Made in USA pasta company scales to all 50 states with Amazon tools

Three sisters from Grand Forks, North Dakota, have transformed their family wheat farm into a national pasta brand using Amazon's small business infrastructure, according to a July 18, 2025 announcement from Amazon. Annie Gorder, Grace Lunski, and Mollie Ficocello launched Three Farm Daughters in 2020 and scaled from 38 local retail stores to distribution across all 50 states and Canada through Amazon's platform.

The company's farm-to-table approach aligns with growing consumer demand for authentic American-made products. Consumer preference for domestically produced goods has intensified amid supply chain concerns and quality transparency expectations. Three Farm Daughters exemplifies this trend by maintaining complete control over their wheat cultivation, processing, and distribution while emphasizing their North Dakota agricultural heritage.

According to the Amazon announcement, the sisters utilized Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to outsource order fulfillment and customer service operations. "As soon as we were set up," Ficocello stated, "we could just trust in Amazon." The platform enabled the company to focus on product development while Amazon handled storage, delivery, and returns.

The business emerged from Sproule Farms, where the family grows a resistant starch wheat variety that contains naturally high fiber content. This wheat produces pasta with significantly different nutritional properties compared to traditional varieties. The resistant starch composition creates a 70-30 ratio inverse to conventional wheat, producing what the company calls prebiotic fiber benefits.

Made in USA positioning drives competitive advantage

Three Farm Daughters benefits from the mounting popularity of "Made in USA" positioning as consumers increasingly value domestic production authenticity. The company's complete vertical integration from seed to shelf enables legitimate domestic origin claims that resonate with quality-conscious consumers.

Recent regulatory developments underscore the importance of authentic American manufacturing claims. According to Federal Trade Commission enforcement actions from July 8, 2025, regulators are cracking down on false "Made in USA" claims across Amazon and Walmart marketplaces. Companies must substantiate such claims with competent evidence demonstrating products meet the "all or virtually all" domestic standard.

This regulatory environment creates competitive advantages for legitimately domestic producers like Three Farm Daughters. Their wheat originates from Sproule Farms in North Dakota, gets processed into pasta using traditional bronze die methods, and ships directly from American facilities. The traceable supply chain eliminates compliance risks while building consumer trust through verified authenticity.

Market trends indicate consumers will pay premium prices for verified domestic products. The authenticity factor extends beyond patriotic sentiment to encompass quality perceptions, supply chain transparency, and environmental considerations related to reduced transportation distances.

Technical wheat innovation drives product differentiation

Three Farm Daughters sources wheat flour from their family operation that grows a specialty variety with altered starch composition. Traditional wheat contains approximately 70% of one starch type and 30% of another, while their variety inverts this ratio. The resistant starch grain resists digestion in the small intestine and passes to the large intestine, creating prebiotic effects.

The domestic cultivation of this specialty wheat variety demonstrates how American agriculture can compete through innovation rather than commodity pricing. Small-scale specialty production enables quality control and traceability that mass-produced imported alternatives cannot match. This approach reflects broader trends in American food production toward premium, health-focused products that command higher margins.

According to a Farm Journal YouTube Channel episode titled Grow Getters: How Did Three North Dakota Farm Sisters Create a Successful Pasta Brand?, consumers began reporting unexpected benefits from the pasta consumption. "We had some diabetics that were in our emails like hey girls this is so awesome I don't know if you are aware of this but when I eat your pasta my blood sugar's not spiking," Grace explained during the interview with host Davis Michaelson. The company subsequently obtained low glycemic index verification through clinical testing.

The production process utilizes bronze die extrusion rather than Teflon dies. Bronze creates a coarse, porous texture that enables better sauce adhesion compared to smoother Teflon-extruded pasta. This premium production method aligns with the company's positioning as a farm-to-table specialty food manufacturer.

The pasta line includes cavatappi, elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, and spaghetti varieties. According to company information, cavatappi represents one of the best-selling shapes alongside penne pasta. The spaghetti variety launched as an online exclusive before expanding to retail distribution. Amazon infrastructure enables national expansion.

The company initially delivered products directly to retail stores across North Dakota and Minnesota. According to the announcement, Three Farm Daughters reached 38 stores through self-delivery before transitioning to Amazon's distribution network. Family members, including husbands and farmworkers, assisted with back-door deliveries to grocery stores.

Whole Foods Market contacted the company via email inquiry, which the sisters initially questioned as potential spam. The retailer relationship developed alongside the company's brand redesign, which added the distinctive pink packaging currently used across the product line.

Amazon's Seller Central platform provided tools for product listing, pricing, and promotion management. The company also utilized Amazon Ads services to drive customer acquisition. According to survey data cited in the announcement, 91% of small and medium businesses selling on Amazon agree they use the platform for its variety of tools and services.

The FBA program offers shipping rates that are 70% less per unit than comparable premium options from other carriers, according to Amazon. This cost structure enabled Three Farm Daughters to compete nationally without developing their own logistics infrastructure.

Business growth reflects broader small business trends

Three Farm Daughters now employs approximately 10 people, including staff dedicated to marketing, finance, and analytics functions. The company partners with agencies to manage business operations while maintaining presence in over 1,300 grocery stores including Albertsons, Fresh Thyme, and Whole Foods Market.

Progressive Farmer magazine recognized Three Farm Daughters among its Best Young Farmers & Ranchers cohort in 2025 as an example of agriculture's future direction. The recognition highlights how farm families are diversifying revenue streams through value-added products.

According to Amazon, independent sellers like Three Farm Daughters have created more than 2 million jobs in the United States to support their Amazon-related businesses. More than 60% of sales in Amazon's store originate from independent sellers, with most classified as small and medium-sized businesses.

"Within just the first three months of 2025, we have been able to surpass our 2024 total sales on Amazon," Ficocello stated in the announcement. The company allocated dedicated advertising budget for the first time in 2025, suggesting continued growth trajectory.

This expansion reflects trends in agricultural entrepreneurship and e-commerce adoption that enable rural businesses to access national markets. The success occurs amid rising consumer preference for authentic American-made products, as evidenced by Walmart's recent "Grow with US" program launch supporting domestic suppliers. Small business tools and marketplace services continue expanding access to distribution infrastructure previously limited to large corporations.

The timing coincides with increased scrutiny of import dependency and supply chain resilience. American consumers demonstrate growing willingness to support domestic producers, particularly when products offer superior quality, transparency, and traceability compared to imported alternatives.

Community engagement maintains local connections

The extended family continues operating Sproule Farms' annual Cans 4 Corn fundraiser, which began in 2012. The event accepts canned goods donations for the Salvation Army in exchange for sweet corn and potatoes. The farm plants over 1.5 acres of corn specifically for this community event, which increases participation annually.

The sisters initially left Grand Forks for college but returned to support the family farming operation. "The farm really tugs at your heartstrings," one sister explained during the Farm Journal Grow Getters episode. Family proximity and small-town community connections influenced their decision to build the business in their hometown rather than relocating to metropolitan areas.

Faith-based values guided the company's founding principles, emphasizing clean, simple ingredients and transparent consumer communication. The founders attended the same faith-based college, which shaped their approach to business relationships and community engagement.

The Three Farm Daughters brand positions itself as a pantry staple from the farm, with plans to expand beyond pasta into other farm products. The diversification strategy leverages Sproule Farms' ability to grow various crops including corn, soybeans, edible beans, wheat, oats, sugar beets, and potatoes.

Why this matters for the marketing community: This case demonstrates how specialized agricultural products can scale through e-commerce platforms without sacrificing product quality or family farm operations. Three Farm Daughters exemplifies the competitive advantages available to authentic "Made in USA" producers as consumers increasingly value domestic manufacturing transparency. Amazon's infrastructure enables small businesses to compete nationally while maintaining legitimate origin claims, particularly important as regulators increase enforcement of domestic labeling standards. The success illustrates consumer demand for transparent, health-focused food products that connect directly to agricultural sources while supporting American economic development.

Timeline

• 2012: Sproule Farms launches Cans 4 Corn community fundraiser
• October 2019: Three sisters first discuss launching better-for-you food company
• 2020: Three Farm Daughters officially launches, founders birth first babies, expand to 38 retail stores
• 2020: Company transitions from self-delivery to Amazon distribution network
• 2020: Whole Foods Market contacts company via email inquiry
• 2023: Amazon launches Frequency Groups feature for cross-campaign reach measurement
• 2024: Amazon Publisher Cloud launches with clean room technology
• Early 2025: Progressive Farmer magazine names Three Farm Daughters among Best Young Farmers & Ranchers
• Q1 2025: Amazon's advertising business grows 19% to $13.9 billion
• April 2025: Amazon introduces two-part product titles for sellers
• May 2025: Walmart launches "Grow with US" program for American suppliers
• July 2025: Amazon launches ad tech activation partners program
• July 8, 2025: FTC warns Amazon about false "Made in USA" claims by third-party sellers
• July 18, 2025: Amazon announces Three Farm Daughters success story

Key terminology explained

Vertical Integration: This business strategy involves controlling multiple stages of the production and distribution process within a single company. Three Farm Daughters demonstrates vertical integration by growing their own wheat, processing it into pasta, and selling directly to consumers through their own brand. This approach differs from companies that outsource various production stages to different suppliers. Vertical integration provides greater quality control, cost management, and supply chain reliability, while enabling companies to capture value at each production stage rather than paying markups to intermediary suppliers.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon's logistics service that allows third-party sellers to store their products in Amazon's warehouses while Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, customer service, and returns. For Three Farm Daughters, FBA eliminated the need to build their own distribution infrastructure or handle individual customer shipments. The service enables small businesses to offer Prime shipping speeds and professional fulfillment services that would otherwise require significant capital investment. FBA charges fees based on storage space and fulfillment activities, but provides access to Amazon's extensive logistics network.

Bronze Die Extrusion: A traditional pasta manufacturing technique where pasta dough is forced through bronze plates with shaped holes to create different pasta forms. Bronze dies create a rougher, more porous surface texture compared to modern Teflon dies, which produce smoother pasta. The rough texture created by bronze dies allows sauces to adhere better to the pasta surface, improving flavor delivery and eating experience. This premium production method typically costs more than Teflon extrusion but produces higher-quality pasta that commands premium pricing in specialty food markets.

Resistant Starch: A type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and instead passes to the large intestine, where it functions similarly to dietary fiber. Three Farm Daughters' wheat variety contains higher levels of resistant starch compared to conventional wheat, creating prebiotic effects that feed beneficial gut bacteria. This nutritional characteristic provides functional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, allowing the company to position their pasta as a health-focused product rather than a commodity carbohydrate. Resistant starch also typically produces lower glycemic responses compared to regular starch.

Low Glycemic Index (GI): A measurement system that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with low GI values (55 or below) cause slower, more gradual increases in blood sugar compared to high GI foods. Three Farm Daughters obtained clinical verification of their pasta's low GI rating, which allows diabetic and pre-diabetic consumers to enjoy pasta without significant blood sugar spikes. This certification provides scientific credibility for health claims and differentiates their product from conventional pasta in the health-conscious consumer segment.

Prebiotic Fiber: Dietary fiber that specifically feeds beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, promoting gut health and potentially improving overall wellness. Unlike probiotics, which introduce new bacteria, prebiotics nourish existing beneficial bacteria already present in the digestive tract. Three Farm Daughters' pasta contains prebiotic fiber due to its resistant starch content, allowing the company to market functional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This positioning appeals to health-conscious consumers willing to pay premium prices for foods that provide specific wellness benefits.

Clean Room Technology: Privacy-preserving data collaboration systems that allow multiple parties to analyze combined datasets without exposing individual user information or proprietary business data. In digital advertising, clean rooms enable advertisers and publishers to collaborate on audience targeting and measurement while maintaining data privacy compliance. Amazon Publisher Cloud utilizes clean room technology to help advertisers leverage publisher first-party data for targeting without compromising user privacy. This approach becomes increasingly important as third-party cookies disappear and privacy regulations strengthen.

Farm-to-Table: A marketing concept emphasizing direct relationships between food producers and consumers, typically highlighting local sourcing, minimal processing, and transparent supply chains. Three Farm Daughters exemplifies farm-to-table by growing their own wheat and controlling the entire production process from field to finished product. This positioning appeals to consumers seeking transparency, quality assurance, and connection to agricultural sources. Farm-to-table marketing often commands premium pricing by emphasizing freshness, sustainability, and authentic agricultural heritage over mass-produced alternatives.

Cross-Campaign Reach Measurement: An advertising analytics approach that tracks how many unique individuals see advertisements across multiple campaigns or platforms, eliminating duplicate counting when the same person encounters ads from different campaigns. This measurement technique provides more accurate audience reach calculations compared to simple impression counting, which may count the same person multiple times. Advanced cross-campaign measurement requires sophisticated data integration and identity resolution capabilities, typically available through major advertising platforms like Amazon DSP or Google Marketing Platform.

Supply Chain Resilience: The ability of production and distribution networks to maintain operations and recover quickly from disruptions such as natural disasters, political instability, or pandemic-related shutdowns. Three Farm Daughters' domestic supply chain provides greater resilience compared to international sourcing, reducing risks from border closures, shipping delays, or foreign production disruptions. Supply chain resilience has become a key competitive advantage as consumers and businesses prioritize reliability over lowest-cost sourcing, particularly following recent global supply chain disruptions that highlighted dependency risks.

Summary

Who: Annie Gorder, Grace Lunski, and Mollie Ficocello, three sisters from the Sproule farming family in Grand Forks, North Dakota, founded Three Farm Daughters pasta company.

What: The sisters scaled their specialty high-fiber pasta business from 38 local stores to national distribution across all 50 states and Canada using Amazon's small business tools, particularly Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Seller Central platform.

When: The company launched in 2020 and achieved national expansion by 2025, with Amazon announcing their success story on July 18, 2025.

Where: Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, near the Minnesota border in the Red River Valley, the company now distributes nationally through Amazon and maintains presence in over 1,300 grocery stores.

Why: The sisters utilized Amazon's infrastructure to focus on product development while outsourcing logistics, customer service, and fulfillment operations, enabling them to compete nationally without building their own distribution network while maintaining their family farming operation.