Local, Green, and Fair Snapshot: Meet American Vinegar Works
By Laila Salman, SBN Intern
Each local business has its own unique journey as it grows from a small plan into a reality. By adopting local, green, and fair qualities, these businesses strengthen the greater Boston community and local economy. Through SBN’s Snapshot Campaign, we want to capture the unique journeys of local businesses, from the initial inspiration to the triumph over any challenges they have encountered. As members of SBN, each business reflects the central values of SBN. For that, we want to proudly highlight their contributions and great work.
Rodrigo Vargas, Founder and CEO
American Vinegar Works
Meet Rodrigo Vargas: the owner and founder of American Vinegar Works. With his passion for vinegar, Vargas was disappointed with the current mass-production of vinegar that removes the authenticity and core flavors. “The older method takes much longer, but the taste is worth it,” says Vargas. Over the course of one year, Vargas sought out recipes and methods to recreate the original flavor and enhance customer’s cooking experiences. Through countless taste tests and the creation of his own machinery, Vargas successfully launched American Vinegar Works, matching the authentic, unfiltered flavor dating back to the 1800s.
In developing his premium vinegar, Vargas secured his ties to the local food system by sourcing ingredients from surrounding producers. He relies on products from local businesses, such as Mayflower Plymouth’s vinegar beer, to create American Vinegar Works’ unique and flavorful vinegar.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, American Vinegar Works has had to scale back certain outreach methods for introducing their products to consumers, such as in-person demos and samples. Having a product that relies mostly on the taste experience to differentiate itself from competitors, American Vinegar Works has shifted to digital marketing engagements. Developing partnerships with online companies such as Foodocrocacy and leveraging features in publications are two of the many strategies American Vinegar Works have used to elevate themselves into the marketplace to reach new audiences.
Despite the hurdles introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, American Vinegar Works has continued to persevere as the only full-line vinegar maker in the entirety of New England. In supporting other New England businesses in their process, they are sustaining the growth of local economies. We are excited to see them progress in their mission to craft authentic vinegar and grow as a local business.
Visit American Vinegar Works: https://www.americanvinegarworks.com/