Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gina, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the biggest shifts in the industry is seeing “waste” for what it really is: opportunity. More businesses are finding creative ways to use every part of an ingredient, and freeze-drying helps make that possible.

Take Milk Bottle, a mocktail and cocktail business that presses Passamaquoddy Blueberry Co.’s berries for their drinks. What’s left behind? Skins, pith, and seeds but still packed with flavor and nutrients. Instead of tossing them, we freeze-dry the leftovers, turning them into a vibrant blueberry powder perfect for smoothies, baking, or even rimming a cocktail glass.

It’s a win-win: less waste, more value. The challenge? Changing perceptions- helping people see these “leftovers” as the powerhouse ingredients they are. But as more businesses rethink waste, the future of food looks a whole lot smarter (and tastier).

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Green Geans, we’re passionate about preserving the nutrients of fresh food while extending its shelf life, making it available for longer periods. My journey into the freeze-drying world began when I was researching healthy, nutrient-dense foods to support someone recovering from cancer. I discovered that freeze-dried foods are just as nutrient-dense as fresh or cooked foods, but with a shelf life of 20-25 years when properly packaged. That sparked my curiosity, and I invested in a machine to start experimenting at home.
What started as a personal research project soon turned into a broader passion. I realized that freeze-drying wasn’t just about preserving food, it was about helping people bring their dream products to market, sustainably and efficiently. Seeing the potential for Maine’s farmers and food producers to extend the life of their ingredients and create value-added products, I decided to dive in and help others achieve the same goals.
Now, we partner with Maine farmers and CPG businesses to create high-quality, shelf-stable products that preserve the integrity of local, nutrient-dense ingredients. Whether it’s turning surplus produce into freeze-dried snacks or helping businesses develop new products, we’re here to provide the tools and expertise needed to bring their visions to life.
What sets us apart is our focus on collaboration with local producers and our commitment to sustainability. We’re proud to be part of Maine’s vibrant food economy, helping businesses reduce waste and create innovative products with a longer shelf life.
The future of food in Maine isn’t just fresh, it’s freeze-dried, nutrient-dense, and built to last.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a slow but rewarding process. I started by following all the local farms in my area, joining networking groups with commercial kitchens, and engaging with businesses like bakeries, ice cream shops, bars, and restaurants. I also follow local banks, real estate agents, and any businesses with a large network, like Yelp. I engage with their content regularly—commenting, liking, and sharing—and I try to post once or twice a month to stay visible.
I’ll admit that social media feels like a job, and I could definitely use some help in that area. But it has been an invaluable tool for starting conversations, especially with farmers about their in-season produce. It’s allowed me to introduce myself, showcase my work, and even build relationships with potential clients, all through the Instagram app.
For anyone starting out, I’d recommend focusing on building connections in your local community and industry. It’s not about the number of followers or how many likes you get or if the angle is good, it’s about meaningful engagement! Consistency, even in small doses, is key!

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I believe in building strong, personal relationships with my clients. Staying engaged is essential, whether through regular check-ins via email, social media, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings (both in person and through video calls). These interactions create a sense of familiarity and comfort, ensuring my clients always feel heard, valued, and supported.
I dedicate time to truly understanding their needs, offering updates on new services, and celebrating milestones together. Partnering closely with top laboratories, we guarantee precise analytical testing, providing my clients with absolute confidence in their results.
To inspire lasting trust and brand loyalty, I focus on delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes while remaining highly responsive. My goal is to create a collaborative, reassuring environment where my clients feel empowered every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://greengeans.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greengeans
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamannarino/
• Other: https://www.alignable.com/westbrook-me/green-geans-llc