A sustainable food company has relocated its headquarters from Baltimore to Philadelphia, marking a significant expansion phase in its growth trajectory.
SIMPLi, which specializes in organic pantry essentials including olive oil, beans, and various salts, has established its new base in a 3,400-square-foot office space at 1429 Walnut St. The company brought 20 employees to the new location and plans to increase its workforce soon.
The company’s products are now available in 3,000 stores nationwide, including major retailers like Whole Foods Market, National Co-op Grocers, and Giant Food. In 2024, the company achieved a 173% growth in its retail presence.
Co-CEOs Sarela Herrada and Matt Cohen chose Philadelphia for its strong agricultural connections and graduate school opportunities. The company maintains direct supply relationships with farmers across South America and Europe who practice sustainable farming methods.
Herrada, a Penn State graduate currently pursuing an MBA at the Wharton School, brings significant industry experience as a former early employee at Cava. Her achievements include recognition from Inc. as one of the “Most Intriguing Women Entrepreneurs” and an EY mid-Atlantic Entrepreneur of the Year award.
The company operates with 40 employees across its Philadelphia headquarters and Lima, Peru office. Currently, SIMPLi is looking to fill 10 positions in Philadelphia, including roles such as director of supply chain and business development manager.
Pennsylvania’s strong organic agriculture sector influenced the relocation decision. The state generates over $1 billion in organic sales, showing a 789% increase since 2011, significantly outpacing the national average of 217%.
SIMPLi’s expansion includes a new distribution center in Dayton, New Jersey, supporting operations along the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. The company has shown remarkable growth, expanding from three products in under 100 stores to 15 products in 3,000 stores within two years – a 2,900% increase in retail placement.
The company recently added regenerative organic chia seeds to its product line, coinciding with its Philadelphia move. After establishing operational foundations in 2024, SIMPLi aims to strengthen its market presence and integrate into Philadelphia’s food community throughout 2025.
