The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) has announced that Edlong, the world’s leading independent flavor company, has been recognized as a top WBE (Women Business Enterprise) in driving trends and making a significant impact in the Food & Beverage and Agriculture industry.

“As is the case with all of our achievements, this is a team effort,” said Laurette Rondenet, Edlong President and CEO. “We are humbled to be recognized by our peers, and grateful to our colleagues, partners, and customers that make this nomination possible.”

The 13 trendsetting women-owned businesses were recognized based on delivering innovative products and solutions while driving key industry trends, including ethical sourcing, sustainability, alternatives, organic ingredients, social responsibility, and more. Edlong was lauded for its ability to leverage 100+ years of dairy expertise to accelerate innovation and global product development, even in dairy-free applications.

“My dad gave me a copy of a poem called ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. And the first line starts: ‘If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…’ that line has come back to me many times throughout my career,” shared Laurette when asked about the spark that drives her continued success leading the company.  “Good leadership is keeping your head. Understand your strengths, passions, and goals, and remember that path to achieving them will not be a straight line.”