Umi Organic Production Stopped After Shin Shin Foods Fire

Beautiful Umi Organic noodle bowl — A bowl of beautiful Umi Organic noodles and accoutrements. Photo credit: Umi Organic

Earlier this week there was a devastating fire at the Shin Shin Foods Building on 400 N Thompson Street, which took out Shin Shin Food’s operation—and that of Umi Organic, which has been in business for eight years. I suggested this was the case, and indeed it’s true—Umi Organic shared the news yesterday as to how they have been affected by the fire.

Who Is Umi Organic?

First, do you know Umi Organic? Noodles and sauces are their bag, and they are “dedicated to delicious food, organic farming, and equity in the food system and our workplace.” They won a Good Food Award in 2021 for their organic noodles. Their CEO, Lola Milholland, has served as a journalist (including as assistant editor of Edible Portland magazine—which has relaunched), and after learning to make noodles she thought she could make a superior version to what was produced by most ramen companies. So, she started Umi Organic. Read more about the company and team, here.

Umi Organic box of noodles — Photo credit: Umi Organic

Umi Organic’s Message About the Fire

On June 26 they posted on their social channels a substantial and thoughtful message about the fire and how it has affected them and their operation. I appreciate that first of all, they are grateful that nobody was hurt or killed. Fire is terrifying when you’re forced to interact with it (rather than using it as a tool to stay warm or cook your food). I am also hopeful that anyone in the vicinity is not suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation, which is a special kind of misery all on its own.

Here’s the opening of their message to their followers and customers (bolding is mine):

“The facility where our noodles are manufactured had a catastrophic fire on June 24, 2024. Fortunately, no one was injured. But for the foreseeable future, we are not capable of manufacturing our organic noodles. We are aiming to make some of our products again, but we cannot give you a timeline at this moment.

“We are heartbroken to share this news. It’s been an honor to make noodles in Oregon using Oregon grains. We feel proud of the texture and flavor of Umi noodles, and proud that our whole grain yakisoba noodles reach students across the state! We feel grateful for all of the partners who’ve made our business real and meaningful, and for the caring work environment we’ve fostered together.”

How You Can Help

They also outline what you can do to help:

Attend their open house at their office (722 N Page, Suite 200) on Wednesday, July 10 from 9am to 2pm. Essentially they’ll be selling what’s left of their inventory (noodles and sauces). They’ll provide coffee and nibbles.
They will also accept hugs at the open house.
When you find their noodles and sauce in stores, buy them.
They also make a plea for supporting Palestine.

Farewell and Hope To See You Back Again

What the future holds for Umi Organic is unclear. But this remains: “Whatever happens with Umi going forward, we will continue to champion farm to school, universal school lunch, organic farming, care for and power to farm workers, equitable access to delicious food, and caring human relationships.”

I’ll miss seeing them and their beautiful noodles at the Hollywood Farmers Market. I wish Lola and her team only the best during what I hope is a transition time, and that they will be back. And head over to their offices on July 10 to buy their inventory!

Previously: The Fire at Shin Shin Foods In North Portland