Our story is rooted in the rich Californian soil and shaped by the hands of four generations of rice growers. It begins over a century ago when the LaGrande family moved to the Sacramento Valley and sowed the seeds of what would grow into a flourishing family farm.
Today, Ken LaGrande continues that tradition, as an entrepreneur, farmer, rancher, and the heart of the LaGrande Family Foods Group and Sun Valley Rice. It is from these very rice fields that SoGood was born.
Meryl Kennedy, another of our founders, brings her unique touch to SoGood. Raised in a small, rural village in Mer Rouge, Louisiana. At only 21, she oversaw the start-up and development of Kennedy Rice Mill, LLC, a state-of-the-art facility recognised for its significant contribution to the industry. Her forward-thinking vision led to the birth of branded rice products that prioritized organic and sustainably grown products.
Completing our trio of founders is Phil McIntyre, a respected figure in the entertainment industry and CEO of Philymack, the entertainment and music management company for several multi-platinum artists. Phil’s experience in innovative marketing and branding plays a crucial role in SoGood’s disruptive presence in the sake world.
Why Sake?
So why sake? Our founders saw an opportunity in this ancient drink, an uncharted territory ripe for reimagining. The world of sake, while steeped in tradition, held the potential for innovation, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo
This venture, however, was not without its challenges. Sake, a drink deeply rooted in Japanese culture, was unexplored by many in the West. The aim was not to create a mere replica, but rather a distinct, bold interpretation of the drink that marries Californian craftsmanship with Japanese tradition.
Mission and Vision
Our mission at SoGood is simple: redefine the sake experience. We’re here to shake things up, push boundaries, and create a sake that’s unapologetically rebellious yet holds up against any of its Asian counterparts. As we look towards the future, we see a world where sake is not just an exotic curiosity but a mainstream drink enjoyed by many. We envision a future where SoGood is not only consumed, but shared, celebrated, and savoured.
We are SoGood, the Californian sake crafted with heart, a rich heritage, and unafraid to break from tradition. Our story, a fusion of past and future, East and West, tradition and rebellion, is etched into every bottle of SoGood. As you savour our sake, we invite you to become a part of our journey and experience the bold new era of sake.
