Bixby & Co. was founded by Kate McAleer. Kate represents a new breed of young entrepreneurs who are breaking with the traditional career path. They possess a renewed American spirit that drives them to create new businesses that are socially responsible while incredibly supportive of local communities. Kate’s life experiences have shaped every aspect of the Bixby chocolate manufacturing company. The greatest inspiration for her recipes has been her strong, intimate relationships with family and community in addition to an active, health-conscious lifestyle.
Each and every company that EarthKosher consults with on a daily basis, has a history and an inspiring story. This is why compassion and straight- froward business practices are equally important in the kosher certification industry. We understand small family run companies, who set out to make a difference while following their dreams.
After graduating from New York University, Kate pursued her passion of combining cultural history with the culinary arts. She earned diplomas in pastry arts and culinary management from the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Manhattan, New York and certificates from Ecole Chocolate, Vancouver. Kate is now a candidate for an MBA in Food Marketing at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
Kate faced one of the most significant challenges of her life when her mother was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in 2006. Today, her mother lives life to the fullest with incurable metastatic breast cancer. This is being achieved by new types of cancer medications allowing people to live ‘a new norm’ with an advanced cancer diagnosis. This has resulted in her family continually seeking clean foods and a chemical-free living environment in our home. Her mother’s courageous example greatly influenced Kate’s mission.
Not only are Bixby products certified kosher by EarthKosher Kosher Certification Agency, they are manufactured in a 125 year old former ice plant (located on a working marina on the Mid Coast of Maine). The delicious chocolate confections are also made from ethically sourced ingredients. Other certifications of Bixby include: Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free and Vegan Verification, Rainforest Alliance Certified Chocolate, SQF Level II Certification, and Certified Women Owned. Many products are distributed into nationally recognized stores.
A Tory Burch Foundation Fellow and Gorham Savings Bank LaunchPad Winner, Kate was Named Maine’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Small Business Administration.
*To learn more about this fantastic company and their products visit bixbyco.com
