Vermont is known for spawning grassroots businesses that utilize the state’s rich and plentiful natural resources. New Englanders have always appreciated the fine quality and durability of Vermont’s contributions, but these 10 businesses have made a name for themselves worldwide.
1. Ben & Jerry’s
Once you’ve had Ben & Jerry’s ice cream everything else is just a cheap imitation. Made with fresh ingredients from right at home in Vermont whenever possible, you can’t find anything more decadent in a grocery store.
2. Vermont Teddy Bear
Long before Build-A-Bear there was the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. I can remember the delight of receiving one of these occasion bears for a big event like First Communion or graduation. They are classic, timeless and beloved by millions.
3. Green Mountain Coffee
From its beginnings as a small, local coffee roaster in 1981, Vermont’s Green Mountain Coffee was an instant New England favorite. Since then they’ve grown by leaps and bounds, acquiring the mega-brand, Keurig in 2006.
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4. Vermont Syrup Company
If you’ve never had real homemade Vermont maple syrup, you don’t know what you’re missing! Aunt Jemima is a poor substitute for the fresh, rich taste of real local syrup. The Vermont Syrup Company has been operated by one family for 138 years and ships their products worldwide.
5. Cabot Cheese
The Cabot Creamery Cooperative began in 1919 with local Vermont farmers who wanted to get high quality cheese and dairy products out to the world. Cabot is now a staple in most dairy cases across the US.
6. Vermont Flannel
The Vermont Flannel Company is a perfect example of how making a common, mainstream product just a little bit better can earn you success. They have been making hand-cut flannel products in East Barre for 25 years and have earned a reputation for quality and excellence.
7. King Arthur Flour
Originally founded in Boston in 1790, King Arthur Flour relocated to Norwich, Vermont in 1978. Their motto “Never bleached – never bromated” makes the company a favorite among health nuts and serious bakers. The company is family-owned and sells cookbooks, baking mixes and other ingredients as well as flour.
8. Vermont Butcher Block
The Vermont Butcher Block & Board Company is relatively new to the game, but after being seen on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2013, they have grown exponentially. They are based in Williston, VT and pride themselves on creating the finest quality wood kitchen products on the market.
9. Bee’s Wrap
It seems that the sustainability of the bee populations across the world is a topic never far from the globally-inclined’s minds. Beekeeping, natural honey and beeswax products are all the rage and Bee’s Wrap has found a unique way to capitalize on that. Using organic cotton, beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin they have created an earth-friendly, innovative way to store food. Their products are handmade in Bristol, VT and have been featured in O – Oprah’s magazine.
10. Potlicker Beer Jelly
Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state. The couple behind Potlicker Kitchen have taken their two passions – beer and canning – and combined them into quite a successful little business. Based out of Stowe, Potlicker’s products have received national awards & international attention.
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Featured Image via Instagram/@LiseFriis