Introducing a Vegan Dessert Made in Oneonta, NY
Ever since the City of Oneonta awarded Vêsucré LLC a $35,000 microenterprise grant in July 2023, the company has been making a splash in the local business community. This success story highlights the vibrant opportunities available for entrepreneurs and job seekers in Otsego County, right in the heart of Upstate New York.
Vêsucré (pronounced “veh- SOOH-cray”) manufactures a plant-based, frozen dessert that is free of dairy, soy, gluten, and refined sugar. Vêsucré LLC is a woman-owned business in Oneonta, NY founded in October 2022 by Sarah Hartmann.
Hartmann’s journey to entrepreneurship began four years ago when she was advised by her doctor to adopt a vegan diet. Instead of feeling deprived, she turned her dietary restrictions into an opportunity to create a happiness-inducing dessert. The result? A rich, custardy base that evokes the taste of classic French crème brûlée, reimagined in a plant-based, health-conscious form.
The name Vêsucré cleverly combines ‘Ve’ with stands for vegan with ‘sucre’ which stands for sweet. Sucre means sugar in French. Unlike other vegan products which are packed with added sugar for taste, Vêsucré’s plant-based products are free of refined sugar and packed with ten grams of protein in a single serving. These treats are not just for those with dietary restrictions—they’re for anyone who values delicious, wholesome food.
A vegan is a person who does not eat any food derived from animals. Hartmann is on a mission to educate consumers how they can obtain protein without eating meat. With approximately 4% of the U.S. population identifying as vegan—a figure that translates to about 9.7 million people—the demand for plant-based options is on the rise. Between 2017 and 2023, U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods surged from $3.9 billion to $8.1 billion, reflecting a growing demographic of plant-forward consumers who want to eat less meat.
Vêsucré caters to consumers with dietary restrictions and also people who are plant conscious. “Peace on Earth, Desserts for All” is the motto of this business. Hartmann said, “You don’t need to be vegan to enjoy these treats.”
When Hartmann was newly vegan, she said, “I couldn’t find a frozen dessert I liked.” So, she made her own. The four varieties available are Toffee Crunch, Espresso Brownie, “Milk” Chocolate, and Golden “Milk.” Because Vêsucré is made with oat milk, the company puts milk in quotes because the product is dairy-free.
Hartmann’s story also highlights the importance of community and collaboration in Otsego County. Vêsucré’s products can be found at approximately 19 locations, including local favorites like the Autumn Café, Cooperstown Natural Foods, the Green Earth Health Market, and Taste NY at The Southern Tier Welcome Center. The company’s presence is also felt at local events and farmers’ markets, where their custom-made ‘icicle bicycle’ serves up frozen delights from Oneonta to Troy, NY.
For those considering a move to Upstate New York, Otsego County offers more than just stunning natural beauty—it’s a place where innovative businesses like Vêsucré can thrive. Hartmann’s journey is a testament to the supportive environment for startups in Oneonta. As she puts it, “Oneonta is a very friendly place to be a food maker, especially a start-up. If you are a food maker in NY, there are a lot of resources available.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit has not gone unnoticed. Vêsucré was recognized with the “Best Confectionary Product” award at the Empire State Entrepreneur Expo in May 2023 and was named Otsego County’s 2024 Breakthrough Business by the Otsego Chamber of Commerce. Recently, Vêsucré placed among the top 16 businesses competing in the “Coolest Thing Made in New York” competition, a statewide initiative that spotlights innovation, creativity, and manufacturing expertise across the state.
Hartmann has been awarded a scholarship from Cornell to participate in the Food Spark Product Development Program from The New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech, in collaboration with the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park. Cornell invited Vêsucré to be part of the Fancy Food Show in Incubator Village at The Jacob Javits Convention Center this summer. Hartmann said, “We were honored for that opportunity.”
Vêsucré’s commitment to community extends beyond delicious desserts. The company partners with The Arc Otsego and Springbrook to provide work opportunities for local individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Recently, Vêsucré moved its growing operation to Springbrook’s kitchen on their Oneonta campus, further solidifying its role in the local economy. Hartmann said, “We’re tremendously excited to launch this collaborative venture with Springbrook. The Makery is all about creating opportunities and spreading joy for local individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. With Vêsucré operations now at Springbrook, we can continue to provide hands-on food manufacturing experience while empowering people with valuable skills in food production and restaurant operations.”
Hartmann’s story is an inspiring example of how Upstate New York is a land of opportunity for those with a passion for innovation and community. Otsego County, with its supportive business environment and rich quality of life, is the perfect place for entrepreneurs and job seekers alike to build a future.
Whether you’re looking to start a new business, advance your career, or simply enjoy the beauty and charm of Upstate New York, Otsego County offers a unique blend of opportunities. With a growing network of innovative businesses, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to sustainability, this region is attracting talent from across the country.
As Hartmann continues to expand Vêsucré’s operations and influence, her journey serves as a reminder that Otsego County is not just a great place to visit—it’s a great place to live, work, and grow. If you’re seeking a place where you can make a difference, look no further than Upstate New York, where businesses like Vêsucré are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Discover career opportunities in Otsego County, where small businesses like Vêsucré thrive in the heart of Upstate New York:
