The Grow-NY competition has become a hotbed for agribusiness innovation, giving pioneering entrepreneurs the support to turn their vision into sustainable success. One of the standout finalists this year is Ethan Holmes, CEO and co-founder of Holmes Mouthwatering. This inspiring story highlights how a family recipe, entrepreneurial grit, and a commitment to community can lead to national impact.

Holmes Mouthwatering: From Homemade Applesauce to Mainstream Markets

Ethan Holmes’ journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, when he was just 15 years old. What started as a family applesauce recipe shared by his grandfather quickly turned into a full-fledged business concept. Ethan saw the potential to innovate in the applesauce industry, transforming his grandfather’s traditional recipe into a line of unique, premium products that have since expanded into major retailers, including Walmart. Holmes Mouthwatering’s applesauce—complete with real fruit chunks, unlike traditional pureed options—stands out as an artisan-quality product within the crowded consumer market.

Building a Brand with Community at Its Core

Ethan’s passion for entrepreneurship is only matched by his dedication to community impact. Over the years, he has developed a program to mentor high school students, teaching them entrepreneurial skills and offering hands-on experience in the retail environment. Holmes Mouthwatering’s social impact arm even brings opportunities directly into classrooms, making Ethan’s journey as much about passing on knowledge as building a successful brand.

Through Grow-NY, Ethan has refined his strategic vision and gained invaluable support from incubators like Cornell’s Center of Excellence. For Ethan, Grow-NY has been a game-changer, shaping his business model to expand beyond local markets and make a broader regional impact.

Expanding Holmes Mouthwatering’s Reach

Ethan’s pitch for Grow-NY emphasizes a multi-level growth strategy that could see his products reach households across the Eastern Seaboard and eventually the entire U.S. With funding levels offering various pathways, Ethan has a clear plan to reinvest in New York, supporting local agriculture by sourcing apples from Wayne County and creating jobs for local communities through both his product line and his food service brand.

Beyond retail, Holmes Mouthwatering plans to introduce its products to school districts and food banks, particularly with its innovative line of applesauce cups tailored for food service. Ethan’s commitment to utilizing local produce in his products has positioned him as a positive force in New York's agricultural ecosystem, and his vision for expansion will only amplify this impact.

Listen to Ethan Holmes on Shelling Peas

Want to hear the full Holmes Mouthwatering story? Check out this week’s episode of Shelling Peas, where Ethan Holmes shares his journey from Cleveland to Grow-NY finalist and discusses what’s next for his company. From small grocery stores to Walmart shelves, Ethan’s growth trajectory embodies the spirit of resilience, community, and innovation.

As Grow-NY unfolds, we’re excited to follow Holmes Mouthwatering’s next steps and its impact on New York’s agribusiness. Be sure to check out our previous podcast episodes featuring ClearLeaf’s eco-friendly pesticides and insights from Jenn Smith of Cornell's Center for Regional Economic Advancement, and stay tuned for more inspiring updates from this year’s competition.