Area Development
SoChatti, producer and distributor of artisanal vegan chocolate, opened its new production and R&D facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The company is investing more than $2.4 million to expand its operations after outgrowing its former 240-square-foot facility. To support its growth, SoChatti is leasing, renovating and equipping a 12,870-square-foot food production and research center at 1125 Brookside Ave. in Indianapolis' Circle City Center Industrial Complex.

The new facility will allow the company to install new laboratory and production equipment, and expand R&D for its products, packaging and cooking methods.

“Indianapolis has been an ideal home base for our growing food startup, SoChatti,” says founder and CEO Matt Rubin. “From research and recruiting partnerships with local universities like Butler, to the support we’ve received from the city and state, to the excitement we’ve seen from local consumers who have fully embraced this exciting new chocolate product. We’re thrilled to have our roots in Indianapolis and to have the chance to grow our company here in 2020 and beyond.”

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Trade Secret Chocolates (dba SoChatti) up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. The city of Indianapolis will consider additional incentives at the request of Develop Indy.

"One of our top priorities as a state is cultivating an environment for entrepreneurs to thrive," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. "We're excited to celebrate the next step forward for SoChatti as it expands production and R&D in central Indiana, increasing its capacity, creating new product lines and adding quality jobs for Hoosiers."

“Indianapolis is the ideal location to turn ideas into reality, test a diverse customer base, and efficiently introduce products to market,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “I am so happy that SoChatti is producing its vegan delicacy here and doubling down on growth and innovation. I look forward to their continued success in the Circle City.”