Dell Cove Spices & More Co., a gourmet popcorn and popcorn seasoning business, plans to move its operations from Chicago to New Haven, Indiana. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs in Allen County by the end of 2024.

The company will invest $233,000 to lease a 7,000-square-foot commercial space at 1221 Hartzell Street. With its investment, Dell Cove plans to purchase and install warehouse and computer equipment and photography studio supplies, labeling equipment and a laser-etching machine to customize glass jars.

"This move made sense both for business and personal reasons,” said Dell Cove co-founder David Beets. “I grew up in Fort Wayne and still have friends and family here. Every time I would come back here to visit, this whole area seemed to keep growing and growing, and we wanted to be part of that growth. It felt like a perfect time to come home.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Dell Cove Spices & More Co. up to $255,000 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. Northeast Indiana Works supports the project.

Also made possible through the relocation to Indiana is the company's new recycling program, which it plans to launch this summer in conjunction with a local biofuel company. Through this program, recycled packaging will be converted into an ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel that can be used by farmers to run their tractors and other farm equipment.

"Indiana's entrepreneurial community is supportive, innovative and growing,” said Interim Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Staton. “With their persistence and entrepreneurial spirit, small businesses like Dell Cove Spices & More continue to drive Indiana’s economy forward and create more career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

Founded in 2010, Dell Cove Spices & More Co.® uses certified-organic spices, sugars and sea salts to produce gourmet and gluten-free popcorn seasonings and works with farmers across the Midwest to sustainably grow different popcorn varieties for unique food gift sets. The company recently launched a line of digital products, enabling consumers, retail and event coordinators to host popcorn bars and stations at home and during special events.