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Award presented by SBDC
December 2, 2004
Center: Monmouth Ocean SBDC
Client: Clarisse Persanyi
Business: All Things Cranberry, Inc.
36 Beach Rd.
Monmouth Beach NJ 07750
732-870-8866
www.allthingscranberry.com
Clarisse Persanyi started All Things Cranberry last year as a retail operation in Monmouth Beach, nestled among Victorian homes complete with wraparound porches reminiscent of years past. But do not let the rustic setting fool you, All Things Cranberry is a modern Thriving operation with five separate business components.
Persanyi took a ten-year interest in cranberries and turned it into a new business. After spending years doing product research, she discovered that one of the most underutilized fruits is the cranberry, high in vitamins, minerals, and cancer fighting antioxidants. In addition, it has an understated flavor that lends itself well to variety of combinations: muffins, chocolates, condiments, and sauces.
Next, Persanyi researched information on starting and financing the business by taking seminars at the Monmouth/Ocean Small Business Development Center (MOSBDC), the “Start-up Workshop,” “Financing a Small Business and A Business Plan.” The MOSBDC help Persanyi with her start-up paperwork in January of 2003. Then with a $125,000 home equity loan from Fleet Bank, Persanyi opened her retail operation in September.
A public relations campaign yielded article in the Two River Times, the New York Times Dining In section, the Asbury Park Press and the Star-Ledger. Then NBC’s Al Roker read the piece in the New York Times and shot a segment on All Things Cranberry for his show “Recipe for Success.” Lastly, The Food Network featured a show on “Women Bakers. . . four women who were fed up with their jobs and decided it was time for a change” featuring Persanyi.
All this publicity, coupled with innovative p[products, has created growth beyond Persanyi’s wildest dreams. Her company has expanded in several businesses, the original retail area, a new wholesale area, manufacturing, Internet business, full menu catering, and her newest creation – daily take away dinners. All Things Cranberry’s product line has expanded from the original 18 products to over 90, literally from soup to nuts.
The company has two full-time employees, including a baker, and a part-time staff that expands with seasonal demands. She has outgrown the retail cook facility and needs more storage for the wholesale business as well as more staff to serve these new growth markets. Currently, Persanyi is looking at another round of financing to fund the expansion and keep up with the sales.
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