REGIONAL – Onesto has been named one of the nation’s top 100 small businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“This exclusive list recognizes 100 of the best and brightest small and mid-sized businesses across America, celebrated for their remarkable contributions in driving innovation, growth, and ingenuity both locally and globally,” the chamber said in announcing the award.
“These businesses shine through their inspiring ideas and the ways they overcome challenges, enrich community impact, foster vibrant company cultures, and engage customers. Join us in honoring these trailblazers who are shaping the future of small business,” it wrote.
Onesto was one of only three Massachusetts firms and one of four in New England that were honored.
Starting in her West Newbury kitchen seven years ago, Jane Ciccone has created a nationwide company that sells gluten-free crackers on-line and in grocery stores.
Jane and Jesse Ciccone enjoyed the classic Italian tradition of the family gathering for an antipasti plate before dinner. When they thought their youngest daughter was allergic to gluten, Jane refused to give up on what she described as “the delicious combination of crackers, cheese, olives and roasted veggies.”
Her search for gluten-free crackers found only “overly-processed and preservative-filled options on most grocery store shelves.”
She turned to creating her own recipes using what she described as “honest ingredients.” Onesto, Italian for honest, was born. When she needed production space, she moved to the kitchen of a downtown church, but quickly outgrew that space.
With an office in Amesbury at CI Works, she has Onesto’s gluten-free rosemary, everything and sea salt crackers baked with solar power in Vermont. They are sold in 100 percent recyclable packaging that are printed with vegetable dyes.
Onesto is celebrating being on the top 100 small business list by throwing a party for its customers, giving away a free box of crackers. Buy three and get a fourth free.
Visit the firm’s website, onestofoods.com.
