A mother/daughter-owned company is opening its second state-of-the-art pretzel production plant to respond to demand. The news comes as pretzels are one of the fastest growing segment of the salty snack industry for the first time in recent history.
Nevada-based Stellar Snacks announced last week its plans to expand production with a $137 million investment over 10 years and a 434,000sq-ft pretzel bakery facility in Louisville. Elisabeth and Gina Galvin founded Stellar Snacks in 2019 under a “Pretzels with a Purpose” platform, producing non-GMO, vegan pretzels with sustainably sourced wholesome ingredients and a variety of gourmet flavors.
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Sales of Stellar Pretzel Braids are up 162% in the last 52 weeks, making it one of the fastest growing natural pretzel brands in the country. Stellar’s growth compliments the overall pretzel category becoming the fastest growing of the salty snack industry, versus long-time giants like chips, popcorn and puffed snacks, which is a big change for the grocery aisle. In all, the pretzel segment is up 33% in sales over the past two years, creating a nearly $2 billion industry, ready for innovation from manufacturing leaders like Stellar Snacks.
The new facility will establish Stellar Snacks’ largest pretzel bakery, and Louisville’s central location will enhance the company’s ability to reach the eastern and southern parts of the United States. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2024 with baking of the initial products at the location set to begin in fall 2024. Stellar Snacks currently operates two plants in northern Nevada, where it employs more than 170 people, where it will offer early on-the-job training to its first key Kentucky facility hires.
Jobs created at the Louisville operation will consist of pretzel makers – including a master pretzel maker and apprentice roles – production team members, engineering and maintenance managers, mechanics, technicians, receptionists and HR assistants. Company leaders will partner with local community colleges and trade schools to provide real-world work experience and positions for students pursuing careers in industrial, electrical and robotic engineering.
