Business Opportunities Weblog

May 25, 2007 by Rich Whittle | 1 Comment

Post-Tribune:

Ferret hair may not sound like it’s meant for dipping. But it sure makes for some good salsa.

Ten years ago, Dan and Sally Homner created Hair of the Ferret Gourmet Salsa in their Crown Point basement, after 10 year of making batches of the condiment for friends and family.

No ferrets are harmed in the making of the salsa, and thankfully ferret hair isn’t really one of the ingredients. It’s just a catchy name for a product that’s catching on with those who love a little heat. “I didn’t even know what a ferret looked like,” Dan Homner admits.

Now Homner’s a full-time salsa entrepreneur, doing business with about 100 stores in Indiana and Illinois, and with online customers from as far away as California and New Jersey.

In 2000, Homner quit his job at a Griffith mill-supply company, and started making salsa full-time.

In 2001, he outsourced production to a facility near Rockford, Ill.T he four main varieties, which range from Mild to Flaming Hot, feature roma tomatoes, white onions, and up to 12 types of peppers, which include the exotic japones and scotch bonnet peppers in the spiciest batches.

Homner also started making a fruit salsa this year, Pineapple Mango Peach.

Photo by Hair of the Ferret Co..

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Tags: Niche, Startup, Success