Nicole and Obi Linton, an African American couple from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the Founders of Nicobi Foods, are celebrating a year of remarkable accomplishments that reflect both the power of preparation and the heart of community. From earning national recognition to expanding product lines and building stronger social impact, the company has become one of the fastest-growing names in the food industry.
Recently ranked #2 among the Top 50 Emerging Food & Beverage Brands by RangeMe, Nicobi Foods continues to prove that authenticity and vision can open doors at the highest levels. This momentum has carried the company into Walmart stores across the East Coast following a successful appearance at Walmart’s prestigious Open Call, with further rollouts expected through 2025. Additional retail partnerships, including Giant, Price Rite, Food Lion, and Stop & Shop, position Nicobi for a footprint of more than 2,500 stores by year’s end.
While sales growth and expansion remain priorities, Nicole and Obi are equally committed to purpose. Through Nicobi Cares, the company’s charitable arm, they provide food donations to families in need, lead youth mentorship and leadership workshops, and offer guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Each bottle, each pitch, every relationship: it’s about flavor, authenticity, and love,” said Nicole Linton, Co- Founder and COO. “We don’t just want to sell seasoning — we want to build community, give back, and uplift others on this journey with us.”
The founders’ story and impact have drawn attention from national outlets, industry publications, and platforms such as ECRM and RetailMediaIQ. Their approach to scaling — blending authenticity with operational excellence — has also earned them invitations to share their insights. Most recently, Obi Linton was named a featured speaker at the upcoming Founders’ Innovation Day in New York City, where he will join leading entrepreneurs and retail executives to discuss innovation, retail readiness, and building authentic partnerships.
As Nicobi Foods prepares for the next chapter, its mission remains clear: expand access to bold, authentic flavors while leading with love. From Soul Dust seasoning to an expanding line of sauces and blends, each product reflects the founders’ commitment to culture, quality, and community. With the rallying cry “Flavored by Love,” Nicole and Obi continue to prove that food can be more than nourishment — it can be a movement.
Learn more about the company at NicobiFoods.com