Snack company tabs Reno as key to distribution in the West

While it currently employs only two people, the distribution center opened by Truly Good Foods in Sparks a few weeks ago is a cornerstone piece of the company’s growth strategy.

Headquartered at Charlotte, N.C., Truly Good Foods is looking to expand its sales of snack mixes, roasted nuts and seeds, dried fruits and other branded and bulk foods into California markets.

But given the demand of customers for fresh product, the company found it difficult to serve food industry customers on the West Coast from its distribution center at Dallas, says President John Bauer.

When members the Truly Good Foods sales staff began calling on California customers last autumn, they quickly learned that one- and two-day deliveries were key to landing contracts.

“We’ve seen a big jump since we opened the doors in Sparks,” Bauer says.

The company opened its northern Nevada operations in January. It leased space in a newly renovated industrial building at 1580 Hymer Way.

Like other companies that are looking to expand distribution to the West Coast, Bauer says Truly Good Foods was shocked at the tax and regulatory climate in California.

“Why Reno?” he asks. “It’s not California.”

He says the company also was drawn by the quality of the distribution workforce in Sparks and Reno. Truly Good Foods has projected that is employment in the area may grow to 15 within five years.

While the Sparks operation initially is handling distribution only, the company has said it might expand to include manufacturing operations as well.

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada assisted Truly Good Foods with its study of northern Nevada locations. Avison Young represented the landlord, LGM Properties.