Melissa Baideme

CK Natural Fruit Juice, a woman-owned wholesale natural food and beverage manufacturing company in Westfield has been named New York’s top small business by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

CK Natural Fruit Juice, founded in 2021 by Melissa Baideme, produces juice concentrates and other food products originating from within the Lake Erie Grape Belt. Baideme and 49 other state winners will compete at the national level for Top Small Business, with winners to be announced during National Small Business Week, May 4-10.

CK Natural Fruit Juice specializes in wholesale distribution of premium juice concentrates, including Concord, Niagara, and Catawba grape juice concentrates, Tart Cherry juice concentrate, and food products such as Concord Grape Vinaigrette and various sauces.

The company’s mission is to support local agriculture while delivering superior products to wholesale sellers and consumers.

“I grew up in French Creek, N.Y., so I have always felt a connection and deep-rooted passion for farming,” Baideme said. “I started CK Naturals to highlight the richness of New York state’s local produce and demonstrate the health and economic value of concentrates. As a parent and someone focused on local food, I know people are concerned about sustainability, traceability, and quality – we are as close to the fruit as you can get with our CK Naturals concentrates.”

CK Natural Fruit Juice plans to renovate its production facility, develop new products, and create job opportunities in the community to reach national markets.Over the next 25 years, CK Natural Fruit Juice aims to expand its presence in the food and beverage industry while establishing a legacy for future generations.

For more information, visit cknaturalfruitjuice.com.