Since its founding in 1986, Spectrum has been both a category leader and an industry innovator. In 2000, Spectrum was the first to introduce all-vegetable shortening containing no hydrogenated oils and zero trans-fats. In 2004, Spectrum relocated its flax processing facility to Cherokee, Iowa, establishing one of the largest plants of its kind in the U.S. This joint venture between Spectrum and an agricultural cooperative of family farmers of flaxseed ensures both a steady supply of high-quality product and supports sustainable agriculture and the family farm movement. Spectrum also contributes to the alternative bio-fuels industry by providing a bio-fuel research cooperative with the excess canola oil used to clean processing equipment. In 2007 the company was the first to offer a children's vegetarian DHA supplement made without fish oil.