Best Food and Agriculture Companies in Kentucky, United States
The 159 best Food and Agriculture companies in Kentucky, United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: YUM! Brands.
Our analysis of 175 Food and Agriculture companies
$22.9b in tracked funding; 93% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2025.
Ranked: Best Food and Agriculture companies in Kentucky
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Employees | Founder | Tech stack | Web popularity | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YUM! Brands Restaurants chains 87Fin. health top 21%Tech top 22%Global top 24%Innovation top 25% All 13 signals ▾Fin. healthtop 21% Techtop 22% Globaltop 24% Innovationtop 25% Customerstop 25% Talenttop 27% Markettop 30% Partnerstop 32% Producttop 32% Fundingtop 37% Moattop 37% Newstop 41% Growthbottom 48% Fin. health: Revenue ~$8.2B (FY2014) · Net margin 21.0% Tech: 83 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Akamai, Amazon Alb rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 87/100 | $2.0B | 98 mo ago | 154 | Greg Creed Retired Chief Executive Officer | SentryApple iCloud MailMicrosoft 365+33 | Top 100k | — | 1 partnership |
| 2 | Specialty Foods Group Producers of meat products | $575M | 320 mo ago | 630 | — | WordPressMySQLPHP+15 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 3 | Taco Bueno Authentic Mexican QSR offering customizable tacos, burritos, and fresh ingredients | $23M | 161 mo ago | 3,800 | — | WordPress Block EditorElementorCart Functionality+33 | Top 500k | — | 1 launch · 1 partnership · 1 award |
| 4 | Angel's Envy Brand of premium rums & whiskey | $12M | 148 mo ago | 69 | — | SentryZendeskNode.js+27 | Top 1M | — | — |
| 5 | Eastern Light Distilling Brand of multi category wines | $10M | 28 mo ago | — | Cordell Lawrence Co-Founder & CEO | WordPressMySQLPHP+21 | Top 50M | — | 1 partnership |
| 6 | Owensboro Grain Soybean processing and refining, producing soybean meal, soyhull pellets, industrial and edible oils | $10M | 141 mo ago | 185 | Henry O'Bryan Founder | WordPressMySQLPHP+15 | Top 50M | — | — |
| 7 | PURSUIT SPIRITS Brand of whiskey | $8M | 5 mo ago | — | Ryan Cecil Co-Founder | WordPress Block EditorElementorWordPress+36 | Top 5M | — | 3 awards |
| 8 | FreshFry Providing cookware equipments | $7M | 30 mo ago | 14 | — | Cart FunctionalityShopifySentry+28 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 9 | ZoomEssence Manufacturer of food essence | $7M | 138 mo ago | 55 | Robert Corbett CEO | WordPress Block EditorWordPressMySQL+14 | Top 50M | 60 patents Advanced low‑temperature, carrier‑free spray‑drying processes and equipment for high‑efficiency powder production | — |
| 10 | Rooibee Red Tea Travel blog offering campervan destinations, vacation ideas, and travel safety tips | $5M | 109 mo ago | 6 | Leslie Stum Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | Braxton Brewing Beer brand | $5M | 92 mo ago | 50 | Greg Rouse Co-Founder & COO | Cart FunctionalityShopifyShop Pay+16 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 12 | Spiritless Platform offering non-alcoholic spirits | $4M | 33 mo ago | 58 | Lauren Chitwood Co-Founder & CEO | Cart FunctionalityShopifyYouTube+45 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 13 | Sword Performance Developer of supplements for health and wellness | $4M | 31 mo ago | 11 | Shawn Stasko Founder | ShopifyAnimate.cssBootstrap+22 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 14 | Rivulet Liqueur Producer of artisan pecan liqueur | $2M | 200 mo ago | — | James Marshall Founder & Managing Director | WordPressMySQLPHP+16 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 15 | RedLeaf Manufacturer of spices & seasonings | $1M | 45 mo ago | 10 | Jordan Wood CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 16 | Locals Food Hub Restaurant serving multiple dishes | $1M | 11 mo ago | — | Taylor Marshall Co-Owner | WordPress Site EditorSpotHopperWordPress+19 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 17 | Barrell Bourbon Independent blender of unique, aged, cask strength whiskey and rum | $1M | 65 mo ago | 51 | Joe Beatrice Founder | Cart FunctionalityShopifyApple iCloud Mail+23 | Top 5M | — | 1 launch · 1 award |
| 18 | Log Still Distillery Brand of spirits | $750K | 21 mo ago | 28 | — | WordPressApple iCloud MailMicrosoft 365+33 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 19 | Bourbon Barrel Foods Brand of spices & seasoning | $280K | 162 mo ago | — | Matt Jamie Owner | Cart FunctionalityShopifyShop Pay+22 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 20 | Chaney's Dairy Barn Operator of an ice cream parlor and restaurant | $250K | 28 mo ago | 11 | Carl Chaney Founder | Wix eCommerceCart FunctionalityWix+11 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 21 | Elixir Kombucha Brand of tea | $240K | 41 mo ago | 3 | Corey Wood Co-Founder and CEO | Cart FunctionalityShopifyShop Pay+19 | Top 50M | — | — |
| 22 | Kentucky Peerless Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.: Crafting fine bourbon and rye whiskey | $225K | 134 mo ago | 15 15 → 19 (+27%) | Henry Kraver Founder | WordPressMySQLPHP+35 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 23 | Goodwood Brewing and Spirits Brand of whiskey | $200K | 122 mo ago | 3 | — | WordPress Block EditorwpBakeryElementor+26 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 24 | The Comfy Cow Offers event catering services | $150K | 131 mo ago | 22 | Koons McGee Roy Founder | WordPressMySQLPHP+21 | Top 10M | — | — |
| 25 | Against the Grain Brand of beer | $100K | 184 mo ago | 53 | Adam Watson Founder and Co-Owner | WordPressMySQLPHP+19 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 26 | Equus Run Vineyards Operator of vineyard, winery, distillery, and event venue with tasting room | $96K | 191 mo ago | — | Cynthia Bohn Business Owner | WordPress Block EditorDiviWordPress+35 | Top 5M | — | — |
| 27 | shippingportbrewingco Restaurants serving sandwich | $42K | 51 mo ago | 9 | — | WixSentryBootstrap+11 | Top 50M | — | — |
Top 12 Food and Agriculture companies in Kentucky
#1
Seed · Louisville, Kentucky · founded 2018$8Mraised▾
Brand of whiskey
- Jan 2026Seed—
- Nov 2022Conventional Debt$6M
- Nov 2022Grant (prize money)$2M
#2
Funding Raised · Frankfort, Kentucky · founded 2017$1.2Mraised▾
Restaurant serving multiple dishes
- Jun 2025Grant (prize money)$11.7K
- Mar 2023Grant (prize money)$400K
- Sep 2022Grant (prize money)$804.6K
#3
Acquired · Louisville, Kentucky · founded 1997 · 154 employees$2Braised▾
YUM Brands through its subsidiaries operate quick-service restaurants. It operates in three segments, the KFC Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Taco Bell Division. The company develops, operates, franchises, and licenses a system of restaurants, which prepare, package, and sell various food items. As of April, it operated approximately restaurants in approximately countries and territories primarily under the KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, and Mexican-style food categories. the company recorded annual revenues and a net profit, the company recorded annual revenue and a net profit. In 2022, the company recorded annual revenues of $6.94B and a net profit of $1.23B.
- Apr 2018Conventional Debt$2B
#4
Series B · Morehead, Kentucky · founded 2001$10.4Mraised▾
Eastern Light Distilling is a locally owned and operated distillery being developed in the foothills of Eastern Kentucky, with plans to create over 50 full-time jobs. The company is investing $143.7 million in a new venue in Rowan County, expanding Kentucky's signature bourbon industry.
- Jan 2024Series B$10.4M
#5
Series B · Louisville, Kentucky · founded 2014 · 14 employees$6.8Mraised▾
Providing cookware equipments
- Dec 2023Series B$1.7M
- Mar 2022Series B$715K
- Jun 2020Series B$3.8M
- Oct 2017Series A$350K
#6
Early Stage · Bardstown, Kentucky · founded 1836 · 28 employees$750Kraised▾
Brand of spirits
- Aug 2024Unattributed$750K
#7
Acquired · Owensboro, Kentucky · founded 1914 · 630 employees$575Mraised▾
Producers of meat products
- Oct 1999PE—
- 1993Conventional Debt$575M
#8
Seed · Lexington, Kentucky · founded 2013 · 11 employees$3.7Mraised▾
Developer of supplements for health and wellness. The products developed are Sword is an electrolyte for hydration, Shield is an electrolyte beverage, Energy is a coffee-based dissolving chewable tablet, and Sword performance is a sports drink.
- Nov 2023Conventional Debt$320K
- Jun 2022Seed$1.6M
- Jun 2020Seed$2.1M
#9
Series A · Louisville, Kentucky · founded 2019 · 58 employees$4Mraised▾
Platform offering non-alcoholic spirits. The company offers distilled non-alcoholic spirit crafted to complement the bourbon cocktails. It comes in 750 ml bottles and contains 0.5% alcohol.
- Aug 2023Series A$4M
#10
Acquired · Farmers, Kentucky · founded 1967 · 3800 employees$23.2Mraised▾
Authentic Mexican QSR offering customizable tacos, burritos, and fresh ingredients. We craft each recipe in our kitchens using real ingredients like ground beef, grilled chicken, and fresh cilantro. Customers can customize their orders and enjoy a fresh salsa bar. We offer franchising opportunities and a loyalty program for exclusive offers. Join our community and stay updated with news and promotions. Our menu includes tacos, burritos, platters, and more. We focus on fresh preparation and quality ingredients. We provide online ordering, gift cards, and catering services. We aim to deliver a great experience with customizable options and fresh flavors.
- Dec 2012Venture Debt$23.2M
- Dec 2012PE—
#11
Seed · Lexington, Kentucky · founded 2015 · 10 employees$1.5Mraised▾
Manufacturer of spices & seasonings
- Aug 2022Seed$485K
- Nov 2019Seed$750K
- Apr 2017Grant (prize money)$1.4M
- Jun 2016Seed$250K
#12
Acquired · Owensboro, Kentucky · founded 1906 · 185 employees$10Mraised▾
Soybean processing and refining, producing soybean meal, soyhull pellets, industrial and edible oils. This company specializes in transforming soybeans into a variety of valuable products. They cater to farmer/producer customers with CargillAg Access and offer cash bids. They provide soybean meal and soyhull pellets to customers through a dedicated online portal. The company also produces industrial oils and waxes, as well as edible oils, serving diverse customer needs. They are committed to quality and customer service, offering multiple contact points for inquiries and support. Their operations contribute to the agricultural supply chain, supporting both producers and consumers with essential soybean-derived products.
- Sep 2014Grant (prize money)$710.9K
- Aug 2012PE$10M
- Sep 2011Grant (prize money)$1M
- Sep 2011Grant (prize money)$2M
Funding & investor landscape
Notable founders
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Food and Agriculture coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising
What Kentucky researches in agritech
University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, and Kentucky State University lead Kentucky's agritech research, focusing on agricultural innovations and climate impacts on soil dynamics, with a cautiously optimistic tone.
- University of Kentucky16
- Western Kentucky University1
- Kentucky State University1
Common questions
Riya reads income statements for fun. She covers the real money in a sector — revenue, growth, who actually earns — and never met a vague claim she didn't want a number for.