Over the last nine months, Zola, which makes of a line of bottled Açaí and other superfruit juice products, completely redesigned its labeling, introduced two flavor line extensions, and launched a line of superfruit shots in collaboration with Jamba Juice. Most recently, Zola announced a six-SKU national distribution agreement with Safeway, which CEO Chris Cuvelier called “a game-changer.” Cuvelier firmly believes he has the pieces in place and that the game will hinge on execution.
In a recent interview with BevNET founder John Craven at Zola’s San Francisco headquarters, Cuvelier explains that the Zola’s new flavors, Açaí with Pomegranate and Açaí with Blueberry have helped the brand and its retail acceptance by taking an exotic ingredient and linking it to fruits that most consumers are familiar with and understand.
The brand’s growing appeal has led to increased distribution, not only for Zola brand products – the company also recently announced East Coast distribution in Acme, Shop-Rite and Food Town stores – but also with its Jamba Juice Superfruit shots line. The line is currently distributed in Jamba Juice, natural foods and grocery stores along the West Coast, Colorado and Texas. Cuvelier said Zola was currently testing the product in GNC stores and close to a major launch of the line with “some big retailers.”
Amidst the launch of new products and distribution, Cuvelier explained that company has gradually increased the size its management and sales team over the last six months and is now poised and ready for explosive growth.
“With all the exciting things that have been happening, we’re in execution mode,” Cuvelier said. “Now it’s about doing what we do extremely well and then seeing how far we can take the brand.”
To hear Cuvielier’s take on Zola’s distribution momentum and what it takes to succeed with superfruits, watch the following interview…