As reported in Buffalo Inno, Jeca Energy Bars is focused on building a strong foundation in preparation to scale. The Cultivator graduate company, which makes all-natural, plant-based artisanal energy bars, has equipment in place, funds raised, and a partnership with Whole Foods that is expanding.
Jeca was founded in 2015, and founder/CEO Ree Dolnick left her job as a cancer researcher in 2017 to focus on the business full time. The company took time during the pandemic to double down on necessary logistics like running A/B tests, defining its customer base and determining how to best communicate with them.
Now, Jeca is expanding its partnership with Whole Foods from selling in three regional stores to around 22 locations. The company is also in talks with other national chains.
Following pandemic-related delays with equipment, a partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology resulted in a new piece of equipment that has increased Jeca's production capacity by at least fivefold.
The Buffalo-based startup has doubled gross sales over the last 12 months and is raising a pre-seed funding round.
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