Meet Edenesque, a Black woman-owned plant-based milk brand

Over the years, the consumption of plant milk is becoming increasingly popular. According to the study (published in October 2022 by Euromonitor International), the marketplace for such a drinks within the US increased by 15% from 2019 to 2020. McKinsey & Company45 percent of the 1,217 plant-based milk drinkers surveyed said they planned to extend their consumption in the subsequent few years. People go crazy for nut milks.

Switching to a plant-based eating regimen is a success for the growing vegan population and is very popular amongst people affected by lactose intolerance, which is common amongst African Americans and other minorities within the US. But what number of options are there available on the market? produced by Black-owned businesses? Almost a handful. That covers it And Edencreated by chef and entrepreneur Leslie Woodward.

“My philosophy has always been to emphasize whole foods rather than fad diets, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients,” Woodward tells ESSENCE. “Edenesque embodies a return to these basic principles of food – reflecting simplicity and purity.”

Early in her culinary profession, Woodward created cold-pressed juice and nut milk cleansing products for clients. She decided to sell the milk at a flea market in Long Island City, New York, and the demand for her delicious drink made it clear that she needed to seek out a strategy to get it into more people’s glasses.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he says. “Customers loved the taste, appreciated our commitment to cleanliness and appreciated the lack of additives and preservatives in our product. When I heard that our nut milks filled a real gap in the market, I was inspired to take a more serious interest in plant-based milk. Ultimately, I found true joy in creating a pure, authentic product that spoke to people.”

After experimenting with hemp, coconut and other varieties, Edensque is now here available in three options: Unsweetened oat milk, Barista Blend oat milk and Barista Blend pistachio milk. They will be present in grocery stores, farmers markets and low shops in New York and New Jersey.

“I started small, selling at farmers markets, and eventually expanded into regional retail stores, where we achieved strong sales and excellent shelf placement,” she says, noting that she was only capable of produce about 100 bottles a day on her own. . After partnering with a co-producer, Woodward decided to concentrate on oat and pistachio milks attributable to their popularity and flexibility, which increased production significantly. Her milk has been received with the identical enthusiasm that was seen in her early days at farmers markets, now that her reach is far wider throughout the tri-state area. This is due to its unique taste.

“While many plant-based brands are highly diluted, often containing just 2% of the main ingredient, Edensque products contain 10% – the highest on the market – with no additives or refined sugars,” she says, highlighting the wealthy flavor present in her current milk range. “This commitment to quality has redefined the premium plant space, enabling us to offer high-quality products at competitive prices.”

Plus, people love Edensque for its sourced ingredients and sustainability because, she says, “they’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.” Beyond the drink itself, Woodward’s can also be recognized for its impact on the community.

“Beyond our products, our mission focuses on making a positive social impact. As a triple bottom line company, our goal is to make a difference in our community,” he says. “For example, I served on the Kingston Re-Entry Task Force supporting people transitioning from prison. One of our first employees, who had just been laid off after 25 years, asked to work with us. Thanks to our open hiring policy, he was able to secure stable employment, transfer parole to be closer to family, and is now thriving.”

He adds, “We also launched the Edensque Food Insecurity Initiative in partnership with Greater Hudson Promise, Sweet Freedom Farm, Columbia County Recovery Kitchen and Long Table Harvest. This initiative aims to address food insecurity in Columbia County and empower individuals to realize their potential. Our goal is to replicate this model in similar agencies throughout New York State.”

While there aren’t many black walnut milk makers on the market yet, Edensque is making a splash (and helping you make delicious meals and drinks!). When asked where she sees the brand in the approaching years, Woodward says she looks forward to its expansion beyond the Northeast, continuing to have a positive impact on healthy living while also contributing to the fight to finish food insecurity.

Woodward says, “I hope that ultimately Edenesque will inspire others to take action and realize our vision and mission as a force for positive change.”