Sprouting into the Future

Our Journey from Roots to Revolution

From our founder Jeff Sholl’s visionary start in 1999 to the groundbreaking COLD-GROWN® revolution, Wild About Sprouts has been on a mission to bring safe, nutritional sprouts to tables nationwide. Today our passionate team continues to innovate, driven by the spirit of health and taste adventure.

Since its inception, Wild About Sprouts has not only focused on delivering superior quality sprouts but also on pioneering sustainable agricultural practices. Our founders’ commitment to the environment has led to the implementation of eco-friendly growing methods where sprouts are grown in recyclable packages using minimal water and no pesticides or herbicides. This dedication to sustainability ensures that every package of Wild About Sprouts is not just a choice for health but also a step towards a healthier planet. Our practices reflect our belief that the well-being of our customers and the earth are intertwined, underscoring our responsibility to nurture both.

The Wild About Sprouts Journey

1997

Dr. Paul Talalay

Dr. Paul Talalay, a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine oncologist and a founder of Brassica Protection Products, approached our founder, Jeff Sholl, to begin the commercialization process of broccoli sprouts.

1999

The Seed is Sown

Jeff pioneers California Sprouts, bringing broccoli sprouts into the market.

2012

Challenge Accepted

When sprout safety concerns sprang up more broadly in the industry, retailers and foodservice operators retreated, but we saw an opportunity for innovation.

2015

Safety First

Collaborating with food safety experts, we set the bar high, delivering safe, delicious sprouts with zero recalls.

2015

COLD-GROWN® Gets Hot

After three years of research by Jeff and co-founder Sue Harlander, Wild About Sprouts is born, backed by our cool patented COLD-GROWN® technology that guarantees safe, crisp, healthy sprouts.

2016

Present – Sprouting Success

We’ve been rocking the shelves at major retailers, bringing joy and nutrition back to sprout lovers everywhere.

Bringing Us Into The Future

Meet our leadership team

Dr. Jeff Sholl

Founder

Dr. Jeff Sholl has over 55 years of experience in the processed food and fresh produce industries. He has held senior management positions in Research and Development, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing and Quality Control, and Plant Breeding at the Pillsbury Company, Haagen-Dazs, Paul Ecke Ranch, Green Giant Fresh, Colorful Harvest and Potandon Produce. Jeff is the owner of Rä Foods, LLC which includes Wild About Sprouts and Wild About Bread.

Dr. Susan Harlander

Co-Founder

Dr. Susan Harlander has worked with the food industry for over 40 as an Associate Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota, for 10 years and in senior research and development management positions at Land O’Lakes, the Green Giant Division of The Pillsbury Company, BIOrational Consultants, BTSafety, and the Vista Institute. Susan is currently Vice President of Technology at Rä Foods.

Barry Didato

President

Barry Didato joined the Rä Foods team in 2023, bringing over thirty years of experience in investments and M&A leadership, much of it in the food and wellness space. Most recently, he served as co-founder and partner of EatWell Investment Group, along with its food holdings. Barry received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master’s Degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Stephanie Browder

Vice President of Marketing

Stephanie Browder has over 20 years of food marketing experience across a wide range of brands spanning both produce and CPG. Most recently she spent nine years at Avocados From Mexico where she played a pivotal role in bolstering brand growth through her expertise in digital, shopper, brand and foodservice marketing. Prior to AFM, Stephanie worked for leading CPG companies including Frito Lay, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Mission Foods.

Chris Williams

Vice President of Sales

Chris Williams has a diverse background in the food industry, with experience in both large established companies as well as early-stage start-ups across a variety of categories. Before joining Rä Foods, Williams worked at Mikey’s where he served in a leadership role, overseeing sales strategy and customer development. Prior to Mikey’s Chris held various positions in sales, customer management and trade marketing.

Martha Moreno

Head of Finance.

Martha Moreno serves as our Head of Accounting and Finance/Corporate Controller. Before joining our team, Martha led her own CPA firm and has also held notable roles including Director of Internal Control and Compliance at SBM Management Services, Engagement Director at CliftonLarsonAllen, and Senior Finance Manager at Baxter Healthcare. She possesses a Certificate of Executive Leadership from Cornell University’s SC Johnson Graduate School of Business.