Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that farm-to-table hot sauce and condiments producer, The Karma Sauce Company, is ready to grow its manufacturing operations in the City of Rochester, Monroe County and at its Burning Springs Farm in the Town of Bristol, Ontario County. The Karma Sauce line is hand-processed and bottled at 90 Canal Street in Rochester where the company is ready to upgrade its 10,000 square-foot manufacturing facility by purchasing additional equipment in an effort to keep up with the growing demand for its renowned products. Karma Sauce has additionally committed to creating up to 37 new jobs over the next five years;10 jobs will be retained. With an eye towards future expansion, the company is also currently working to become Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified, which in turn will open them up to supplying national and worldwide retailers and food service provider/manufacturers who require that certification.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “It’s so exciting to see entrepreneurs realize their dreams and I congratulate Karma Sauce on growing its state-of-the-art facility in the Finger Lakes, where locally sourced ingredients are key to the brand’s popularity. This hot sauce maker will also heat up the regional economy with the addition of good-paying jobs, in an expansion that also reflects New York’s ongoing support of the state’s agribusiness ecosystem.”
Founded in 2008, The Karma Sauce Company designs recipes, grows the ingredients used, and handcrafts its own sauces in its micro-factory in Rochester. Word of mouth acclaim, including being featured in 2018 on the You Tube Channel show ‘Hot Ones’, led to an expanded line of over twenty distinctively flavored products, made with vegetables grown on its farm located in the Town of Bristol in Ontario County. Other locally sourced ingredients are also featured in Karma Sauce products. The expansion will additionally create future job opportunities on the farm.
Gene Olczak, founder of The Karma Sauce Company said, “From our humble beginnings over a decade ago, we are thrilled to be expanding our operations here in New York state. This investment will not only allow us to keep up with the growing demand for our products but also create good-paying jobs and contribute to the local economy. We are grateful for the support of Empire State Development and our local partners in helping us share our love of flavorful, farm-to-table condiments with the world. “
ESD is supporting the company’s expansion in New York state with up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for the company’s job creation commitments. Monroe County, the City of Rochester, Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) and Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) are also assisting with the project. The total project cost has been placed at a little more than $1 million.
This project additionally supports the locally designed strategy of the Finer Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) which is laser focused on supporting next generation manufacturing and technology in the agriculture and food production industries in an effort to move the region forward.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Congratulations Karma Sauce on your current success and expansion. It is always a cause for celebration to see a local company continue to grow and invest in our region. I look forward to seeing Karma continue to grow here in Rochester and stand ready to assist them however possible.”
State Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “I am grateful to see a clear investment toward providing well-paying jobs and economic opportunities for members of our community. As our city begins a process of major revitalization, it is important that we continue to support the growth and success of local businesses such as the Karma Sauce Company. Congratulations to the family and staff of Karma Sauce on their significant expansion and for their continued commitment to Greater Rochester.”
State Senator Pam Helming said, “From our family farms that give us fresh, locally-grown ingredients, to the tremendous resources available to support food innovators, the Finger Lakes is one of the ‘hottest’ spots to grow and thrive in food, beverage and agribusiness. Congratulations to Gene Olczak and the entire Karma Sauce team on their continued success.”
State Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes said, “This is very exciting news for the entire region. The continued success of Karma Sauce demonstrates the importance of shopping small and supporting local.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Monroe County is proud to be home to a dynamic and innovative company expanding its operations here and contributing to our local economy and culinary landscape. This expansion not only supports local job growth but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Monroe County’s economy. Congratulations to Karma Sauce Company on their continued success.”
City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “I want to congratulate Karma Sauce on their expansion and thank them for making this investment in Rochester. Thank you as well to Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for supporting Rochester’s economy through Finger Lakes Forward. Together we creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.”
President and CEO of RG&E and NYSEG Patricia Nilsen, said, “As a company celebrating its 175th year in the greater Rochester area, RG&E is delighted to see The Karma Sauce Company expand its operations in this thriving community. We are always excited to support new and growing businesses and deliver the energy that makes their operations successful.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy said, “We’re thrilled to see Karma Sauce Company, a company committed to locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, continue to grow and create jobs in the Finger Lakes region. This investment is a testament to the company’s success and the strength of our regional economy, and we look forward to supporting their continued expansion.”
Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Karma Sauce’s continued expansion is a testament to the robust food manufacturing ecosystem in the Greater Rochester, NY, region. The full range of resources including rich agriculture to source products locally, talented workforce with food science expertise, and a strategic location that makes it easy to transport products to customers quickly, are the unique ingredients available in Rochester, NY that support Karma Sauce’s growth.
For more information about Karma Sauce, visit: https://karmasauce.com/.