I had the nicest chat with a long-time acquaintance and colleague in the food and gift industry recently and it was a delightful trip down memory lane! I first met Susan Zink from Heartland Gourmet in the previous millennium when we were both young and “wet-behind-the-ears” Nebraska women in business. She and I served on the original Nebraska Home Based Business Advisory Board way back in about 1992 when the sleeping giant of marketing Nebraska-made products first began to wake up. It was an exciting time.
Susan has been a prominent voice promoting Nebraska products for many years. Back in the “big hair and shoulder pad” year of 1994, Susan and her husband Mark bought the company. It was called Raising Dough back then, a clever name for a company that sold mixes and food products for fund raising activities. In 1996, the Zinks began manufacturing and over the years, the business has evolved into large scale operation which supplies products for both wholesale distribution and private labeling.
The 54,000 square foot factory (yes, you read that right!) in Lincoln, Nebraska is a virtual bee hive this time of year, bursting at the seams with activity. The fifteen full time employees are joined by a host of seasonal workers to meet the holiday demand. The holidays call for lots of food for parties and for gift-giving! For Heartland Gourmet, it means full speed ahead, the machines are humming to fill the cupboards and shelves!
Heartland Gourmet joined GROW Nebraska in 1998 which gives them the distinction of being a tenured and highly valued member of GROW. It has been gratifying to watch the company grow, diversify, and prosper over the years! Today, the company has five unique divisions. The original Heartland Gourmet has been joined by Wanda’s Organic Mixes, Cobblestone Kitchen, Gluten Free Mama, and the newest member of the family is Cooper’s Best, Nebraska’s favorite pancake and waffle mixes!
I asked Susan about some of their best sellers and which areas have grown most quickly. Her gluten free products have seen huge increases in sales as awareness of gluten intolerance has increased. One of the most popular gluten free products is a red velvet cupcake mix! Yum! Heartland Gourmet is certified in organic and gluten free manufacture and will soon be adding a kosher certification.
The holidays are rushing toward us. Gifts of specialty foods are always a hit, always fit and are perfect for those people who leave you stumped every year. Products from the Heartland Gourmet family of goodies are available at both GROW stores; in Kearney at the Hilltop Mall and in Grand Island at Conestoga Mall. You can even buy them in your jammies, 24/7/365 at www.buynebraska.com. Don’t miss out!
About the Author: Betty Streff is the Coordinator of GROW Nebraska store in Kearney. You can read more about Betty here.
Susan has been a prominent voice promoting Nebraska products for many years. Back in the “big hair and shoulder pad” year of 1994, Susan and her husband Mark bought the company. It was called Raising Dough back then, a clever name for a company that sold mixes and food products for fund raising activities. In 1996, the Zinks began manufacturing and over the years, the business has evolved into large scale operation which supplies products for both wholesale distribution and private labeling.
The 54,000 square foot factory (yes, you read that right!) in Lincoln, Nebraska is a virtual bee hive this time of year, bursting at the seams with activity. The fifteen full time employees are joined by a host of seasonal workers to meet the holiday demand. The holidays call for lots of food for parties and for gift-giving! For Heartland Gourmet, it means full speed ahead, the machines are humming to fill the cupboards and shelves!
I asked Susan about some of their best sellers and which areas have grown most quickly. Her gluten free products have seen huge increases in sales as awareness of gluten intolerance has increased. One of the most popular gluten free products is a red velvet cupcake mix! Yum! Heartland Gourmet is certified in organic and gluten free manufacture and will soon be adding a kosher certification.
The holidays are rushing toward us. Gifts of specialty foods are always a hit, always fit and are perfect for those people who leave you stumped every year. Products from the Heartland Gourmet family of goodies are available at both GROW stores; in Kearney at the Hilltop Mall and in Grand Island at Conestoga Mall. You can even buy them in your jammies, 24/7/365 at www.buynebraska.com. Don’t miss out!
About the Author: Betty Streff is the Coordinator of GROW Nebraska store in Kearney. You can read more about Betty here.
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