The Teff
The Teff Company (Maskal Teff) is a family-owned, vertically integrated US producer of teff grain and teff flour, founded in 1986 in Boise, Idaho. It serves Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora, gluten-free consumers, health-conscious home cooks, and wholesale bakeries, food manufacturers, and ingredient distributors through DTC e-commerce and B2B channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersCaldwell, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Teff does
The Teff Company, operating as Maskal Teff, is a vertically integrated US producer and supplier of teff grain and teff flour, headquartered and milling in Boise, Idaho (with a listed mailing address in Caldwell). Founded in 1986 by Wayne and Elisabeth Carlson after Wayne's exposure to teff cultivation in Ethiopia in the 1970s, the company controls the full value chain from owned seedstock sourced originally from the Washington State University USDA seed bank, through contracted grower relationships across Idaho, California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, and Oregon, to daily fresh milling at a teff-only, dedicated gluten-free facility in Boise. Its core product portfolio consists of teff flour and whole teff grain in both brown and ivory varieties, offered as conventional and USDA-certified organic SKUs in 14oz multi-packs and 25lb bags, plus discovery sample packs and branded merchandise.
The business operates a dual-channel go-to-market. Direct-to-consumer sales flow through a Shopify-powered storefront (teffco.com) with nationwide US shipping via UPS for small orders and regional freight for bulk, priced on a unit basis ranging from $25 for a sample pack to $105 for a 25lb bag of organic flour. Wholesale revenue is generated through a separate program supplying Ethiopian and Eritrean retailers, gluten-free bakeries, food manufacturers, and ingredient distributors, with bulk offerings extending to 2000lb totes on a contact-for-quote basis. The company is privately held, family-owned and operated by the Carlson family, with no disclosed institutional investors, parent company, or subsidiaries. Customer concentration is distributed across diaspora, gluten-free, and health-conscious consumer segments plus wholesale partners. The company carries Non-GMO Project Verified, OK Kosher, USDA Organic, and third-party gluten-free certifications (each lot tested at 5 ppm or less). Operations are US-only; Canada, Mexico, Europe, and other international markets are explicitly out of scope.
The Teff firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Teff
- Legal name
- The Teff Company
- Website
- https://teffco.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Teff Company (Maskal Teff) is a family-owned, vertically integrated US producer of teff grain and teff flour, founded in 1986 in Boise, Idaho. It serves Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora, gluten-free consumers, health-conscious home cooks, and wholesale bakeries, food manufacturers, and ingredient distributors through DTC e-commerce and B2B channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Teff industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Grain Milling and Ancient Grain Products
- NAICS
- Food Manufacturing (311)
- SIC
- Grain Mill Products (2040), Food And Kindred Products (2000), Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials (5150)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Flour & Milling Products Manufacturing (wheat, corn, rice, specialty flours) (AFAKABAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Couscous, Bulgur & Other Processed Grain Foods Manufacturing (AFAKABAJ)
Keywords
Where The Teff is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Caldwell
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Teff business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct E-commerce Product Sales: Consumer-facing online store selling teff flour and grain products directly to individuals. Products include conventional and organic varieties in brown and ivory teff, available in 14oz packs and 25lb bags. Free US shipping noted for small pack orders.
- Wholesale/B2B Product Sales: B2B sales to retailers, bakeries, food manufacturers, and ingredient distributors. Wholesale offerings include conventional teff flour (14oz retail packs, 25lb bags), organic teff flour, conventional teff grain (2000lb totes), and organic teff grain. Bulk orders ship via regional freight carriers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Conventional Teff Flour 14oz 6-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Conventional Teff Flour 25lb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Organic Teff Flour 14oz 6-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Organic Teff Flour 25lb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Conventional Teff Grain 14oz 6-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Conventional Teff Grain 25lb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Organic Teff Grain 14oz 6-Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Organic Teff Grain 25lb |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Conventional Teff Sample Pack 14oz |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Organic Teff Sample Pack 14oz |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Maskal Teff Lion Shirt |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | Wholesale Pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Teff product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Teff Company (Maskal Teff) manufactures and supplies teff flour and whole teff grain, available in conventional and organic varieties and in brown and ivory forms. The company is vertically integrated, managing its own seedstock and contracted grower relationships across the Western US, and milling flour fresh daily in a single dedicated gluten-free facility in Boise, Idaho. Products are sold nationwide through both direct-to-consumer e-commerce and a wholesale program targeting bakeries, food manufacturers, ingredient distributors, and Ethiopian/Eritrean markets.
Product overview
Maskal Teff (The Teff Company) is a vertically integrated teff producer offering a focused portfolio of teff-based food products. The core offerings consist of Teff Flour and Teff Grain, each available in conventional and organic varieties, and in brown (earthy/nutty) and ivory (subtle/slightly sweet) varieties. Product sizes include 14 oz multi-packs for retail consumers and 25 lb bags for bulk/wholesale buyers. The company also offers Teff Sample Packs and Organic Teff Sample Packs for discovery purposes, and branded merchandise (Lion Shirt). All products are 100% whole grain, naturally gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kosher certified. The company operates from Boise, Idaho, where it manages seedstock, contracts with Western US growers, and mills flour fresh daily.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Teff Flour (Conventional) Naturally gluten-free teff flour milled fresh daily in Boise, ID, in brown (earthy/nutty) and ivory (subtle/slightly sweet) varieties; intended for traditional injera, gluten-free baking, and everyday baked goods. Available in 14 oz multipacks and 25 lb bags.
- Teff Grain (Conventional) Whole grain teff sold as grain for use in porridge, grain bowls, and everyday meals; cooks like quinoa or rice and is naturally gluten-free. Available in 14 oz multipacks and 25 lb bags, plus 2000 lb totes for wholesale.
- Organic Teff Flour USDA Organic certified teff flour milled from 100% organic whole teff grain grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers; available in brown and ivory varieties in 14 oz multipacks and 25 lb bags.
- Organic Teff Grain USDA Organic certified whole grain teff grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers; packaged in 14 oz multipacks for retail and 2000 lb totes for wholesale.
- Teff Sample Pack (Conventional) A discovery pack containing one 14 oz package each of Brown Teff Flour, Brown Teff Grain, Ivory Teff Flour, and Ivory Teff Grain for consumers to explore the flavor and versatility of teff.
- Organic Teff Sample Pack An organic discovery pack containing one 14 oz package each of Organic Brown Teff Flour, Organic Brown Teff Grain, Organic Ivory Teff Flour, and Organic Ivory Teff Grain.
- Wholesale Teff Supply Program Wholesale/B2B ingredient supply program offering conventional and organic teff flour and grain in 14 oz retail packs, 25 lb bags, and 2000 lb totes to retailers, bakeries, food manufacturers, and ingredient distributors. Pricing is quote-based under multi-year contracts and shipments are arranged via regional freight carriers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Third-party lab verification confirms gluten levels at 5 ppm or less, exceeding FDA requirements
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Teff
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Teff technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
The Teff partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Teff competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pamela's Products: Gluten-free baking brand offering flour blends, mixes, cookies, and crackers through grocery and DTC channels. Comparable to Maskal Teff on gluten-free positioning, certifications, and providing gluten-free flours/blends for baking, though focuses more on finished baked goods and mixes.
- Andean Naturals: Sourcing and ingredient company specializing in quinoa, amaranth, and other ancient grains from the Americas for food manufacturers, bakeries, and CPG brands. Closely comparable to Maskal Teff on the model of sourcing/processing a single-niche ancient grain for wholesale ingredient customers with cultural and health-driven demand.
- Bob's Red Mill: US-based specialty miller offering a broad portfolio of gluten-free flours, ancient grains, and whole-grain baking products through DTC, grocery, and wholesale channels. Most directly comparable to Maskal Teff on product category (specialty flour/ancient grains), gluten-free positioning, certifications, and vertically oriented milling operations.
- Hodgson Mill: Family-owned US miller producing whole-grain, gluten-free, and ancient-grain flours (including flax, millet, sorghum) for retail and wholesale. Comparable to Maskal Teff in focus on specialty / non-wheat flours, multi-grain portfolio, and DTC plus wholesale distribution.
- Great River Organic Milling: Small-batch organic flour mill producing specialty and whole-grain flours (including gluten-free options) for DTC and small wholesale customers. Comparable to Maskal Teff in scale, vertical milling, organic certification, and specialization outside commodity wheat flour.
Broad incumbents
- Arrowhead Mills: Long-standing US brand of organic whole-grain flours, ancient grains, cereals, and baking ingredients sold through natural and grocery channels. Relevant peer on ancient-grain milling and organic certification while operating at larger scale and broader SKU breadth than Maskal Teff.
- Nature's Path: Large organic and gluten-free CPG brand selling cereals, granola, waffles, and baking mixes through grocery, natural, and DTC channels. Overlaps with Maskal Teff on organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free certifications, and on rising consumer demand for ancient-grain ingredients in cereal/breakfast categories.
- King Arthur Baking Company: Iconic US flour brand with nationwide grocery and foodservice distribution plus a DTC e-commerce and bakery education platform. Compares to Maskal Teff as a broader incumbent in the milled-grain category, overlapping on gluten-free and specialty-flour SKUs but operating at much larger scale and breadth.
Emerging players
- Cup4Cup (Chef's Choice Foods): Gluten-free flour blend brand widely adopted in professional and home baking kitchens; relevant peer on gluten-free positioning, baking-focused flour SKUs, and DTC-plus-foodservice distribution model.
- TruRoots: Brand focused on ancient grains like quinoa, sprouted grains, and pulse-based pastas sold through natural and grocery channels. Relevant emerging peer on the ancient-grain consumer positioning and retail merchandising with some overlap with Maskal Teff's gluten-free/whole-grain positioning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Teff social profiles
Digital presenceThe Teff compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
The Teff financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Teff leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
The Teff funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Teff M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Teff
What does The Teff do?
The Teff Company (Maskal Teff) manufactures and supplies teff flour and whole teff grain, available in conventional and organic varieties and in brown and ivory forms. The company is vertically integrated, managing its own seedstock and contracted grower relationships across the Western US, and milling flour fresh daily in a single dedicated gluten-free facility in Boise, Idaho. Products are sold nationwide through both direct-to-consumer e-commerce and a wholesale program targeting bakeries, food manufacturers, ingredient distributors, and Ethiopian/Eritrean markets.
Is The Teff a public or private company?
The Teff is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was The Teff founded?
The Teff was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Teff based?
The Teff is headquartered in Caldwell, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Teff make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Direct E-commerce Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/B2B Product Sales.
Who are The Teff's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pamela's Products, Andean Naturals, Bob's Red Mill, Hodgson Mill and Great River Organic Milling. Broad incumbents are Arrowhead Mills, Nature's Path and King Arthur Baking Company. Emerging players are Cup4Cup (Chef's Choice Foods) and TruRoots.
Does The Teff have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Teff.
What industry is The Teff in?
The Teff's product category is Specialty Grain Milling and Ancient Grain Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKABAD, Flour & Milling Products Manufacturing (wheat, corn, rice, specialty flours), with a secondary code of AFAKABAJ, Couscous, Bulgur & Other Processed Grain Foods Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 311 and its SIC code is 2040.