“The plant-based milk market is huge and there is no slowdown in sight. We’re growing into a major opportunity and we expect significant growth over the next few years.” - Edenesque CEO Leslie Woodward
Edenesque founder and CEO Leslie Woodward has spent years building toward this phase of the business.
Now demand is arriving faster than expected.
The plant-based dairy company recently saw its pistachio milk sell out months ahead of schedule, driven by strong retail performance and growing consumer awareness across multiple channels. The product quickly became one of the brand’s highest-velocity SKUs, creating momentum as Edenesque prepares for its next stage of growth.
Edenesque relocated its headquarters to Buffalo two years ago and now operates out of the University at Buffalo’s incubator at CBLS on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The company also participated in the UB Cultivator program and received financial support and guidance from Launch NY.
The company now expects to launch hiring across several positions in Buffalo, including a chief of staff, office administrator and sales roles.
“The plant-based milk market is huge and there is no slowdown in sight,” Woodward said.”We’re growing into a major opportunity and we expect significant growth over the next few years.”
Rather than pushing immediately into large national retailers, Edenesque is focused on building regional density first, particularly across the Northeast. The approach helps the company maintain margins, support repeat demand, and avoid the operational strain that often pressures emerging CPG brands into scaling too quickly.
Edenesque is also strengthening its internal operations as it grows. Woodward expects to reach profitability this year while continuing work on a $1.6 million fundraising round, with more than $950,000 already closed.
The company’s long-term goal is national expansion across both retail and hospitality channels, including coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and corporate food service partnerships.
For now, the focus remains execution.
“We’re being extremely intentional and strategic with how we scale,” Woodward said.
Edenesque was among 11 companies recently “drafted” onto the Series B[uffalo] team by Buffalo Bills legend Eric Wood, honoring its momentum and growth projections. This is the second in a series of profiles on those companies.
The others include:
