Elevating Alaskan Superfoods to National Success
Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Southeast Alaska, Foraged & Found is revolutionizing the food industry by bringing the bounty of Alaska’s wild superfoods to tables across the nation. Founded by Jennifer Brown in August of 2017, a chef with a passion for sustainable cuisine and a background in global marketing strategy, this innovative company specializes in kelp-based products that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
As Foraged & Found continued to grow, Jennifer recognized the need to evaluate their financial planning to expand operations. Turning to the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance proved to be a game-changer. The SBDC connected Foraged & Found with multiple resources, helped evaluate their business plan, and achieved the necessary funding in a short period of time. “The Alaska SBDC’s research data and insights were instrumental in helping us develop a robust business plan and targeted marketing strategy,” Jennifer shares. “Their financial advice and lender introductions have been crucial in enabling us to expand our operations. We’re grateful for their support in helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.”
The idea for Foraged & Found came to Jennifer while working as a chef on a yacht in Southeast Alaska. Inspired by the region’s abundant wild foods, she began creating unique canned products to share with her family out of state. What started as a personal project quickly blossomed into a business opportunity when she set up a booth at Ketchikan’s Blueberry Festival. The enthusiastic response from thousands of cruise ship passengers highlighted the potential for a business focused on Alaskan superfoods.
Jennifer’s extensive experience in marketing for top global brands such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon equipped her with the skills necessary to launch and grow her own brand. With a clear mission to make kelp and other wild superfoods accessible and appealing, Foraged & Found was born.
Foraged & Found stands out by seamlessly incorporating kelp into familiar food products, making it easy for consumers to integrate this superfood into their diets. The company sources its kelp sustainably from Alaska, working closely with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Native Conservancy, and Chugach Regional Resources Commission to ensure environmental stewardship.
A standout initiative is their kelp replanting program, where Foraged & Found pledges to replant one bull kelp plant for every jar of pickles sold. This not only replenishes the kelp biomass but also resonates deeply with environmentally conscious consumers.
Foraged & Found’s journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its scaling plans, the company demonstrated remarkable flexibility, pivoting strategies to continue its growth. This tenacity has been crucial in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and staying true to its mission.
Foraged & Found is poised for an exciting future. With plans to expand its brand awareness through brand ambassadors in key US cities and a vibrant online community, the company is set to bring the benefits of kelp-based products to a broader audience. Events like Seagriculture USA and celebrating their 8th anniversary at the Blueberry Festival this August further cement their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Foraged & Found is not just a business; it’s a testament to the power of innovation, sustainability, and the entrepreneurial spirit, with a vision to transform how we view and consume wild superfoods.
To connect with Foraged & Found, visit foragednfound.com and on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also connect via email kelpmeout@foragednfound.com and by phone at (907) 220-2133.
