Photo (l to r): Leo and Celina Etcheto and Hernan Etcheto
Many people are probably unaware that a business making the world’s premium form of egg powder is located right here in our region. Leonardo Etcheto, CEO of Crystal Freeze Dry, LLC, D.B.A. Nutriom, explains exactly what it is they do at their 25,000 total square-foot production and warehouse facility in Panora that employs 39 individuals.
He says they have quite a few customers who purchase their products because there is a shelf-life of three to seven years, perfect for use in emergency preparedness. Many of the products are also used for camping and travel. Nutriom, however, did not orginate in Panora, but was founded in Olympia, Wash.
One of the challenges they faced on the west coast was that if they wanted industrial liquid egg, it had to be shipped in from Iowa. For eight years, they had the product brought to them by tanker, but eventually decided that with increased production and the higher risk of having the liquid eggs on a truck for four days, they needed to move closer to their source.
The Nutriom leadership team worked with Iowa Economic Development and with different local authorities on what facilities were available. They were connected with Region XII Council of Governments, and they not only provided information, but allocated some funding to help Nutriom make the move to Iowa. And Etcheto says this move was a great decision.
Now that they are here and things are running smoothly, they are expanding their research and development and working on new markets and products.
They are looking at flavor blends such as sausage and Mediterranean frittata. Their products are marketed under the brand name OvaEasy and can be found online. Etcheto says COVID-19 has slowed their introduction to many brick-and-mortar locations, but they can often be found in camping stores and grocery store chains in the west, southwest and south. They are working to get into Hy-Vee stores in the Midwest. Those interested locally, however, can stop by their facility at 500 SE 3rd St. in Panora to give the OvaEasy products a try.
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