TOWN OF SOUTHEAST – A once-empty 303,000-square-foot warehouse off Route 312 and Pugsley Road now has a major tenant: Lesser Evil, the fast-growing organic snack company recently acquired by Hershey.
The Danbury-based manufacturer, known for its non-seed-oil popcorn and clean-label snacks, officially opened its new distribution center this week.
From Basement Beginnings to National Recognition
Thirteen years ago, Lesser Evil popped its very first kernel of organic popcorn in the basement of a Danbury building. What started as a small operation has since grown into one of the largest organic snack producers in the United States.
Its rapid growth caught the attention of The Hershey Corporation, which acquired the company earlier this year, boosting its expansion into larger-scale operations and logistics facilities like the new Southeast center.
A Strategic Win for Putnam County
The decision to choose Putnam County was celebrated on Thursday, when company officials toured the site with representatives from the Putnam Economic Development Corporation, the Industrial Development Agency, the Brewster Chamber of Commerce, and County Executive Kevin Byrne.
“This is a significant moment for our community,” Byrne said. “Lesser Evil could have chosen anywhere, but they selected Putnam County. That speaks volumes about our ability to attract high-quality employers and support economic growth.”
The Southeast facility was chosen over multiple competing sites across the region, giving the county a strategic win in the race for new business investments.
Expanding a Popular Product Line
While Lesser Evil is best known for its organic popcorn, its product line has expanded far beyond the familiar bags found in grocery aisles. The company now produces:
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Rocket Ship Ranch Space Balls
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Himalayan Pink Salt Power Curls
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Grain-Free Paleo Puffs
All products share the brand’s signature commitment to using simple, organic, and non-GMO ingredients.
By consolidating distribution in the new Southeast facility, the company aims to streamline supply chain operations and meet the growing demand for healthy snack alternatives nationwide.
A Multimillion-Dollar Success Story
According to the Hartford Business Journal, Lesser Evil is projected to reach nearly $750 million in revenue this year. That staggering growth underscores how far the brand has come since its humble beginnings.
The Southeast distribution center is expected to play a critical role in sustaining this trajectory, ensuring that Lesser Evil snacks reach shelves faster and more efficiently than ever before.
Looking Ahead
For Putnam County, the arrival of Lesser Evil marks more than just a new business opening. It represents new jobs, increased economic activity, and the county’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative food companies.
As the company integrates into its new home, community leaders and residents alike are hopeful that this is only the beginning of a long-term partnership that will bring both economic and cultural benefits to the region.
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