HTL Investments Acquires Rocky Mountain Cultures, Rebrands as BetterBeverages

Milwaukee, WI – 2/21/2025 – HTL Investments, a Milwaukee-based investment firm specializing in food and beverage manufacturing, has acquired the assets of Rocky Mountain Cultures, a premier producer of fermented beverages based in Gypsum, Colorado. Now rebranded as BetterBeverages, the company is positioned as a leading manufacturer of high-quality, health-driven beverages for major retailers and brands nationwide.

This acquisition reinforces HTL Investments’ commitment to expanding the functional beverage category, strengthening its presence in better-for-you manufacturing, and driving innovation in private-label and branded beverage production.

BetterBeverages: Elevating Functional Beverage Manufacturing
BetterBeverages is recognized for its expertise in crafting premium, organic fermented beverages, including kombucha and tea-based drinks. With a focus on clean ingredients, functional benefits, and scalable production, the company serves leading retailers and consumer brands while also owning Island City Kombucha, a nationally distributed brand tailored to the growing demand for health-conscious, flavorful beverages.

To ensure operational continuity and excellence, Shane Dickman will remain as Chief Operating Officer following the acquisition.

“This marks an exciting next step for our company,” said Dickman. “HTL Investments provides the strategic resources to scale our capabilities while maintaining our dedication to premium, better-for-you beverage solutions.”

Strategic Growth and Brand Innovation
Samantha Haertle, Creative Director of BetterBeverages and Director of Marketing for HTL Investments, emphasized the alignment between BetterBeverages and HTL’s long-term vision.

“BetterBeverages is uniquely positioned as both a manufacturing powerhouse and a brand incubator, giving retailers and emerging brands access to high-quality, functional beverages at scale,” Haertle said. “Our commitment to innovation, ingredient integrity, and consumer wellness makes BetterBeverages a driving force in the industry. With HTL’s expertise, we’re strengthening our ability to support major retailers, expand our market presence, and elevate the functional beverage space.”

HTL Investments will leverage its operational manufacturing expertise, market intelligence, and capital to further enhance BetterBeverages’ manufacturing capabilities, product innovation, and distribution footprint.

“We’re thrilled to welcome BetterBeverages into the HTL portfolio,” said an HTL Investments representative. “Together, we will push the boundaries of functional beverage innovation, ensuring brands and retailers have access to top-tier, better-for-you beverage solutions.”

About HTL Investments

HTL Investments is a Milwaukee-based investment firm with a diversified portfolio spanning food and beverage manufacturing, commercial real estate, and branded consumer goods. The firm specializes in scaling innovative brands, optimizing operations, and driving market expansion

About BetterBeverages

Based in Gypsum, Colorado, BetterBeverages is a premier manufacturer of functional and fermented beverages, serving major retailers and brands nationwide. With a focus on ingredient purity, fermentation expertise, and consumer wellness, BetterBeverages is a leader in private-label beverage production and health-forward brand innovation—including its in-house brand, Island City Kombucha