FreshDirect has always prided itself on supporting the growth of small, emerging, and local brands. We are committed to using our platform to give visibility and recognition to the creators, makers, and craftspeople that are creating incredible goods.
This mission includes includes investing in BIPOC-led brands that are working toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and just food system. These businesses are not only behind some of the most exciting products out there, but also are dedicated to positive social and economic change. At FreshDirect, it’s deeply ingrained in our values to promote and celebrate these leaders.
For Black History Month, we’re putting a spotlight on local, Black-owned brands that you can find on FreshDirect. Each of them, in their own way, exemplifies a powerful combination of innovation, goodwill, and a commitment to deliciousness. We’re truly honored and grateful to have them in the FreshDirect family.
Black-Owned Brands on FreshDirect
A Dozen Cousins
A Dozen Cousins’ ready-to-heat beans make it super easy to bring delicious, globally-inspired flavors to meal time. Each variety is perfectly simmered and seasoned, using recipes from founder Ibraheem Basir. A Dozen Cousins is also committed to addressing food insecurity and providing access to healthy foods in underserved communities.
Don Carvajal Coffee
Don Carvajal Cafe is committed to bringing their customers the finest direct trade, eco-friendly coffees in sustainable packaging. Based in the South Bronx, their team maintains relationships with farm co-ops throughout Central and South America, creating a supply chain that emphasizes putting ethical labor and environmental stewardship behind each cup of coffee.
Egunsi Foods
Egunsi Foods to brings authentic West African flavors straight to your kitchen. Made locally in New York City, Egunsi uses locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible, also working with African farms for their spices and grains. These picks deliver unexpectedly delicious flavors with a little spice that’s just right.
McBride Sisters Wine
McBride Sisters wine was founded in 2005, when sisters Robin and Andréa set out to shake up the industry with a blend of old-world elegance and new-world finesse. Their wines reflect the terroirs of the places where they grew up, and have flavors designed for all palates. Today, McBride sisters is the largest women-owned winery in the US. The duo also created the McBride Sisters SHE CAN Professional Development Fund in 2019 to promote the professional advancement of women in the wine industry, help close the gender and race gap, and create opportunities where there were not before.
New Communities
New Communities, one of the first community land trusts in the U.S., turned the loss of their original land due to discrimination into a story of resilience and opportunity. They farm in southwest Georgia, in one of the poorest parts of the state. Over the organization’s 51 year history, these tenacious farmers have experienced more than their share of hardship and prejudice. Today, this African American-owned-and-run pecan orchard and center for social justice is building a future for black farmers in southern Georgia.
Partake Cookies
Partake Cookies was born from a mission to make snacking inclusive for all. These vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and top 8 allergen-free treats are the result of founder Denise Woodard’s quest to make healthy, high-quality and delicious allergy-friendly snacks for her daughter. We’re thrilled to offer this Jersey City-based company’s cookies made with simple and wholesome ingredients, from their classic Chocolate Chip or fan-favorite Ginger Snap. Denise is also actively involved in mentorship programs for budding industry leaders.
Pipcorn Snacks
Pipcorn is proud to be a Black and women-founded business based in Brooklyn, NY. The idea for Pipcorn was born in 2012, co-founders and siblings Jeff and Jen Martin popped batch after batch of the most delicious popcorn that they had found in a health food store. Together with Jeff’s wife, Teresa, they launched Pipcorn, which grew into a snacking success story. Pipcorn is certified B Corp. and dedicated to creating innovative snacks rooted in sustainability.
Stori Coffee
For over two decades, the founders of Stori Coffee have been building relationships with the women of Rwanda’s Hingakawa co-op in order to bring their exceptional single-origin coffee to the world. These women came together after their country’s devastating genocide to grow coffee in a male-dominated industry, growing into a thriving co-op that has received awards for excellence in specialty coffee year after year. Stori uses its personal relationship with these producers to ensure each partner is paid fairly for their craft. FreshDirect is proud to support Stori’s commitment to traceability and more ethical sourcing.
The Honey Pot
The Honey Pot was born out of one woman’s need to naturally heal herself. Founder Beatrice Dixon became a woman on a mission, searching for natural remedies to help prevent infections. Beatrice charged ahead and created The Honey Pot Feminine Wash—her very own natural healing aid. The Honey Pot’s mission is to educate, support, and provide women around the world with the tools and resources that promote health and wellness. Through their functional plant-based products, they provide women with a healthy alternative that is free of chemicals, parabens, carcinogens, and sulfates. Say hello to the future of feminine care.
Yolélé Fonio
Yolélé is an importer of African fonio, a gluten-free ancient grain that packs fiber, antioxidants, and minerals and has a deliciously nutty taste. Yolélé’s mission is to create economic opportunity for small farming communities, support regenerative food systems, and promote the biodiversity that our planet needs.
Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm
This local, family-run apiary and honey business was born from a passion project to fight seasonal allergies and raise awareness about bees. After seeing the difference local honey made for their son Zach’s health, plus months of research and coaxing by local beekeeping friends, the Johnson family decided to take the plunge and officially start their journey as beekeepers, doing it the right way. No pesticides. No additives. Just pure, raw honey from the bees that they value, nurture, and love.