A Recipe for Growth: ESD Announces Bread Alone Bakery Expansion in Lake Katrine Creating 52 Jobs

Regional Council Capital Fund Award Supports 15,000-Square-Foot Expansion in Ulster County

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Bread Alone recently broke ground on an approximately 15,000-square-foot expansion of its production facility in Lake Katrine, Ulster County. Supported by a $800,000 Regional Council Capital Fund (RCCF) award, the $4.38 million project will create 52 new full-time jobs and retain 195 existing positions, further strengthening the Mid-Hudson Region's food and beverage manufacturing sector. Construction is expected to be completed in December 2026.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Bread Alone's expansion reflects the strength of New York's food manufacturing industry and the impact of strategic investments that help local businesses modernize and compete. By supporting this project, we are advancing job creation, reinforcing regional supply chains, and ensuring that New York remains a leader in high-quality food production."

The expansion will add new production, packaging, and distribution space, enabling the company to implement advanced industry technology, improve operational efficiency, and meet growing demand for its organic, long-fermentation sourdough breads. The Lake Katrine facility currently produces more than 200,000 loaves per week, supplying major retailers such as Whole Foods and FreshDirect across the Northeast. The additional space will position Bread Alone Bakery for continued growth while reinforcing its longstanding commitment to producing high-quality products in the Hudson Valley.

Founded in 1983 in the Catskills, Bread Alone has grown from a small family-run bakery into a nationally recognized organic sourdough producer. The Lake Katrine facility distributes products throughout the Northeast and beyond, supplying major grocery retailers and direct-to-consumer platforms. The company is partially employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), reflecting its commitment to workforce investment and long-term community partnership.

Bread Alone CEO Nels Leader said, ""Bread Alone has been committed to organic sourdough since 1983. More than 40 years later, we feel that we are just getting started. This project will set up our team to bake our best sourdough ever."

Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young said, "Bread Alone is a signature Mid-Hudson brand with deep roots in Ulster County. This expansion builds on the region's agricultural heritage and strengthens a local employer that reflects the values of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community investment that define the Mid-Hudson economy."

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, "Anyone who has enjoyed their bread knows the care and craft that Bread Alone brings to everything they bake, and I couldn't be more thrilled about the expansion of this home-grown Hudson Valley company. Bread Alone is a model in so many ways - as a producer of high-quality, healthy, and delicious baked goods, and as a values-driven business that walks the walk in their commitment to sustainability, a strong local food system, and the well-being of their workers. I thank Empire State Development and the Regional Council Capital Fund for supporting this important project, which will create good jobs and strengthen our local economy. Congratulations to Nels Leader, Sharon Burns-Leader, and the entire Bread Alone team on this exciting expansion in Lake Katrine, and we look forward to your continued growth and success."

Town of Ulster Supervisor Jim Quigley said, "Since 2013, the Town of Ulster has supported Bread Alone's growth in the Town. This expansion required to support the growth of Bread Alone's business is a validation of their commitment to the Town of Ulster."

Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. Anthony S. Campagiorni said, "At Central Hudson, we believe strong communities are built when local organizations work together toward shared goals. Our economic development grant to Bread Alone reflects that commitment-supporting companies that invest locally, create jobs, and strengthen the fabric of the Hudson Valley. Partnerships like this show what's possible when business and community growth move forward hand in hand."

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About Bread Alone Bakery

Founded in 1983, Bread Alone Bakery is an organic sourdough bakery headquartered in Lake Katrine, New York. The company operates cafés and farmers' market locations across the Hudson Valley and New York City and distributes its breads throughout the Northeast and nationally.

Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313