Keith Burkard is the founder and CEO of LastLeaf, the first culinary cannabis brand in the United States to pioneer cannabis-infused gourmet food. LastLeaf offers an array of upscale cooking products, such as condiments, butters, oils and sauces, as well as perfectly proportioned gourmet pantry-friendly meal kits. Keith’s focus is solving the industry issue of how to create consistent chains of production for cannabis edibles from state-to-state.
Keith is on a mission to manufacture culinary products using premium ingredients to produce top-tier flavor with consistent quality harnessing an amplified edible experience for consumers.
Keith has brought on Celebrity Chef and four-time James Beard Award winner Todd English to fuse his culinary talents with cannabis and neatly package the result in affordable, easy-to-make food products, elevating THC-infused edibles into a fine dining experience that anyone can enjoy in the comfort of their home.
FMM: How does it feel to be the first culinary cannabis brand in the United States to pioneer cannabis-infused gourmet food?
It’s a great feeling to be at the forefront of innovation in the cannabis market, unlocking a consumer audience that has not been tapped. We’ve identified a marketplace that can utilize a range of cannabis products including THC, CBD, CBN, and more. While all other companies in the cannabis edibles industry are focused on the traditional drinks and snacks, Last Leaf is elevating the experience with THC-infused products into an exciting dining experience for all.
FMM: How are you transforming an industry hungry for disruption?
We believe in delivering a tailored experience like the current culinary world. By merging cannabis and gourmet cuisine, LastLeaf enhances the dining experience for the cannabis curious foodie, from the novice to the experienced cannabis user. In doing so, we offer a product that not only provides significant medical benefits, but does so along with exciting taste and an amazing overall food experience for the consumer.
I’ve always been inquisitive and work to strategically position myself and companies for both short and long-term success within different industries from a young age. I entered into the cannabis world with that mindset and immediately identified a wealth of untapped market potential and consumer demand. I believe that with LastLeaf, we are heading into the next frontier of edibles in a market with high volume and frequency for consumers.
FMM: You have partnered with Celebrity Chef Todd English. Why was he a key ingredient to the key to success for LastLeaf? What does he bring to the table?
Partnering with Todd was a no-brainer because of his rich experience in the culinary world, notably as one of the best and most-recognized chefs in the world. His expertise has helped guide and position the company to create exciting, engaging ingredients and taste profiles. Additionally, for very personal reasons Todd was interested in creating accessibility to cannabis for anyone who was interested in exploring with us. When his sister fell ill with cancer, Todd baked THC-infused food for her and he attests that the results were eye-opening. Cannabis is a very useful way to reduce stress and discomfort, and Todd is a huge supporter of the plant’s abilities.
FMM: Tell us about your gourmet-infused Macaroni and Cheese.
LastLeaf launched with the release of two macaroni and cheese options with exquisite flavor profiles that our consumers have been incredibly receptive to. We wanted to start with a product that got people excited about what is to come. In addition to being one of the most consumed foods in the United States, infused Mac n’ Cheese is a favorite in almost every household and was the ideal . We took the ultimate, simple comfort food and elevated it to create an experience like no other.
FMM: The holidays are approaching. Can you recommend a dish using your gourmet products?
Yes, we have a full suite of recipe tutorials on our website that feature lobster mac n cheese, NY Steak, and pumpkin smores, which are perfect for the holiday season and creating a wow factor at the dinner table.
FMM: You are on a mission to manufacture culinary products using premium ingredients to produce top-tier flavor. What can we expect to see from LastLeaf going into 2022?
We designed, researched, developed, and tested gourmet pasta sauces, salad dressings, condiments, and general everyday sauces like olive oil and soy sauce. In 2022, the Last Leaf product line will include this array of upscale, ready-to-eat(RTE) cannabis-infused cooking products, as well as perfectly proportioned gourmet meal kits. So whether you know your way around the kitchen or just have basic cooking skills, there is an infused-cannabis LastLeaf product for everyone.
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