Yalla Foods Manufacturing LLC | Application Preview
Yalla Foods Manufacturing LLC is seeking government grants to support its growth in food manufacturing by funding packaging materials, equipment, and labor costs. The business has established relationships with distributors and aims to expand its reach from Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to include Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York.
The partnership between an Israeli immigrant and an African American entrepreneur highlights a unique narrative, connecting Mizrahi Jewish culinary traditions with the ambition of an individual from a historically underserved community. This story positions Yalla Foods as an appealing partner for medium and large grocery distributors. Their product, Yalla Vermont Hummus, has gained popularity in co-ops and independent grocers in the region and shows potential for wider recognition in the national natural foods market.
In terms of competition, Yalla’s main rival is Cedar’s, the only other certified organic, local hummus producer prevalent in New England. The founder believes that Yalla offers superior quality, which sets it apart. With five years of experience as an independent contractor, the founder has worked hard to build a business that promotes inclusivity and pride in producing top-notch Middle Eastern food. The requested funding will aid in fully transitioning to a dedicated food manufacturing operation, enhancing both product quality and workplace culture.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 0400411
Location: West Townshend, VT, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: $100k to $250k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
Packaging materials, equipment costs, hiring/labor costs.
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Business Plan
We have opened relationships with broad line distributors and aim to increase our distribution from VT, MA, and NH, to include ME, CT, RI, and NY. Yalla Foods is a partnership between an Israeli immigrant and an African American man. The foods we make tell the story of Mizrahi Jewish life in the Middle East, and combined with the ambition of an American from a historically underserved community, we have become an attractive partner for medium-sized and large grocery distributors. Yalla Vermont Hummus has become a staple of coops and independent grocers across VT, NH, and MA, and it has the potential to become a staple in the national natural foods market (Krogers, Whole Foods, etc.). The funding will allow us to complete our transition to full-time food manufacturing.
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Self Identified Competition
Cedar’s, the only other certified organic, local hummus company, is our primary competitor. They are ubiquitous across perishable aisles across New England. Simply put, Yalla is THE BEST. I have put in 5 years of work as an independent contractor and fledgling business owner, to build a business that I can feel proud of. As a black man in America, this is something that I never imagined was possible for me. I not only enjoy making the best middle eastern food I have ever had, but I enjoy creating a workplace that I am proud of. One that is welcoming, inclusive, and focused on making amazing products.
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Contact Applicant
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