Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted exciting news within the state’s manufacturing and agritech sectors as Cornbread Hemp, a producer of full-spectrum organic hemp products, will expand its Louisville operation with a $1 million investment, creating 50 full-time, Kentucky jobs.
“This project is generating quality jobs for the Louisville area and adds to the growing list of Kentucky companies choosing to reinvest in our communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank the leadership of Cornbread Hemp for their commitment to quality and belief in all that the commonwealth has to offer.”
The expansion will allow the company to increase its presence in the Kentucky manufacturing community, while continuing to meet the needs of its growing customer base. Cornbread Hemp will create 50 new jobs with the project, including production, fulfillment and sales positions, bringing the company’s total Kentucky employment to over 100.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive these tax incentives from Team Kentucky,” said Cornbread Hemp co-founder and CEO Eric Zipperle. “This support reinforces the commonwealth’s commitment to fostering innovation and also allows us to accelerate our growth and continue creating meaningful jobs. As a startup, these incentives are crucial to helping us scale and bring our vision to life.”
“As a growing company, we are excited to contribute to the commonwealth’s thriving business ecosystem and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our community, our farming partners in Kentucky and our customers nationwide,” said Jim Higdon, Cornbread Hemp co-founder and chief communications officer.
Founded in 2018 by cousins Zipperle and Higdon, Cornbread Hemp produces full-spectrum organic CBD products sourced exclusively from Kentucky-grown hemp flowers. These products include CBD gummies, oils, capsules, creams and balms. Cornbread Hemp is the maker of the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies, the only USDA-certified organic THC gummies and soon-to-be-released hemp THC beverages. The company is committed to producing high-quality, full spectrum hemp products for its customers.
“We are excited to see a Louisville-based company continue to grow and expand its presence in our city,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “Last year, companies committed to adding almost 4,600 new jobs in Louisville – the most in a single year since 2017. Through the creation of the Louisville Economic Development Alliance and the hiring of new CEO Trevor Pawl, we are expecting to continue our positive job creation momentum in 2025.”
Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, president and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., welcomed the company’s growth and job creation: “I am thrilled to see Cornbread Hemp, a GLI investor and Greater Louisville company, expand its operations in our region. This announcement is a testament to our strong business environment and successful collaboration between the private sector, GLI and our partner in economic development, LEDA, in helping existing businesses grow in Greater Louisville.”