LesserEvil
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Michael A. Sands |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Area served | North America |
Key people | Charles Coristine, CEO |
| Products | Snack foods |
Number of employees | 220[1] |
| Website | www |
LesserEvil is an American snack company located in Danbury, Connecticut. The brand is known for its commitment to healthy, organic, and sustainable snacks.[2]
History
LesserEvil was founded in 2004 by Michael A. Sands[3] (with funding from Gene Hackman & Jim Cramer) in Tuckahoe, New York,[4] with a mission to provide a healthier alternative to snacking.[5] Their initial product offering was an all-natural kettlecorn, which was packaged in a vintage-style popcorn box.[4] After the introduction of an expanded variety of kettlecorn, there was a demand for more "less evil" snacks. In 2006 they would introduce a second line, All-Natural Krinkle Sticks, an alternative to fried potato chips.[6]
In 2011 Charles Coristine acquired LesserEvil[7] and opened its Danbury factory the following year.[8] At this point, the company's headquarters was still located in Wilton, Connecticut, but would fully move all operations to the current Commerce Park location in Danbury by 2013.[9] While the improvements to the business were needed, Coristine's primary focus was to refine the company's mission and offer a product that is truly healthy, rather than a snack that's not as bad as the others.[10] By exploring more innovative and natural ingredients, such as black beans and chia seeds, new nutritional snacks emerged.[11]
LesserEvil underwent a rebrand in 2019, which emphasizes "mindful" snacking, reiterated by the "guru" mascots featured on the packaging.[12]
In April of 2022, the brand entered a new product category by acquiring R.E.D.D. Bar.[13]
References
- ^ "LesserEvil Overview". pitchbook.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Bains, Roshini (June 17, 2022). "LesserEvil Collaborates with RIND Snacks". International Bakery. Hand Media International. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
- ^ Moran Alterio, Julie (August 13, 2008). "Snack company markets to presidential race". The Journal News. White Plains, New York. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
- ^ a b Lee, Richard (March 8, 2012). "Judges like what they savor in LesserEvil". The Stamford Advocate. Hearst. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Berkshire Hathaway (June 18, 2012). "Snack Food Company is on a Mission to Make the World Less Evil". Business Wire. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ "The LesserEvil History". LesserEvil.com. LesserEvil Brand Snack Co. 2009. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Larson, Andrew (June 26, 2023). "Nearing $100M in annual revenues, CT's LesserEvil expands organic snack foods line, readies new in-state manufacturing plant". Hartford Business Journal. New England Business Media LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Alissa (May 30, 2013). "LesserEvil Snacks Opens A New Factory In Danbury". Daily Voice. Cantata Media LLC. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ David W. St. Hilaire (2013). "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for The Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013". City of Danbury Department of Finance. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Dube, Rob (September 3, 2019). "Searching for a Smarter Snack: How This Mindful Leader Created A LesserEvil". Forbes. Forbes Media. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ "Wellbeing Benefits". LesserEvil.com. LesserEvil Brand Snack Co. 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Cabrey, Erin (July 13, 2020). "LesserEvil Moves Into New Categories, Expands Distribution". NOSH. NevNET. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Nunes, Keith (April 13, 2022). "LesserEvil enters bar category with acquisition of R.E.D.D. Bar". Food Business News. Sosland Publishing. Retrieved September 3, 2023.