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
Trade Street Jam Co.
Trade Street Jam Co. is a Black and woman-owned small batch jam company founded by chef Ashley Rouse. Based in Brooklyn, Trade Street creates fruit-forward, clean-tasting vegan jams that are low in sugar and high in flavor. Their spoonable jams (yes, the texture is very different) are great on toast, but even better in recipe—we’re talking craft cocktails, sauces, glazes, baked goods, yogurt, overnight oats, salad dressings, and so on. Ashley and Trade Street are also committed to giving back through education and helping those who face food insecurity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nafi’s
Nafi’s is owned by Chef Bintou N’daw, who overtook the catering business that had been run by her mother. Driven by a desire to fill the lack of West African products on the market, Bintou started selling sauces based on recipes from her Senegalese family. Nafi’s offerings include simmer sauces and condiments that emphasize their savoriness with a balanced amount of spice. We love how her smoky cumin pepper sauce brings a unique, alluring flavor wherever you put it, as well as the way in which her coconut simmer sauce provides the perfect backdrop for veggies.
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.