Leep Foods Advances to the Grow-NY Finals

Rochester-based food startup is one of twenty finalists in the competition.

Rochester, NY - Food and agriculture competition Grow-NY announced that Rochester-based regenerative food company Leep Foods is one of twenty finalists eligible for a $1 million grand prize. 

Jeff Adair, CEO of Leep Foods, says, “We grow the best mushrooms in the world right here in Rochester. Our plan is to create more jobs in agriculture and create a mushroom hub right here in the Grow-NY region.”

What started as an RIT college experiment has turned into an emerging Upstate New York business with national sales channels. “The recognition from Grow-NY shows that this business is on to something in food and agriculture,” says George Zhang, one of the three founders of Leep Foods.

When George was an RIT-student, he developed a process to grow mushrooms on American hardwoods. Most commercial mushrooms are grown on manure. In their controlled agriculture environment facility using George’s techniques, they grow Lion’s Mane, Blue Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms for Wegmans and Tops.

The company is also expanding into blended meat products. They currently have two products in their blended meat line, a blended burger and multiple flavors of blended chicken sausage. 

“Mushrooms provide an umami-foundation that really comes through in the blended meat products,” says Jeff, “we’re seeing great results amplifying flavor with mushrooms.”

Earlier in September, Leep Foods sold out of their blended chicken sausage during their second QVC appearance. Their blended meat and mushroom products are available online at Thrive Market and QVC. 

Jeff says, “Leep has an incredible story. With both our fresh and blended product lines expanding, we're one step closer to making this area a mushroom hub.”

Grow-NY winners will be announced in November 2020.