICEP Climate Coalition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923223408/http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2009/04/16/aspen-skiing-clif-bar-seventh-generation-strengthen-bicep-climate-coalition |date=2010-09-23 }} Climate Biz. April 16, 2009. In October 2015, Clif Bar along with other members BICEP released a joint letter pledging to accelerate business action on climate change and urging governments to do the same.{{cite web|title=Mars, General Mills, Unilever, Kellogg, Nestlé Unite On Climate Action|url=https://consumergoods.com/mars-general-mills-unilever-kellogg-nestl-unite-climate-action|website=Consumer Goods Technology|accessdate=27 October 2015|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118034440/https://consumergoods.com/mars-general-mills-unilever-kellogg-nestl-unite-climate-action|url-status=live}}

In 2012, amid concerns over child labor and possible slavery on West African cocoa farms, Clif Bar was challenged to disclose the source of their cocoa.[http://www.foodispower.org/takeaction.htm Take Action] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305134512/http://www.foodispower.org/takeaction.htm |date=2012-03-05 }} FoodIsPower.org. On March 5, 2012, the company announced that thenceforth "100 percent of cocoa ingredients for CLIF BAR will be sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms."{{Cite web |url=http://www.clifbar.com/press/release/clif_bar_company_teams_up_with_the_rainforest_alliance_on_sustainable_cocoa/ |title=Clif Bar & Company | Press | Release | Clif Bar Company Teams up with the Rainforest Alliance on Sustainable Cocoa | |access-date=2012-06-27 |archive-date=2012-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630065520/http://www.clifbar.com/press/release/clif_bar_company_teams_up_with_the_rainforest_alliance_on_sustainable_cocoa |url-status=dead }}

In June 2010, Clif Bar initiated an employee stock ownership program (ESOP), which gave 20 percent ownership of the company to its employees, with Crawford and Erickson retaining the other 80 percent.[http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2010/06/28/daily28.html Clif Bar sells 20% stake to workers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727070933/http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2010/06/28/daily28.html |date=2010-07-27 }} San Francisco Business Times. June 29, 2010.[http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/07/how-clif-bar-is-saving-retirement-through-csr/ How Clif Bar is Saving Retirement through CSR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910205158/http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/07/how-clif-bar-is-saving-retirement-through-csr/ |date=2016-09-10 }} Triple Pundit. July 9, 2010.

Company facilities include an on-site gym, rock climbing wall, two yoga room/dance studios, and massage rooms. There are on-site showers so employees can shower after their workout. Employees also have access to free counseling and life coaching.{{cite web |url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/best-jobs/5-Clif-Bar.html |title=Clif Bar | Best Companies to Work for | OutsideOnline.com | Best Outdoor Jobs | OutsideOnline.com |accessdate=2014-07-09 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706072543/http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/best-jobs/5-Clif-Bar.html |archivedate=2014-07-06 }} Employees can bring their dogs to work and get two and a half hours of paid exercise each week with free personal training. Clif Bar & Company was named among Outside magazine's Best Places to Work in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.[http://outsideonline.com/outside/culture/201005/best-places-to-work-3.html Best Places to Work: Clif Bar and Company] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905143218/http://outsideonline.com/outside/culture/201005/best-places-to-work-3.html |date=2010-09-05 }} Outside Magazine. May 2010.[http://outsideonline.com/outside/culture/200905/best-companies-clif-bar.html Best Places to Work] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919000315/http://outsideonline.com/outside/culture/200905/best-companies-clif-bar.html |date=2010-09-19 }} Outside Magazine. May 2009.[http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2010/04/the-50-best-places-to-work-in-america.html The 50 Best Places to Work in America] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823185339/http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2010/04/the-50-best-places-to-work-in-america.html |date=2010-08-23 }} Outside Magazine. April 6, 2010Madden, Kaitlin {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100828105250/http://www.theworkbuzz.com/fun-stuff/its-take-your-dog-to-work-day/ It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day]}} June 25, 2010.THE 30 BEST PLACES TO WORK: CLIF BAR [http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/best-jobs/The-30-Best-Places-to-Work-Clif-Bar-20120726.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530173759/http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/best-jobs/The-30-Best-Places-to-Work-Clif-Bar-20120726.html|date=2013-05-30}} August 12, 2012

In November 2014 Clif Bar made a decision to limit risky behavior by its sponsored athletes, stating "going forward we will not be sponsoring climbers who are primarily recognized for free-soloing, B.A.S.E. jumping, and highlining. This change in sponsorship approach did not come without great debate." The company reasoned that "[they] no longer feel good about benefitting from the amount of risk certain athletes are taking in areas of the sport where there is no margin for error; where there is no safety net".{{Cite web |url=http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/clif-bars-response-a-letter-to-the-climbing-community |title=Clif Bar's Response: A Letter to the Climbing Community |access-date=2014-11-14 |archive-date=2014-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116023548/http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/clif-bars-response-a-letter-to-the-climbing-community |url-status=live }}

In 2018, the company introduced the “Re-Tern” program, in which pre-retiree Clif Bar employees can apply for an internship at the Community Department to be trained in non-profit operations. The goal is to prepare individuals retiring from the company for “a post-Clif Bar place in the world.”{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2018/09/04/how-clif-bar-helps-employees-do-good-in-retirement/#5f14d78a40fc|title=How Clif Bar Helps Employees Do Good In Retirement|last=Eisenberg|first=Richard|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-09-19|language=en|archive-date=2018-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919172442/https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2018/09/04/how-clif-bar-helps-employees-do-good-in-retirement/#5f14d78a40fc|url-status=live}}

Clif Bar began community outreach in 2001, with the initial aim of donating 2,080 employee volunteer hours to community service.[http://www.clifbar.com/soul/2080/ Giving Back is a Key Ingredient] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003144837/http://www.clifbar.com/soul/2080 |date=2010-10-03 }} Clif Blog. In 2010, Clif employees donated 5,290 hours.[http://www.clifbar.com/soul/2080/ Project 2080] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003144837/http://www.clifbar.com/soul/2080 |date=2010-10-03 }} ClifBar.com. In 2008, the "In Good Company" initiative was announced, which organizes employees across several companies{{which|date=December 2014}} to assist in larger development projects, such as in New Orleans, East Oakland, and the Hopi Reservation in Arizona.{{cite web|title=In Good Company|url=http://www.clifbar.com/soul/in_good_company/|publisher=Cliff Bar & Company|accessdate=25 June 2012|archive-date=27 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727004917/http://www.clifbar.com/soul/in_good_company|url-status=live}}

• Energy bar
• Lärabar
• Kind (company)
• Nature Valley
• Protein bar

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.clifbar.com/ Clif Bar official site]
• [http://www.lunabar.com/ Luna Bar official site]
• [http://www.clifbarfamilyfoundation.org/ Clif Bar Family Foundation official site]

{{Mondelez}}

{{Energy bars}}

Category:Brand name snack foods

Category:Energy food products

Category:Companies based in Emeryville, California

Category:American companies established in 1992

Category:Products introduced in 1992

Category:Food and drink companies established in 1992

Category:1992 establishments in California

Category:American corporate subsidiaries

Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions