Custom Blends, Inc., operating under the brand name Cindy's Kitchen, is a leading U.S.-based food manufacturing company specializing in premium refrigerated salad dressings, dips, sauces, and culinary condiments. Headquartered in Brockton, Massachusetts, the company has established a robust presence in both natural food stores and mainstream retail chains across North America, known for its commitment to clean-label ingredients and artisanal preparation methods.
Company Background
Founded by Cynthia M. Byers in 1996, Cindy's Kitchen began as a local producer of homemade dressings and sauces. The company’s ethos of using fresh, high-quality ingredients without artificial preservatives quickly gained traction in health-conscious markets. Over the past two decades, the company has scaled its operations significantly while preserving its handcrafted identity. Today, Cindy’s Kitchen products are found in Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, and other major retailers, as well as foodservice and private-label sectors.
Core Business
Cindy’s Kitchen focuses on refrigerated, ready-to-use culinary products. It is known for offering chef-inspired recipes using real ingredients, catering to a range of dietary preferences including organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. The company operates its own production facility in Massachusetts, providing end-to-end capabilities from R&D to packaging and logistics.
Product Offerings
Cindy’s Kitchen offers a diverse portfolio of over 100 SKUs across multiple categories:
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Salad Dressings:
- Almond Sesame Ginger, Avocado Lime Ranch, Organic Creamy Greek, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette, Wild Maine Blueberry Vinaigrette, and more.
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Dips:
- Artichoke & Parmesan, Vegan Avocado Ranch, Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan, Queso Style Plant-Based Dip, etc.
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Ultimate Sauces:
- Buffalo Wing Sauce, Honey Sriracha, Korean BBQ, Cajun Remoulade, Mediterranean Herb, Lemon Caper, Red Bourbon Chile Glaze, and others.
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Seafood Sauces:
- Chimichurri, Thai Coconut Yellow Curry, Pineapple Rum, Spicy Chipotle Aioli, Thai Ginger, Coconut & Lime Fish Taco Sauce.
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Specialty Items:
- Health Starts Here Avocado Vinaigrette, Singles-to-Go Buttermilk Ranch, Sesame Ginger Dressing.
All products are refrigerated and marketed for freshness, convenience, and gourmet flavor.
Specialization and USP
- Clean-Label Ingredients: No preservatives, artificial colors, or flavor enhancers.
- Chef-Crafted: Recipes developed in-house by culinary professionals.
- Small-Batch Production: Emphasis on quality and consistency through controlled batch processes.
- Dietary Versatility: Products span vegan, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free segments.
- Retail and Private Label: Serves both branded and white-label clients, enhancing market adaptability.
Financials and Shipment Data
As a privately held entity, Custom Blends, Inc. does not release detailed financials, but available indicators reflect strong market performance:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: Between $25 million and $50 million (based on industry databases and market estimates).
- Distribution Network: Nationwide presence in 2,000+ retail outlets including Whole Foods, Sprouts, Fresh Market, and regional supermarkets.
- Private Label Manufacturing: Significant share of production volume attributed to contract manufacturing for other brands and foodservice providers.
- Export Capability: Select international shipments to Canada and premium natural food retailers in the Caribbean and Europe.
Target Market
Cindy’s Kitchen appeals to a broad range of health-conscious and gourmet food consumers:
- Natural and Organic Shoppers
- Gourmet Food Enthusiasts
- Retail Chains Seeking Premium Refrigerated Condiments
- Plant-Based and Vegan Consumers
- Foodservice Companies Seeking Small-Batch Craft Quality
Capabilities
- R&D and Culinary Innovation: In-house test kitchens and food scientists constantly develop new flavors and formats.
- SQF-Certified Production Facility: Ensures food safety and quality control at scale.
- Cold Chain Logistics: Established refrigerated distribution ensuring product freshness across regions.
- Private Label and Co-Packing: Custom manufacturing capabilities for retail chains and foodservice operators.
Certifications and Compliance
Cindy's Kitchen maintains stringent food safety and compliance standards:
- SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certified
- USDA Organic Certification (on select products)
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Gluten-Free Certification (on applicable items)
- Third-Party Allergen Control Protocols
These certifications underscore the company's dedication to producing safe, high-quality, and responsibly made products.
Customer Testimonials
Though not widely published, customer reviews across retail platforms consistently praise Cindy's Kitchen products for:
- Exceptional freshness and gourmet flavor
- Clean, understandable ingredient lists
- Versatility across meals and dietary needs
Retail buyers and natural food distributors note strong repeat purchase behavior and brand loyalty among consumers.
Major Achievements
- Recognized Vendor for Whole Foods Market: Longstanding supplier relationship reflecting trust and quality.
- Expansion of Vegan and Plant-Based Lines: Responding to increased demand with innovation in dips and sauces.
- Private Label Growth: Partnered with leading national retailers to develop white-label gourmet products.
- Sustainability Practices: Focus on local sourcing, recyclable packaging, and reduced food waste in manufacturing.
Custom Blends, Inc. dba Cindy’s Kitchen continues to thrive as a premium player in the refrigerated foods category, marrying artisan quality with scale and innovation. Its commitment to clean-label, flavorful, and responsibly produced products has positioned it as a trusted brand in both retail and foodservice landscapes.
