The journey of Zip Kombucha into coolers at Carrs/Safeway, Fred Meyer, Costco, and Walmart stores is an example of the path that Alaska-made products take from small-batch sales to national retail shelves.
Since 1952 Santa Clause House has been building a year-round home for Christmas in North Pole and exporting that spirit around the world.
The state-run “Made in Alaska” program provides a relatively easy way for makers to promote the Alaska authenticity of their goods. How about getting even more local? Alaska Native corporations have launched shareholder directories that allow members and nonmembers to look up and support businesses owned by other corporation shareholders or descendants.
Set on empty lots, street corners, and parking lots, standalone drive-thru coffee kiosks are seemingly everywhere. But while they all share a similar goal of keeping Alaskans caffeinated, kiosks owners have unique approaches to running their small business.
Across the country, more than 6,000 companies have ESOPs, while Alaska has approximately 24, comparable to states with similar populations. But local experts except that number to grow with generational turnover.
Follow the many supply chains that lead to a single can of soda in Anchorage, from sourcing ingredients to securing packaging.