Prosperity Organic Foods is one of many Idaho specialty foods businesses that launched in a state known more for agriculture than for niche food products.

But the company — founded by Sun Valley’s Cygnia Rapp and run by Boise’s Meg Carlson — has grown nationally and is poised to break into the Canadian market. The 7-year-old company is based at 475 W. Main St. in Boise.

The company makes and sells Melt Organic spreads that imitate butter. Rapp came up with the product after her own dietary restrictions put butter off limits. The company says its spreads are made from blends of organic oils including coconut, flaxseed, palm fruit and canola oils. A honey-flavored version includes wildflower honey and a touch of cinnamon.

Carlson, who spent 16 years at Ore-Ida Foods, started as an adviser to Prosperity Organic Foods in 2008 when it was a home-based business. She was hired in 2010 “to create a company, as opposed to an entrepreneur-driven enterprise,” she says.

Melt is marketed as a healthier alternative to butter and other ingredients slathered on at breakfast or mixed into recipes. It has no trans fats, soy, gluten or artificial ingredients. It has less saturated fat and fewer calories than butter.

The spread gained traction in national retail, getting plugged into the distribution lines for Whole Foods, Albertsons, Winn Dixie and other supermarkets.

“There has been a great deal of interest expressed by five of the top distributors in Canada, so we’re optimistic that we’ll get a great reception” there next year, Carlson says.

The company just won a silver medal in the Consumer Products and Services Company category at the “Stevie Awards” in New York City.

Audrey Dutton: 377-6448