Vermont Cranberry Company

Bob Lesnikoski harvesting cranberries

We have loved what Bob Lesnikoski’s been doing at Vermont Cranberry Company for many years now. From fresh cranberries for the holidays to dried cranberries and juice throughout the year to artisanal balsamic vinegar for special occasions, his products are always something to look forward to.

While Vermont Cranberry has name recognition in Vermont and beyond on the retail store shelf, their less familiar wholesale business has been steadily growing, supplying the likes of Boyden Valley Winery, Spindrift, Aquavitea Kombucha, Champlain Orchards, Citizen Cider, and Artesano Meadery with fresh juices for their products. Bob has branched out beyond cranberry juice too, custom pressing local elderberries, melons, currants, and blueberries.

Bob sees small batch juice production using local fruits and vegetables as a viable niche for the company and sought a loan to outfit a new white room to FDA inspection standards. The improvements will enable Vermont Cranberry to expand wholesale production, pressing for more days per year and incorporating other fruits and vegetables like carrots into the mix.

When asked why he chose the VFF, Bob went straight to the heart of our mission, “My main reason for seeking the loan from the VFF is keeping the funds I pay back revolving around our great Vermont farm community.”