Top Seedz, which began in a local farmer’s market seven years ago and now is a national brand, has opened a new, automated production plant in Buffalo, New York.
With 10 times the capacity of its previous operation, the facility will enable the company to keep pace with the coast-to-coast demand for its organic, gluten-free vegan products.
In the last six months, the company has tripled its distribution. Available online and through a network of more than 4,000 stores — including the grocery chains Wegman’s, Erewhon and Whole Foods — Top Seedz recently expanded into Kroger and CVS. Its crackers are made with high-quality ingredients and are gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO.
“We’re not just moving to a bigger, more modern location; we’re expanding possibilities,” said Rebecca Brady, Top Seedz founder and CEO.
Brady, originally from New Zealand, has always considered female empowerment part of the mission. Her first employee was a woman refugee from Bhutan, and she now has women from more than 20 countries — many of them also former refugees — among her workforce of 42. Working with local agencies, Top Seedz provides skills training as well as English-language training when needed.
The company’s growth received a boost in 2021 when Brady won $1 million in a funding competition for startups held by 43North, a Buffalo-based business accelerator organization.
The cracker maker now has five product lines, including new snack-size pouches, which will be available in 0.75-ounce and 1.5-ounce sizes.
“With our new snack packs, we’re meeting our customers in different places,” Brady said.
The crackers are available in three flavors: Sea Salt, 6 Seed, Rosemary and Cumin. Additional product offerings include Roasted Seeds, Raw Seeds and Snack Packs.
Read more snacks news from The Shelby Report.