More natural products companies make the Inc. 5000 list
This year, 15—we missed a few in our original list—new natural food, beverage or consumer products companies join the roster of fastest-growing private companies.
NuLeaf Naturals sells organic hemp oil extracts to all 50 states and to more than four countries worldwide. CBD oil extracts are sold for both human and pet consumption. Leadership: Jaden Barnes, Bo Shirley 3-Year Growth: 11,495% Industry: Health—No. 4 Location: Denver, Colorado Founded: 2014 Employees: 40 2019: No. 11
Grove Collaborative delivers ecofriendly, natural home and personal care products to members via a subscription service. Leadership: Stuart Landesberg 3-Year Growth: 5,818% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 4 Location: San Francisco, California Founded: 2012 Employees: 1,001-5,000 2019: No. 87 2018: No. 37
Outer Aisle sells sandwich thins and pizza crusts that are made from vegetables in an attempt to get people to cook more and eat healthier. Outer Aisle is a women-owned company. Leadership: Jeanne David 3-Year Growth: 5,006% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 2 Location: Ventura, California Founded: 2015 Employees: 51-200
TrueChoicePak makes green, compostable and biodegradable packaging for global use. Its products are found in 40% of grocery store chains across the nation. Leadership: Heena Rathore 3-Year Growth: 4,619% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 8 Location: Mason, Ohio Founded: 2008 Employees: 1-10 2019: No. 57
Koia manufactures a plant-based protein drink designed to be a healthy snack, meal accompaniment or post-workout beverage for people with active lifestyles. Leadership: Chris Hunter, Mike Woolard and Chris Pruneda 3-Year Growth: 4,273% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 3 Location: Encinitas, California Founded: 2013 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 187 Editor's note: Two company leaders were added and the name of a former leader was removed on Aug. 17.
Sprinly delivers healthy, plant-based meals to individuals to help people live happier and healthier lives. The company mploys chefs who are constantly innovating by introducing new meals. Leadership: Ray Lui 3-Year Growth: 3,191% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 4 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Founded: 2016 Employees: 11-50
Under the brand name Havasu Nutrition, Organic Stride manufactures, markets and sells health supplements that use premium ingredients to help consumers fuel their body, mind and soul. Leadership: Matthew Newman 3-Year Growth: 2,455% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 16 Location: St. Petersburg, Florida Founded: 2009 Employees: 11-50
Smart Baking sells baked goods made without gluten and other potentially harmful ingredients. Its cookies, muffins and other items are gluten- and wheat-free, low calorie, high fiber, diabetic- and keto-friendly and non-GMO. Its products are sold on its website, at health food stores and on Amazon. Leadership: Harvey Heuvel 3-Year Growth: 1,754% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 6 Location: Sanford, Florida Founded: 2015 Employees: 51-200
Lifeboost sells clean, low-acid coffee while protecting the environment and paying coffee farmers around the world a fair wage. Leadership: Charles Livingston 3-Year Growth: 1,656% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 29 Location: Nobelsville, Indiana Founded: 2015 Employees: 1-10
Dropps sells home care products that are eco-friendly and safe for use around pets and each member of the family. It also offers laundry pods and home delivery services. Leadership: Jonathan Propper 3-Year Growth: 1,553% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 31 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Founded: 2006 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 1,031
SkinnyDipped makes thinly dipped chocolate-covered almonds. It's a women-owned company that offers several chocolate-covered, almond-flavor options. Leadership: Breezy Griffith 3-Year Growth: 1,550% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 32 Location: Seattle, Washington Founded: 2013 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 32 Editor's note: Wild Things Snacks was added to New Hope's list on Aug. 17.
Nature's Fusions oversees and markets essential oils and supplements on a wholesale basis with a focus on quality, integrity and a "forever" return guarantee. Leadership: C.J. Peterson 3-Year Growth: 1,283% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 39 Location: Orem, Utah Founded: 2010 Employees: 11-50 2018: No. 47
A-Sha Foods sells healthy ramen noodles that promise a gourmet taste through its website and various retailers and grocery stores in the United States. Leadership: Young Chang 3-Year Growth: 1,182% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 11 Location: Alhambra, California Founded: 2015 Employees: 1-10
Neurohacker Collective focuses on creating best in class well-being products by employing a unique methodology to research and development based on complex systems science. Its cognitive products are sold under the Qualia nootropic brand. Leadership: James Schmachtenberger 3-Year Growth: 1,120% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 45 Location: Carlsbad, California Founded: 2015 Employees: 11-50
Splendid Spoon sells ready-to-eat, plant-based meals through three plans that make everyday lunch and breakfast routines easier and healthier without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Leadership: Nicole Centeno 3-Year Growth: 1,016% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 12 Location: Brooklyn, New York Founded: 2013 Employees: 11-50
Zolli Candy creates and sells sugar-free candy. Products are sold in all major retailers across the country. Leadership: Alina Morse 3-Year Growth: 866% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 15 Location: Commerce Township, Michigan Founded: 2013 Employees: 1-10 2019: No. 635
Keto and Co. makes sugar free, keto-approved, low carbohydrate foods that it sells direct to consumer and through websites such as Amazon. Leadership: Ted Tieken 3-Year Growth: 841% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 16 Location: Belmont, Massachusetts Founded: 2014 Employees: 1-10
FloWater produces water refill stations for distribution in schools, fitness centers, hotels and businesses. Leadership: Rich Razgaitis 3-Year Growth: 704% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 19 Location: Denver, Colorado Founded: 2013 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 493
We are the Chompians makes ultra premium meat snacks from sustainable grass-fed and finished beef and venison and free range turkey. One of the fastest growing natural meat snack sticks brands in the United States, the company focuses its marketing toward women, unlikely many businesses in that sector. Leadership: Peter Maldonado 3-Year Growth: 657% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 21 Location: Naples, Florida Founded: 2012 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 62 2018: No. 124
Sweet Loren's produces cookie dough made with clean ingredients, to meet the needs of consumers. Products are gluten-free, nut-free and vegan. Leadership: Loren Brill 3-Year Growth: 656% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 22 Location: New York, New York Founded: 2010 Employees: 1-10 2019: No. 114
Lovebug Nutrition sells and markets condition-specific, premium probiotic supplements with a focus on mothers and babies. Leadership: Ashley Harris 3-Year Growth: 577% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 73 Location: New York, New York Founded: 2015 Employees: 1-10 2019: No. 140
Fresh N' Lean prepares fresh, ready-to-eat meals from scratch using organic ingredients. Through its primary brand, Fresh N' Lean, the company delivers meals directly to U.S. consumers in vacuum-sealed trays. It has now expanded to retail space. Leadership: Thomas Asseo 3-Year Growth: 562% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 24 Location: Anaheim, California Founded: 2010 Employees: 201-500
So Good So You manufactures plant-based functional shots that seeks to nurture the planet and people's lives. Its organic products are made with 100% renewable energy through its Zero Waste manufacturing facility. Leadership: Eric Hall 3-Year Growth: 516% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 25 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Founded: 2014 Employees: 11-50
Country Archer Provisions sells beef jerky and similar products made with 100% grass-fed beef and other real ingredients. Its products are free of nitrites, nitrates, preservatives, MSG and gluten. Leadership: Eugene Kang 3-Year Growth: 469% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 31 Location: San Bernardino, California Founded: 2011 Employees: 51-200 2018: No. 872
Lemonkind sells weight loss and cleanse products targeted towards individuals looking to lose weight and improve their health. Its juices are nutrient-dense, functional, ready to drink and shelf-stable. Leadership: Irene Rojas Stanbury 3-Year Growth: 444% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 34 Location: New York, New York Founded: 2014 Employees: 1-10
Solara Labs specializes in the development and employment of innovative and proprietary technologies to create quality nutritional produts. The company integrates expertise from the pharmaceutical drug-delivery field with high quality nutrition to improve people's lives. Leadership: Jose Rocca 3-Year Growth: 237% Industry: Health—No. 128 Location: Miami Gardens, Florida Founded: 2007 Employees: 11-50 Editor's note: Solara Labs was added to New Hope's list on Aug. 17.
Zoup! Specialty Products produces quality broths that are sold at grocery stores around the country. Leadership: Eric Ersher 3-Year Growth: 421% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 95 Location: Southfield, Michigan Founded: 2012 (Entered the retail market in 2014.) Employees: 1-10 2019: No. 912 2018: No. 4,886 2017: No. 3,587 2016: No. 3,350 2015: No. 3,113 Editor's note: Zoup! Has been listed on the Inc. 5000 rankings every year since 2010.
Best Nest Wellness creates and sells neuro-nutritional vitamins grounded in science for every life stage using ingredients that are proven, never trendy. Leadership: Madhavi Gupta 3-Year Growth: 417% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 96 Location: Denver, Colorado Founded: 2015 Employees: 1-10
High Road Craft Ice Cream makes ice cream sold in grocery and specialty food stores and to chefs and ice cream shops. Leadership: Keith Schroeder 3-Year Growth: 397% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 37 Location: Marietta, Georgia Founded: 2010 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 1,048 2018: No. 1,386 2017: No. 1,176 2016: No. 1,841
Wild Zora makes dehydrated snacks and meals made from organic fruits and veggies and 100% free-range and grass-fed animals responsibly raised without antibiotics or added hormones. Leadership: Zora Tabin 3-Year Growth: 387% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 39 Location: Loveland, Colorado Founded: 2014 Employees: 11-50
FreshJax sells organic spices and related products and donates part of the proceeds to the fight against childhood hunger. For every gift set sold on its website, FreshJax donates a meal to a child in need. Leadership: Jason McDonald 3-Year Growth: 383% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 103 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Founded: 2011 Employees: 11-50
Kodiak Cakes sells whole-grain, protein-infused mixes for baking cakes, waffles and pancakes. Leadership: Joel Clark 3-Year Growth: 370% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 40 Location: Park City, Utah Founded: 1995 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 838 2018: No. 671
Buddha Teas crafts teas that are free from artificial flavorings, offering more than 150 varieties of teas made with organic herbs. Leadership: John Boyd 3-Year Growth: 325% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 43 Location: Carlsbad, California Founded: 2013 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 1,455
Arctic Fox sells trendsetting vegan, semi-permanent hair color that infuses free expression with long-lasting, vivid hues. The company uses a color formula made in Southern California with non-GMO, plant-based proteins, zero hash chemicals and absolutely no animal testing. Leadership: Edward Bae 3-Year Growth: 324% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 117 Location: Gardena, California Founded: 2013 Employees: 11-50
Rebbl makes and sells herbal and superfood beverages such as chai, maca cold brew, and matcha latte. Leadership: Michele Kessler 3-Year Growth: 319% Industry: Consumer Products & Services—No. 119 Location: Emeryville, California Founded: 2011 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 640 2018: No. 228
Bubbies is a brand of Hawaiian ice cream that is best known for its premium Mochi ice cream and all-natural frozen desserts. Leadership: Rick Schaffer 3-Year Growth: 314% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 44 Location: Chandler, Arizona Founded: 1985 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 1,956 2018: No. 4,185 Editor's note: Bubbies Ice Cream was added to New Hope's list on Aug. 17.
UI Global Brands sells a range of beauty products under the Urban Hydration brand, including skincare, haircare, bath and body, and home and kitchen items. The company donates a gallon of water to families in need for every product purchased on its website. This is a Black-owned company. Leadership: Psyche Terry 3-Year Growth: 282% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 128 Location: Frisco, Texas Founded: 2009 Employees: 1-10 2019: No. 1,452
Organifi sells green juice and nutritional supplements. Leadership: Djamel Bettahar 3-Year Growth: 263% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 133 Location: San Diego, California Founded: 2014 Employees: 51-200 2018: No. 194 2017: No. 356 2016: No. 134
Belgian Boys makes non-GMO breakfasts, snacks and desserts. Leadership: Anouck Gotlib 3-Year Growth: 253% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 76 Location: Brooklyn, New York Founded: 2014 Employees: 1-10
Primal Life Organics makes skincare products that are vegan and gluten-free and do not contain synthetic fragrances or chemical preservatives. Leadership: Trina Felber 3-Year Growth: 208% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 154 Location: Copley, Ohio Founded: 2012 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 1,454 2018: No. 1,011 2017: No. 1,699
The GFB manufactures tasty, protein-packed food that is non-GMO verified, certified vegan, certified gluten-free, certified kosher and mostly organic. Leadership: Marshall Rader, Elliott Rader 3-Year Growth: 138% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 76 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan Founded: 2010 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 1,633
Kelapo, a brand of Beneficial Blends, is made of harvest-fresh coconut oil through coconut palms in tropical regions. Beneficial Blends offers also offers CBD products, co-packing, private label and bulk food services. Leadership: Erin Meagher 3-Year Growth: 128% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 77 Location: Tampa, Florida Founded: 2009 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 1,871 2018: No. 949 2017: No. 696 2016: No. 532 2015: No. 485
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams creates a pure, buttercream ice cream without synthetic flavors, dyes or stabilizers. Leadership: John Lowe 3-Year Growth: 122% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 79 Location: Columbus, Ohio Founded: 2002 Employees: 501-1,000 2019: No. 2,329
Pyure Brands provides its customers with natural alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners. The company offers products that are calorie-free, organic, GMO-free, contain no sugars or artificial chemicals. Leadership: Benjamin Fleischer 3-Year Growth: 102% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 92 Location: Naples, Florida Founded: 2008 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 2,666 2018: No. 1,944 2015: No. 1,525 2014: No. 528
Biomedical Research Labs supplies innovative science-based sports nutrition and natural remedy products. The Invigor8 shakes are made of "natural, wholesome ingredients." Leadership: Chris Jacob 3-Year Growth: 87% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 259 Location: La Jolla, California Founded: 2009 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 2,720 2018: No. 4,863 2017: No. 4,535 2015: No. 1,974 2014: No. 416
Natalie's Orchid Island makes authentically clean juices that are hand-picked and originate from local Florida farmers. Leadership: Marygrace Sexton 3-Year Growth: 86% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 99 Location: Fort Pierce, Florida Founded: 1990 Employees: 201-500 2019: No. 4,156 2018: No. 4,781 2017: No. 4,704
Soapbox sells a high quality soap bar that is made with natural, safe ingredients. For each bar bought through the company's website, one is donated to people in need in the United States and around the world. Leadership: David Simnick 3-Year Growth: 77% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 273 Location: Washington, D.C. Founded: 2010 Employees: 1-10 2018: No. 2,405 2017: No. 472
Davidson's Organic Teas makes organic tea in North America. Sells over 500+ blends of organic tea to retailers and customers. Leadership: Promilla Mohan 3-Year Growth: 74% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 105 Location: Sparks, Nevada Founded: 1976 Employees: 51-200
EO Products creates all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free personal care products. Leadership: Tom Feegel 3-Year Growth: 69% Industry: Consumer Products—No. 291 Location: San Rafael, California Founded: 1995 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 3,722 2017: No. 2,587 2016: No. 2,257 2015: No. 2,965 2014: No. 4,231 Editor's note: EO Products also appeared on the Inc. 5000 list in 2012, 2011 and 2010
Firehook specializes in authentic artisan breads, crackers, and cookies that are sold in natural food stores and supermarkets nationwide. Leadership: Pierre Abushacra 3-Year Growth: 61% Industry: Food & Beverage—No.112 Location: Chantilly, Virginia Founded: 1992 Employees: 51-200 2019: No. 3,844 2018: No. 4,524
Fresh Concepts offers a managed produce program that brings together growers, shippers and distributors. Leadership: John Davie 3-Year Growth: 58% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 115 Location: Temecula, California Founded: 1987 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 4,599 2018: No. 3,333
Fresh Concepts offers a managed produce program that brings together growers, shippers and distributors. Leadership: John Davie 3-Year Growth: 58% Industry: Food & Beverage—No. 115 Location: Temecula, California Founded: 1987 Employees: 11-50 2019: No. 4,599 2018: No. 3,333
Even a quick glance at the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies shows what happens when smart entrepreneurs catch the tailwinds of a strong economy.
The median revenue of the 5,000 companies was $10.2 million of the 5,000 companies and the median compound growth rate was 165.3%. They added more than 582,000 jobs in the past three years, according to Inc. magazine.
But all these impressive numbers reflect a pre-COVID-19 economy. Offices, retailers and restaurants were open. No one wore masks, and hand sanitizer, fresh meat and toilet paper were plentiful. What's coming next for these independent businesses?
Well, they don't seem to be slowing down. "At press time, only 11 percent had cut staff since March, while 47 percent were landing talent let loose by others. And for every CEO reporting a sales decline, another is seeing an uptick. In July, 80 percent were anticipating profitability for 2020," Leigh Buchanan, editor-at-large of Inc. magazine, wrote in a column.
"This is the beauty of the Inc. 5000. Even as their stomachs got smaller, their eyes got bigger. More than 40 percent of honorees say current conditions make it more important than ever to scale quickly. Just 10 percent feel it would be best to slow down," Buchanan added.
The 428 companies that fall into Inc.'s consumer products & services and food & beverage categories—the categories in which most natural products companies are listed—outperformed the overall list with median compound growth of 206%. Those companies, which account for just 8.6% of the 5,000, added 64,104 or 11% of the list's total jobs.
Revenue for companies in the two categories was more in line with the whole list, at $17.5 billion, 8.3% of the overall total revenue of $209.7 billion.
To be considered for the Inc. 5000 list, privately held companies that are based in the United States had to have earned $100,000 or more in 2016 and at least $2 million in 2019. The companies voluntarily submit their financial information.
While Inc. doesn't segregate natural products from traditional CPG, New Hope did, relying on lists of exhibitors at Natural Products Expos, searches of stories on NewHope.com and the companies' websites. Natural industry businesses account for 9 of the top 20 in food & beverages, and 6 of the top 50 in consumer products.
Click through the slide show to see the 51 natural products companies on this year’s list.
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