Exploring the evolving market for food and beverage in the U.K. from the perspective of two London-based entrepreneurs: Jarr Kombucha co-founder Adam Vanni and Moju Drinks co-founder Rich Goldsmith. Also in this episode: the hosts discussed notable moments and presentations from day one of BevNET Live Winter 2018.
Shaka Tea Co-founder and President Bella Hughes aims to deliver an authentic Hawaii-grown mamaki tea to a broader audience. The herbal tea has no caffeine or added sugar and comes in a variety of island-inspired flavors. Hughes has made a commitment to regenerative agriculture farming practices with a focus on empowering the local mamaki farming community and economy.
Adam Lowry explored the development of both Method and Ripple and how lessons from the former factored into the foundation for the latter. He also shared his perspective on how the funding environment for CPG brands has changed, why it was important to hire a CEO early into Method’s life cycle, discussed Ripple’s mission and its innovative technology, and why he believes that “raising money is not an indicator of success.”
Beanfields CEO Arnold Ventura explores the development of his professional life amid the rapidly evolving food and beverage industries and how lessons gleaned from each role have molded his perspective on business and his leadership style.
Rambler Sparkling Water is a mineral water that launched earlier this year out of Austin, Tex. This latest entry into the fast-rising category is filtered with Texas limestone and has added minerals in 12 oz can.
Rick Smith, President & CEO of HyVida, has engineered a functional sparkling water line by adding hydrogen gas. Incorporating hydrogen through a unique technology provides consumers a beverage with added antioxidants. With new technology and a unique concept, Smith has found developing a narrative the most challenging piece of the puzzle.
Ryan Ziegelmann, president of Starbucks-owned organic beverage brand Evolution Fresh, passed away from cancer on November 8, the company told BevNET in an email.
Teatulia Organic Tea Sodas are a line of organic ready-to-drink sparkling teas that are sweetened with sugar.
AriZona co-founder/chairman Don Vultaggio discussed how his experience as a beer distributor paved the way for the development and stunning rise of AriZona. He also explained how the company has maintained its iconic 99 cent pricing model for 26 years, why he views AriZona as “one big incubator,” and why running a business means handling all kinds of problems, even if it means mopping up blood.
How Barnana Co-Founder/CMO Nik Ingersöll makes ugly bananas look amazing; also featured: an exploration into the brain-boosting business of nootropic beverages and why CBD drink brands might find a friendly bill coming their way.
Taja Dockendorf, Co-founder of Bitter Love, is focusing on a new flavor profile to differentiate in the sparkling water category. The brand combines digestive bitters like ashwagandha, ginger and wormwood with carbonated water and a splash of fruit juice to offer a functional sparkling bitter beverage.
San Diego-based cold-pressed juice company Sol-ti has recently expanded its product portfolio into a new category: organic ready-to-drink tea in five varieties, all of which utilize the same glass packaging and light filtration (rather than pasteurization) as their cold-pressed juices.
At the helm of a brand with nearly $180 million in annual retail sales, Essentia founder Ken Uptain explained why timing has been so critical to success. He also spoke about his leadership style, why all potential employees have to pass “Ken’s Good Guy Test,” and the one thing he’ll never share with his team.
According to the roaster, Flash Brew is prepared using a proprietary hot brewing process in an oxygen-free environment, then flash chilled -- the “flash” in Flash Brew -- and infused with nitrogen.
