Fire Awards: Finalist - agtech/food tech
Like many startups, rootberry launched out of the need to solve a problem. Co-founder Marc Connor struggled to find quick and easy healthy meals when he adopted a plant-based diet. That led to the launch of rootberry, which makes and sells prepared plant-based meals, shareables, salads and desserts. Since its launch in 2021, rootberry has expanded quickly, launching with a direct-to-consumer delivery service model and expanding to retail stores and universities. It says it's on pace to boost its sales eight-fold this year compared to its first year of operations. It currently employs a team of about 25 and earlier this year established its headquarters at the roughly 9,000-square-foot former Weber Grill location at the Saint Louis Galleria in Richmond Heights.
What was your company’s biggest achievement in the past year? Last year was our first year in business, so successfully launching a new brand across online delivery, retail grocery, universities, hospitals and corporate offices could be seen as many smaller achievements – but to do that in the span of less than a year with people that came together with shared passion and purpose is one big achievement we’re grateful for and proud of. We’ve launched in over 50 retail locations, made nearly 3,000 home/office deliveries and our year-to-date 2022 sales year have already doubled all sales in 2021.
What is your company’s top goal for the next year? To triple 2022 revenue through expanded distribution in two to three Midwest markets and expanding our team with at least 5 new rootberries (company associates) to help make it happen.
Are you currently hiring? If so, for what roles? Currently we’re hiring for brand ambassadors and a fall intern, however we anticipate hiring around five new positions to support operations, marketing, culinary and sales and account management.
For links to profiles of winners and finalists in the 2022 Fire Awards and Startup Exit Awards, go here:
