• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Real Pickles

Northeast Grown, 100% organic, fermented & raw pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, kvass, and hot sauce

  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our Farmers
    • Our Co-operative
    • Our Story
    • Our Facility
  • Products
    • Products & Webstore
    • Store Finder
    • FAQ
    • Recipes
  • Fermentation
    • Fermentation Process
    • Health Benefits
  • What’s New?
    • Ferment Blog
      Voices from Real Pickles
    • News
    • Press
Home / News / Featured News

Featured News

August 5, 2022

Four New Worker-Owners!

We are thrilled to welcome four new member-owners into our co-operative! K Adler, Gillis MacDougall, Amy Leprade and Victor Signore have joined fourteen other member-owners, raising the percentage of co-op members to 73% of all staff at Real Pickles! We strive to create good local jobs with shared profits that empower staff to direct the future of the business. Vegetable coordinator Victor Signore says he is “excited to be a part of something that is having a positive effect in supporting our local agriculture, local economy and our community. Being a worker-owner means that I can help shape the future of Real Pickles”. Amy Leprade, production and shipping assistant, adds, “What excites me the most (about becoming a member-owner at Real Pickles) is the opportunity to build alliances with like-minded people, which can help shape the kind of community I wish to live in.” Fermentation coordinator K Adler says, “It feels fulfilling to be participating in a process that has a history to be admired and a future that is attainable.” Production assistant Gillis MacDougall is the company’s youngest co-op member at 18 years old. He says that Real Pickles has played an important role throughout his life and it made sense to him to become a member-owner. Real Pickles is proud to be part of the co-operative movement to build and strengthen democratic economies throughout the local community and beyond.

June 18, 2021

Two New Worker-Owners!

We’re so excited to welcome TWO new worker-owners into our co-op, Kate Hunter and Kat Smith!! As a worker co-operative, Real Pickles strives to create good local jobs with shared profits and empower our staff to direct the future of our business. We are proud to be part of the co-operative movement to build and strengthen democratic economies in our community and beyond. Kat says she’s “excited to be part of a team of people that is working toward restructuring the way businesses are run in the community.” Kate is glad to be taking on this meaningful role in a business with a mission that she believes in. By expanding workplace democracy in our business, we ensure that there are more voices shaping our collective economic future. We are so excited for Kat and Kate to join us in determining what our co-op will look like in the years to come!

June 18, 2021

Real Pickles Annual Report FY’21

We invite you to take a look at our FY’21 Annual Report highlighting some of our work toward building a stronger and more just food system in the past year. In the report, you’ll find details on our handling of the pandemic and how we supported our staff throughout, while also making good and healthy food available to our customers. We also share news on our newest building project to increase our resilience, an exciting community award, our TWO new worker owners, and our commitment to racial justice. Check it Out Here>>

June 29, 2020

Small Batch Dilly Beans!

Organic Dilly Beans
Our newest small batch item for this year is a classic New England favorite. These beans are tender, crisp, and packed with fresh dill and garlic. Perfect for a mid-morning snack, packed in lunches, garnishing a happy hour cocktail, or chopped into a winter soup or dinner salad.  We can’t stop eating them, and we think you’ll love these dillies all day long!
We sourced the beans from Deep Meadow Farm on the banks of the Connecticut River in Ascutney, Vermont. We appreciate that they are committed to caring for both land and community, “As stewards of the land we grow food with an important focus on the health of the land as we support the health of our community.”
Look for Organic Dilly Beans at your local retailer or on our webstore.

April 15, 2020

Spring 2020 Update

Real Pickles is in operation under the COVID-19 Essential Services provision within Massachusetts Governor Baker’s recent emergency order. We are operating with reduced staff and following strict guidance established by the MA Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and US Food & Drug Administration. All staff who can work remotely are doing so, and those working on-site are following social distancing protocols in all aspects of production, shipping, deliveries, and office work.

Our top priorities include:

  • caring for our employees and keeping them safe;
  • continuing to provide nourishing food to our community during this time when health and nutrition are of utmost importance;
  • supplying regional grocers who are experiencing surging demand and intermittent distribution and supply; and
  • successfully steering our business through these challenging times so that we can continue to provide healthy food, meaningful jobs and ownership opportunities into the future.

To all our customers, please know we are following strict protocols at all times to keep our product and employees safe.

For any questions, or to arrange curbside pickup, feel free to contact us at info@realpickles.com.

Wishing everyone health and safety during this difficult time.

– The crew at Real Pickles.

January 18, 2020

Two Good Food Awards!

Greg and Annie at Good Food Awards

On Friday January 17th, Real Pickles co-owners Annie Winkler and Greg Nichols accepted Good Food Award medals for our Organic Beet Kvass and Organic Nettle Kraut! The San Francisco ceremony was hosted by renowned farm labor activist Dolores Huerta, food author Michael Pollan, and chef Alice Waters.  The Good Food Awards recognizes American food and drink crafters who demonstrate both a mastery of their craft and a commitment to maintaining exceptionally high social and environmental standards in their work. 

A timely example of Real Pickles’ commitment to responsible food is our recent 31-kW solar array which, installed beside our existing 17-kW array, makes our facility 100% solar powered. “Environmental sustainability and strong regional food systems are at the core of our mission,” says Dan Rosenberg, founder and general manager. “We are always seeking ways to reduce our carbon emissions, increase our use of renewable energy, and support policies that push for climate mitigation.”Read More

November 5, 2019

Good Food Finalist (x2)!

Real Pickles Organic Beet Kvass

We’re proud to announce that TWO Real Pickles products have been named Good Food Awards Finalists for 2020!!  The Organic Beet Kvass and Organic Nettle Kraut both had high scores in the blind tasting competition and met the strict vetting criteria for sustainability. We’re proud to be among 307 companies in the running for a 2020 Good Food Award. With a demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship and growing their businesses in harmony with a better food system, these outstanding crafters represent the nation’s best in delicious, sustainable fare.

August 8, 2019

2019 Annual Report

Annual Report front page

We’re excited to share several great stories of our mission-related work in our 2019 Annual Report, including our new solar array that makes us 100% solar powered! We also highlight scientific and community business collaborations, two new worker-owners, and our thoughts on a climate-resilient food system.  And, our Annual Report welcomes a new crop of socially-minded investors supporting our work for a better food system!  Check it out>>

June 20, 2019

100% Solar Powered!

Aerial view of solar array

We made new investments in renewable energy this year! In the fall, we installed a solar hot water system on the south side of our building with help from Spartan Solar based here in Greenfield. We saw instant reductions in our natural gas usage, and we look forward to the system providing all of our hot water in the summer. We hired our worker co-op neighbors PV Squared to install a 31 kW photovoltaic system on our flat roof. The array is made up of 2,000 square feet of panels and the generated power is shared between the two businesses, Real Pickles and PV Squared. Along with our original 17 kW array installed in 2011, Real Pickles will be once again 100% solar powered!

January 15, 2019

Real Pickles Wins TWO Good Food Awards!!

We are so excited to share the news that our Organic Garlic Dills AND our Organic Garlic Kraut received top honors at the 2019 Good Food Awards!

The winners were announced Friday January 11th at a 900-person gala at the historic San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. The Good Food Awards recognizes American food and drink crafters who create tasty, authentic and responsible products and, in doing so, better the nation’s food system. Read More

November 1, 2018

Real Pickles Partners with UMass Scientists to Study Facility Microbiome

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts Amherst food scientists have mapped and characterized microbial populations at Real Pickles’ facility and report that its microbiome was distinct between production and fermentation areas and that the raw vegetables themselves – cabbages destined for sauerkraut – were the main source of fermentation-related microbes in production areas rather than handling or other environmental sources.  Read More

July 19, 2018

Annual Report: Year 5 as a Co-op!!

Real Pickles Annual Report FY 2018

We’ve completed our fifth year as a worker co-operative, and we are thriving! As a healthy business with nearly half of our employees engaged in ownership, we know that strong partnerships with our community are central to our success. We are deeply grateful to all our partners – the talented organic
 farmers who supply our top-quality ingredients, our loyal customers committed to our products and mission, our distributors who share our vision for a healthy regional food system, our community investors and lenders, and so many more.  Read all about it in our latest Annual Report! >>>

February 5, 2018

New Small Batch Line!

Real Pickles Small Batch 2018

Our first-annual Small Batch Line is just that: small batches of fermented vegetables! We’ve teamed up with our local farmers to bring you three delicious, fresh and seasonal recipes for 2018:  Spicy Carrot Escabeche, Shallot and Herb Kraut, and Hakurei Turnip with Dulse. Be sure to try them soon, as they won’t last long! Read More

December 21, 2017

Sustainable Business of the Year!

We are excited to announce that Real Pickles has been named the 2017 Western Massachusetts Sustainable Small Business of the Year by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts! This award is presented to leading local independent businesses in Western and Eastern Massachusetts who are helping to build economies that are local, green and fair. We are proud to be recognized for doing work that is so central to our mission of helping to build a more sustainable food system! Read More

Primary Sidebar

Hey NYC! Looking for a delicious, nutrient rich, p Hey NYC! Looking for a delicious, nutrient rich, plant-based meal, where the restaurant’s motto is “Let Food Be The Medicine”? Look no further! Le Botaniste has 4 locations throughout the city and they are serving up scrumptious, colorful dishes with Real Pickles ferments! Check them out!

Posted @withregram • @le_botaniste 6 days before spring ☀️

Some colors to sublimate your day 🌈
Our Botanical salad is waiting for you 🥗

#freshingredients #avocadosalad #avocadolover #nutritips #nychealthy #nychealthyeats #nychealthyliving #nychealthyfood #botanicalmedicine #foodismedicine #foodie
Looking for a simple way to add vibrant color and Looking for a simple way to add vibrant color and more nutrient-rich foods to your diet? Get inspired by the delicious, organic, and gut-healthy creations at @nourishnoho and show us what you make! Of course, if you are anywhere near Nourish Wellness Cafe in Northampton you must check them out!
#fermentedfoods #ferment

Posted @withregram • @nourishnoho Wishing you a Super Saturday! 🥕 

I added our lemon-beet hummus, butternut mash, and pumpkin seeds to this super bowl. It’s my favorite combination and I’d be lying if I didn’t say, I eat this bowl at least 6 days a week!! If you’re looking for something new to try, I highly recommend!
There is still time to register for the NOFA/VT Wi There is still time to register for the NOFA/VT Winter Conference! "Our Annual Winter Conference is all about commencting, inspiring, networking, and deepening the roots that sustain the movement for a thriving agriCULTURE."

Posted @withregram • @nofavermont We're pleased to present NOFA-VT's 41st Annual Winter Conference, February 18 & 19, 2023.

Each year, the NOFA-VT Winter Conference provides a valuable opportunity for farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, earth tenders, land managers, educators, students, policy-makers, and activists to participate in our vibrant community event by sharing ideas, resources, and skills.

The hybrid conference will take place at the Davis Center at the University of Vermont in Burlington with the option to join the keynote and many conference workshops online.

Check out the conference offerings and register at the link in our bio!
Fermented foods make delicious, nutrient-rich snac Fermented foods make delicious, nutrient-rich snacks and bring a little vibrant color to these cold January days! Make a quick and easy treat by adding a healthy serving of your favorite Real Pickles ferment to avocado and your favorite toasted bread.
Garnish with sprouts, radish and sesame seeds like these beauties, or finish as you wish! #realpickles #packedwithamission #lactofermentation #avocadotoast #superbowlsnacks #organic #raw #pickles #kraut #recipeideas 

Photo by @clarebarboza
Bread by @riseabove_413
On the shortest and darkest day of the year, may y On the shortest and darkest day of the year, may you be cozy and warm with ferments aplenty, and may the light of the Winter Solstice shine on you! 

#wintersolstice #RealPickles #ferments #organic #kraut #sauerkraut #northeastgrown #fermentedandraw
Still looking for that perfect gift? How about som Still looking for that perfect gift?
How about something that supports regional organic farms, creates meaningful jobs in our community, and is super delicious?! Consider a few jars of Real Pickles ferments or a super cozy organic cotton tee! Check out the store locator on our website to find the Northeast store closest to you, or order a 4 jar sampler, some colorful merch, or a Real Pickles gift certificate on our webstore!
Link in profile. 

#RealPickles #PackedWithAMission
#FermentedAndRaw #organic #giftgiving #shoplocal #supportregionalfarms

Footer

Contact

311 Wells St
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 774-2600
info@realpickles.com

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Join Our Email List!

Co-operative Enterprise Logo
USDA Certified Organic
Good Food Awards Winner
NOFA Mass member badge

Site Design by Ajitate · Photography by Valley Lightworks, Clare Barboza and others · Artwork by Emi Lynn Holler
Real Pickles® © 2023