Karat Packaging Inc.: insider trades · United States · SEC (Form 4)

About Karat Packaging Inc.

Karat Packaging Inc. (Nasdaq: KRT) is a U.S.-based specialty distributor and manufacturer of disposable foodservice products and related items. Headquartered in Chino, California, the company primarily serves national and regional restaurant chains, foodservice operators, distributors, and e-commerce customers across the United States. For investors, Karat sits at the intersection of consumer demand, supply-chain execution, and tariff-driven cost volatility, with a business model that combines branded product distribution, manufacturing, and value-added services. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1758021/000175802126000016/krt2025annualreport.htm?utm_source=openai)) The company was founded in 2000 in San Gabriel, California by Alan Yu and Marvin Cheng, originally as Lollicup USA Inc. Over time, it shifted from its early tea-store roots toward foodservice packaging and supplies, then began manufacturing and distributing under the Karat brand in 2014. That history matters strategically: Karat evolved from a retail-adjacent operator into a vertically oriented packaging platform with a logistics network and product-development capabilities. Its listing on Nasdaq gives it visibility in the U.S. public markets and places it within the small- to mid-cap universe. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1758021/000175802126000016/krt2025annualreport.htm?utm_source=openai)) Karat’s product portfolio is broad and practical: food and take-out containers, bags, tableware, cups, lids, cutlery, straws, specialty beverage ingredients, gloves, and other foodservice essentials. The company also markets its eco-oriented Karat Earth® line, which emphasizes sustainably focused products made from renewable resources. Beyond products, Karat offers customization, new-product development, printing, and logistics services, which helps differentiate it from pure wholesale distributors and supports stickier customer relationships, especially with larger chain accounts. ([globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/12/3255096/0/en/karat-packaging-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-financial-results.html)) Geographically, Karat has built a meaningful U.S. distribution footprint, with facilities and locations in California, Texas, New Jersey, Washington, South Carolina, Hawaii, Illinois, and Arizona. This network supports national service coverage and improves fulfillment speed for customers spread across the country. The company also reports sales through chains and distributors, online, and retail channels, underscoring a diversified go-to-market model. ([karatpackaging.com](https://www.karatpackaging.com/location/?utm_source=openai)) Recent developments point to continued top-line momentum, but also to pressure from import duties and freight costs. In March 2026, Karat reported full-year 2025 net sales of $467.7 million, up 10.7% year over year, while gross margin declined because of higher tariffs and ocean-freight costs. Management highlighted double-digit volume growth, a return to positive pricing in the fourth quarter of 2025, and strong traction in paper bags, including a significant contract win with one of its largest national chain accounts. The company also approved a quarterly dividend and continued share repurchases, which signals a balanced capital-allocation policy alongside growth investment. ([globenewswire.com](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/12/3255096/0/en/karat-packaging-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-financial-results.html))