WILMINGTON, NC. — FedUp Foods, a private label, independently owned fermented beverage manufacturer, is adding a new beverage facility to its operations in Wilmington.  

The project includes renovating an existing building, which will be the company’s third on the East Coast. The company currently has operations in Marshall and Wilmington, NC, and Erwin, Tenn.

The facility will enable the company to add approximately 200,000 barrels to production per year, according to the company.

FedUp Foods, formerly Buchi, was founded in 2008 by Jeannine Buscher and Sarah Millins to offer a healthy alternative for their children.

The entrepreneur’s beverage grew in popularity beginning with samples for friends, family, neighbors, and local farmers markets.

Once the beverage became more widely known, Buscher and Mullins moved their operation from a small kitchen in Asheville, NC., to a warehouse on a 180-acre farm in the Southern Appalachia Mountains.

The company later moved to a 30,000-square-foot brewery in Marshall, NC.

Buchi transitioned to FedUp Foods P.B.C as a private-label manufacturer in 2020, according to a LinkedIn post from FedUp Foods.

The company now offers kombucha, kombucha spritzer, prebiotic and probiotic sodas, tepache, water kefir soda, and functional cold-brew coffee.

“In light of the evolving landscape within the food and beverage industry, particularly with grocers increasingly investing in private label offerings, we, as industry leaders, are committed partners in meeting the rising demand for high-quality, good-for-you beverages at an accessible price point,” said David Gray, chief executive officer of FedUp Foods. “While also contributing positively to the communities and environment that make our business possible. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the commitment of our entire team, and we’re excited to grow and carry our mission forward in this next phase of our journey with the city of Wilmington.”

The company expects to hold the grand opening later this summer.

“As we extend our roots into Wilmington, NC., our aim is to offer job advancement and opportunities for the local workforce, contributing to the economic well-being of the area, as we have successfully done in the Asheville area over the past 15 years,” said Sarah Mullins, co-founder and vice president for people and purpose at FedUp Foods. “We are proud to offer a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally — a place where you are empowered and your contributions are welcomed and valued.”

Enjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.