UTICA — Adirondack Barrel Cooperage has been named winner of the EDGEccelerator Business Competition organized by Mohawk Valley EDGE.
The start-up barrel-manufacturing company brings home $20,000 in cash and qualifies for a $50,000 loan to help it launch, according to a news release from Mohawk Valley EDGE. Accepting the award were co-entrants Kelly and Joe Blazosky.
The release described Adirondack Barrel Cooperage as “a start-up enterprise producing high-quality, small, water-tight barrels from the finest American white oak.”
White oak barrels are often used in the aging of craft beer, distilled spirits, and premium wine. Adirondack Barrel Cooperage is looking to capitalize on the growing market of distilleries and craft breweries in the New York state and fill the void of barrel coopers in the state, according to Mohawk Valley EDGE.
Mohawk Valley EDGE announced the winner during its second annual Locavore Dinner, held on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the Resource Center for Independent Living in Utica.
The dinner featured a guided pairing of five courses of locally grown and produced food. The caterer, Leaf, Loaf and Ladle and guest chef, Tim Hardiman, focused on local resources to feed the 150 or so guests at the dinner, according to the release.
The other two finalists in the EDGEccelerator Business Competition were Psaros Fish Farm and Villa Verona Vineyard.
The competition was open to businesses in Oneida or Herkimer counties that are less than three years old; offer products or services that are manufacturing, wholesale, technical, scientific, or commercial in nature; and have less than $5 million in annual revenue and fewer than 50 employees.
Contact Carbonaro at mcarbonaro@cnybj.com