Cynthia Tice, Founder of Lily’s Sweets, Joins BeyondBrands as Entrepreneur in Residence
Cynthia Tice, Founder of Lily’s Sweets, Joins BeyondBrands as Entrepreneur in Residence
December 2, 2022
NEW YORK, NY – BeyondBrands announced today that Cynthia Tice, best known for her role as the founder of Lily’s Sweets and a trailblazer in the no-sugar-added sweets category, has joined BeyondBrands as a partner. Based in New York, BeyondBrands is a mission-driven, full-service consulting agency known for its team of highly experienced veterans from across the natural products industry.
“Joining BeyondBrands is a logical next step in my career that will allow me to use my years of experience in our industry,” says Cynthia. “It’s an honor to work alongside such an esteemed group of industry veterans who are truly committed to enhancing our natural products community.”
In her new role as Entrepreneur in Residence, she will continue to foster industry growth with a focus on helping the next wave of better-for-you brands navigate all stages of business to achieve their goals. Her work as a board member of Naturally Network, as well as advisory and board roles for early-stage brands, will be a tremendous asset to help grow BeyondBrands by sharing her depth of knowledge and expertise with their current clients while attracting new clients to the firm.
Eric Schnell, Founder, and CEO of BeyondBrands commented, “The addition of Cynthia to the BeyondBrands team brings a profound breadth and scope of wisdom, contacts, and expertise to our agency at the highest level. The entire team is thrilled to have her join our collective of diverse c-suite professionals in making the world a better place, one brand at a time. Over her impressive career, Cynthia has focused on supporting women in business, introducing the highest quality delicious products for healthier living, especially those with no sugar, and supporting young entrepreneurs in the sustainable, better-for-you food and lifestyle space.”
She began her career in the Natural Product Industry, fresh out of college when she opened a natural food store in Philadelphia. She remains passionate about natural foods and their benefits to people and the planet on which we live.
To learn more about BeyondBrands or Cynthia Tice, visit https://beyondbrands.org/
About BeyondBrands
BeyondBrands co-creates brands in the natural products industry, including GoodSAM, Good Catch, and Cool Beans. Assembled by Steaz Co-founder Eric Schnell, and Under the Canopy and Institute for Integrative Nutrition Co-founder Marci Zaroff, a team of 20 senior-level natural lifestyle and eco-conscious experts that are co-creating the future model of full-service executive-level consulting including brand incubation and acceleration through the agency's networks and affiliates. This Conscious Products Collective is comprised of specialists from the most respected natural and organic food, beverage, fashion, beauty, and nutraceutical companies, to the most recognized consumer brands in the world – passionately and collaboratively delivering 360-degree consulting and outsourced management services for its clients. Visit www.beyondbrands.org.
Contact
Susan Fecko
BeyondBrands
307-690-8381
susan.fecko@beyondbrands.org
Compass Natural Adds Talent to Boutique PR, Brand Marketing Agency Serving Natural, Organic, Regenerative and Hemp Products Businesses
Compass Natural Adds Talent to Boutique PR, Brand Marketing Agency Serving Natural, Organic, Regenerative and Hemp Products Businesses
November 9, 2022
Compass Natural, a boutique public relations & brand marketing agency serving businesses in the market for natural and organic foods and related products, is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned talent to its team.
Compass Natural, a Boulder, CO-based boutique public relations and brand marketing agency serving businesses in the market for natural and organic foods, industrial hemp and cannabis-related products, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable and eco-friendly products and services, is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned new talent to its team.
“Going into the new year, we are excited to offer our clientele a diverse, talented team with expertise in brand marketing, public relations, social media influencer marketing, digital communications, content development, business development, and trade show, conference and event planning — all focused on serving businesses and brands in the natural, organic, and healthy lifestyles market," said Steven Hoffman, Founder and Managing Director of Compass Natural.
“When Compass Natural’s longtime associate Evan Tompros moved on in September to further career opportunities after seven years of service to our clients in the natural and organic channel, it provided an opportunity for us to reorganize our agency. As such, we’ve been fortunate and successful in attracting an incredible lineup of professionals to serve our client companies into the future,” Hoffman added.
Joining the Compass Natural PR, Communications and Brand Marketing Team
Allison Salvati (top left) — Natural products brand marketing veteran Allison Salvati joins Compass Natural as “Creator of Opportunities.” Having worked with such leading natural and organic brands including Bhakti Chai, noosa yoghurt, Honey Smoked Fish Co., and others, Allison will help lead brand strategy and marketing, social media influencer marketing, media outreach, and client services. Allison proudly claims her superpower is building and nurturing relationships. Human connection is her core value and she is passionate about curating meaningful experiences for clients and brands.
Hope Keller (lower left) — Hope Keller joins Compass Natural to assist with digital marketing and communications, production, editorial and web, blog and related content. A veteran journalist, Hope has worked at the Baltimore Sun, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the International Herald Tribune, among other newspapers. She also served as director of communications for the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition to her work with Compass Natural, she works as a writing tutor at Mitchell College in New London, CT, and as a freelance reporter for The Daily Record in Baltimore.
Elizabeth Lunt (top right) — Co-founder of Spark Events, Elizabeth Lunt joins Compass Natural as a contributing writer and to assist with trade show and conference planning, educational programming, booking speakers and other related services. Spark Events produces business networking and educational events for the cannabis industry in Maryland, where Elizabeth also has been active as a dispensary agent and cannabis advocate. She is fascinated by the development of the industrial hemp industry and has been a volunteer with the US Hemp Building Association as well as a writer for HempBuild Magazine.
Rachael Carlevale (lower right) — Rachael Carlevale joins the Compass Natural Marketing team with more than 10 years of experience directing sales and marketing in the natural products industry. The co-founder of Suelo Vivo, a certified regenerative hemp farm and brand, and founder of Ganjasana Plant Medicine School, Rachael develops and teaches cannabis and hemp courses. Rachael is a certified Mindfulness Educator, yoga instructor and DEM Pure Educator who contributes to Skunk Magazine with her “Cannabis + Wellness Column.”
Advisory Board — In addition to new team members, Compass Natural’s distinguished Advisory Board includes the following members: Mark Retzloff, co-founder of Alfalfa’s Market and Horizon Organic Dairy; Michael Schall, former VP of Global Business Development for Whole Foods Market; Ari Adams, CEO of ShiftCon, the nation’s largest community of eco-wellness social media influencers; and marketing and branding veteran and current director of Naturally Boulder, Bill Capsalis.
New Clients in 2022-2023
In addition to working with longtime clients -- including We Are for Better Alternatives, producer of NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo and publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp; Presence Marketing, the nation’s leading independent natural products brokerage; BeyondBrands, a leading collective of branding experts serving the natural, organic, and healthy lifestyles market; and others -- Compass Natural welcomed a number of new clients in 2022. Such new brands include JAMBAR®, a certified organic, artisan-made energy bar created by Jennifer Maxwell, the inventor of the original PowerBar®; the Glyphosate Residue Free certification program, administered by the Detox Project; Bay State Milling, provider of certified organic grain ingredients; Franny’s Farmacy, an Asheville, NC-based producer of hemp-derived CBD consumer products and operator of a chain of dispensaries in the Eastern U.S.; and more. In addition, Compass Natural founder Steven Hoffman serves on the Advisory Board of ShiftCon Media, the country’s largest community of “eco-wellness” social media influencers.
About Compass Natural — Connecting Media & Markets in Natural, Organic Products
Based in Boulder, CO, and founded in 2002 by natural products industry veteran Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural is a boutique agency serving the public relations, brand marketing, social media, and business development needs of companies and organizations in the $500 billion market for natural, organic, regenerative, socially responsible, and eco-friendly products and services. Compass Natural also is the producer of the popular business podcast Compass Coffee Talk, which in November 2022 featured Colorado Governor Jared Polis talking about sustainability and the growth of natural and organic products, as well as the hemp and cannabis industries in the state and the nation. Visit Compass Natural’s fully illustrated client deck here. Also, learn more at www.CompassNatural.com and on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, info@compassnaturalmarketing.com, tel 303.807.1042
BioLift™ Makes a Big Splash in the Big Apple
Just as the Coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., InnoBev, Ltd., an Israeli FoodTech company, was set to soft-launch BioLift™, its “biohacking” dietary supplement beverages in retail stores, bodegas, and office buildings in Manhattan. Ready to help New Yorkers stay alert, company CEO and founder Eli Faraggi had to make a quick decision in mid-March for his New York launch plans.
“When you’re in start-up mode, you put all the pieces together in anticipation to fill orders. But when COVID-19 hit at the same time, we realized first-responders would be exhausted, out of focus, and foggy by the afternoon from spending hours on their feet helping others,” said Faraggi. “Instead of pushing our product to retailers, we pivoted our attention to hospital workers because they were in immediate need of the benefits of BioLift.”
The company was the first beverage maker in the U.S. to partner with the “Founders Give” program, a nonprofit that mobilizes mission-driven brands to feed, clothe, and support communities when a crisis strikes. Added Faraggi, “We were able to see first-hand the positive effects BioLift had on first-responders as they were able to do their jobs more efficiently and perhaps even save more lives.”
BeyondBrands, a natural products industry powerhouse and full-service, executive-level consulting accelerator, identified BioLift’s potential for success. “We're impressed with BioLift's clean ingredient panel and botanical properties and look forward to helping them make a big splash in retail stores nationwide,” said Eric Schnell, CEO, and co-founder of BeyondBrands.
Thirst-Quenching Varieties
More than just an “energy drink,” BioLift is a scientifically-based formulation that synchronizes our body’s clock and Circadian rhythm to overcome the afternoon slump known as ‘Post Lunch Dip’ (PLD). BioLift™ is available in three refreshing varieties: Mandarin Orange, Melon Lime, and Mixed Berry. All three beverage flavors contain fewer than 10mg of caffeine and are low-glycemic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and low in calories.
For sales and distribution information, contact Heather K. Terry at BeyondBrands, heather@beyondbrands.org, or Eli Faraggi at eli@DrinkWakeUp.com.
Natural Products Industry on Front Lines of Coronavirus Crisis
Photo: Empty produce shelves at Whole Foods Market, Longmont, CO, March 13, 2020; Compass Natural
By Steven Hoffman
Editor’s Note: Since this article was prepared for publication, it was reported this week that employees at Amazon, Instacart and Whole Foods Market were planning to stage walkouts or “sick-outs” due to worker safety concerns. A handful of workers at Whole Foods Market locations in Huntingdon Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago and New York have tested positive for coronavirus, raising employee concerns. Many grocers are installing plexiglass sneeze guards to protect cashiers from coronavirus. This article originally appeared in New Hope Network’s IdeaXchange and will appear in Presence Marketing’s April 2020 newsletter edition.
From the moment in early March when New Hope Network first announced the postponement of Natural Products Expo West – what Forbes Magazine referred to as the “Super Bowl of natural CPG” – to later in the month when UNFI CEO Steve Spinner joined a group of food, retail and distribution leaders at the White House to help ensure that America’s grocery shelves stay stocked – no small feat during the panic buying rush of the past few weeks – the COVID-19 pandemic has put the natural products industry on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis.
There have been many challenges – and a few opportunities – associated with this position. Stores find themselves short staffed and have had to cut hours to deep clean and restock empty shelves. Staffs are stretched thin. Restaurants and food service operations have had to shut down, putting many out of work. Long lines and controlled entry have been reported in some stores. Many retailers are dedicating Senior Hours before the stores open to the general public to give elderly people a chance to have access to product before the rush.
On the other hand, retailers are hiring, often providing jobs for laid-off restaurant and food service workers. Natural products grocers including Whole Foods Market and Natural
Grocers are offering interim incentives on top of current hourly rates to keep and recruit labor. Whole Foods is partnering with Amazon to expand resources and capacity for door drop and home delivery. Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen told CNBC in late March that the Cincinnati-based grocer, which operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, hired 2,000 people in March to keep up with increased demand from the coronavirus outbreak, and still has 10,000 openings to fill. Walmart announced it wants to hire 150,000 temporary workers through May, and Amazon is hiring an additional 100,000 workers to deal with coronavirus demand.
Sales, too, are through the roof for natural products retailers and CPG stores across the country as people stock up on a month's worth of groceries and staple goods instead of a typical week’s worth. Food Dive reported that sales of staples soared in March, indicating that consumers were preparing for the long haul. Add to that the fact that, with the closing of restaurants and cafes in many states, and with the call for social distancing, people are now eating at home, putting further strain on conventional and natural foods retail markets.
“You Need to Get Out on the Floor and Stock Shelves!”
For Gabe Nabors, CEO of the Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, with two full-service natural foods supermarkets and a bakery in Ohio and also renowned for its restaurants and catering, the stores have pivoted to offer in-store take-out meal solutions for its customers as the state of Ohio in March called for the closing of bars and restaurants. Mustard Seed has been promoting this expanded service on social media, and recently posted the steps it is taking to sanitize its stores, ensure product availability, and protect workers and customers.
“We are packaging our most popular soups from our restaurant in ‘fresh or freeze’ containers and are ramping up in-store prepared foods,” Nabors said. “We’re pivoting from banquets and catering to contacting assisted living homes, local nonprofits, hospices and elsewhere to let them know we have healthy prepared foods available for takeout. We’re also in talks with Instacart to expedite the launch of a delivery service. A large percentage of food sales in America is through restaurants and food service; with that closed, it puts added pressure on the grocery stores. As such, our entire team has been stocking shelves - if you have an office job and it’s not mission critical - you need to get out on the floor and stock shelves!” Nabors added about managing the current crisis situation.
“We and our distributors have trucks running nonstop throughout our 20 state system, but it’s still a limited number of pallets per load,” said Alan Lewis, Director of Public Policy for Natural Grocers. “To better serve demand, we've curtailed the delivery of water, which is generally available locally, to focus instead on providing staple goods, produce and perishables. Our stores have been the calmest, most organized places to shop and our customers have been exemplary in not hoarding, and helping create a sense of calm and the feeling that we are all in this together,” Lewis observed. "People have been so cordial and kind to each other and thanking everyone in the stores for making the food available,” he said.
“Currently, there is plenty of food ready to be delivered in the supply chain. The outages are not shortages,” said Lewis. To ensure steady supply, he feels that food workers, from agriculture to manufacturing and retail, should be termed ‘essential workers.’ “We’ve been in conversation with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and others asking them not to stop essential agricultural workers,” he said. “As a result, CDA has notified law enforcement officials, requesting that agriculture workers be able to travel to and from work,” he added.
“People working overtime in delivery, back of house, stocking shelves, cashiers, e-commerce fulfillment – they are now critical infrastructure to keeping this country running. We should be cognizant of the stress on store staff and provide more resources to help them, for example, living wages, free child care, paid sick leave, collective bargaining rights, proper protective equipment, etc.,” said Errol Schweizer, retail and brand veteran and former head of grocery purchasing for Whole Foods Market. “The cooks, clerks, packers, loaders – the folks that often are poorly paid, overworked and invisible – how often have we heard pundits refer to them as unskilled? Now that everyone sees how crucial – and skilled – they are, we need to assure they are treated with dignity and respect.”
Industry Responds to Heightened Demand
For distributors, which have received generally positive reviews in responding to the crisis, sales are up dramatically, too. Leading natural products distributor UNFI's stock more than doubled in late March as consumers stocked up. "It is important for all Americans to know that they can continue to count on companies like ours to keep stores well-stocked with a variety of food and wellness products during this critical period,” Spinner said in a statement. "In addition to having business continuity and safety plans in place to help keep America fed, UNFI is supplementing its coordination with federal, state, and local government agencies by now collaborating directly with the White House and industry peers. We firmly believe that increased levels of public-private collaboration can further enhance UNFI's around-the-clock efforts to meet our customers current and future needs.”
Natural and organic products manufacturers, too, are scrambling to satisfy increased demand. In a LinkedIn post, Wayne Wu, General Partner of VMG Partners, observed, "We're hearing many shelf stable food, beverage and supplement brands are generally doing well in brick and mortar stores as consumers stock up, but also seeing a 50%+ sales lift in the past couple of weeks in their e-commerce or grocery delivery channels, such as Amazon, Walmart.com, DTC or Instacart, as consumers are potentially pantry loading, but may lead to more permanent behavior change in how they purchase their more consumable-type products that they’ve traditionally purchased at a brick and mortar location to a more permanent lift online for these type of consumable items.”
Working from home is not stopping Steve Wangler, VP of Sales for The Good Crisp Company, maker of all natural canister chips. Working with Presence Marketing as its broker, Wangler said, “We’ve been in contact with every single field and accounting rep of Presence Marketing. Even sidelined, together we are engaging with retailers virtually, keeping them apprised of stock situations, asking what they need, etc. The entire Presence team has been very proactive, highly responsive, highly engaged, and looking for ways to support retailers and brands. Also, we are attracting consumers that are new to our brand through our online efforts, and we’re hoping we’ll keep those consumers once they experience our product."
Noticing a trend accompanying consumers’ response to the coronavirus crisis, Eric Schnell, cofounder of the marketing collective BeyondBrands and mood33, a cannabis and CBD based beverage line, was informed by his Florida distributor that mood33’s top-selling CBD SKU, Energy, was replaced by its Calm formula in March. “It’s an indicator of how stressed people are feeling right now,” Schnell observed.
"As a service provider we are doing our best to support our natural products clients, and on the brand side, we are seeing an immediate uptick in sales,” he said. "Every manufacturer I’ve spoken with is still operating at full capacity, including supplements, beverages and food, to meet demand from both brick and mortar and e-commerce.”
“Unity in the Community is Key”
The BeyondBrands team, like other natural products brokers, distributors and service providers throughout the country, is rising to the challenge and doing its best to help partner brands deal with retail demand. “Rather than going into stores to sell items, we are recommending going into stores and offering to help stock shelves,” Schnell said. “Connection and collaboration are key right now. More than ever, it feels like people need unity in the natural foods community. Whether you are on the service, brand or retail side, we are all in this together and we have to see ourselves through this, together.”
At Dr. Bronner’s, demand for soap and hand sanitizer has spiked, and the company is doing its best to fulfill the increase in orders, said David and Michael Bronner in a
statement published on March 16. “In spite of our best efforts, constraints prevent us from fully meeting orders: our hand sanitizer, for example, can only be produced at FDA-licensed drug manufacturing facilities, and is being produced at 600% our usual rate.”
In addition, the Bronner brothers wrote, “We are allocating a reserve of 2% of all hand sanitizer production to donate to at-risk communities and the organizations that serve them, so they have access to our hand sanitizer, as well. Please also buy only what you think you need, so that everyone who needs our products can obtain them. This is an important time to remember that we are all connected and need to look out for each other, now more than ever,” they wrote.
As for New Hope Network, after announcing that Expo West was not just postponed but cancelled for 2020, the company that leads communications efforts in the natural industry announced in a video update on March 20 that it would provide assistance to small businesses hurt by the cancellation.
“Due to the decision to cancel voluntarily and without being asked to do so by local, state or federal edict or other force majeure circumstances, our insurance provisions were not triggered and significant costs and liabilities were incurred by New Hope,” said Carlotta Mast, New Hope’s Senior VP of Content. However, she continued, “To help support those most impacted by the Expo West cancellation, our parent company Informa has established a $5 million fund that will be disbursed under the guidance of an independent advisory council made up of 20 industry leaders. The advisory council is working on this task now and is aiming to have its guidance delivered to the New Hope Network leadership team by the week of April 6,” she reported.
The company announced it is focusing its energies on the upcoming Natural Products Expo East, slated for Sept. 23-26, 2020, in Philadelphia, and is issuing a full credit for any Expo West exhibitor or sponsorship fees, in which the credit can be applied to Expo East, Expo West 2021, or to its media and market research publications. Expo West badge registration and education fees also will be fully refunded in the coming weeks. New Hope also announced a free product directory listing for 2020 Expo West exhibitors along with upcoming webinars and education, and referred further questions to its Expo West FAQ page.
In closing, John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, summarized how our industry has risen to the occasion in serving community, workers and customers during the coronavirus crisis. In an email to constituents, he wrote, “If you’ve shopped our stores in recent weeks, you’ve experienced our team members’ dedication and diligence to serving your community during a time of uncertainty. None of this is lost on us… As a company, Whole Foods Market is adjusting to the current circumstances that all of us are facing during this unprecedented time. We believe that the service we provide as a grocer is an essential one, and we are committed to continuing to serve our customers in a safe and responsible manner, both in our stores and through delivery. Thank you for your kindness and patience as our team continues to work hard to serve our customers and communities. Please take care.”
BeyondBrands® Brings Innovation to Winter Fancy Food Show with National Retail Launch for Three Conscious Product Innovations: Cool Beans, mood33, & Petal
Innovative Food & Beverage Accelerator Represents Leading Brands, Recruits New Talent and Invites Brands to Join the Conversation at National Trade Show, Booth #5745, January 19 - 21, Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA (January 16, 2020) – BeyondBrands® is gearing up for a successful and busy Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco and is excited to announce the national retail launch of three innovative consumer packaged goods products: Cool Beans, mood33 and Petal. BeyondBrands, known for their high-level CPG experience and upper-level sales strategies to create, lead and deliver results for emerging brands in the marketplace will showcase these three up and coming brands at the World Finer Foods Booth #5745, North Hall, Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA, January 19-21, 2020.
Cool Beans
Global flavors, vegan and gluten-free? Yes, yes, and yes. Full of plant protein, fiber and nutrients, Cool Beans frozen wraps draw flavor inspiration from around the globe, serving up satisfying, portable eating for vegans, flexitarians or those who simply want to try something new. Plus, they’re easy to make. Just microwave and enjoy.
mood33
mood33™ brings the synergistic superpowers of all the beneficial hemp plant nutrients in a convenient, natural beverage. These herbal teas are mindfully sweetened to create six fruit-forward flavors, whether it’s Joy, Peace, Calm, Energy, Passion or Wellbeing. mood33 herbal teas are blended with flavorful botanicals that are carefully selected to harmonize with full-spectrum hemp extract.
Petal
Petal creates unique beverages using the finest natural extracts and essences, with just enough organic sweetness and plenty of sparkles. Their approach is botanical alchemy – an intuitive process that tunes in to the flavorful power of each ingredient by blending florals, fruits and herbs into the perfect refreshment. Petal comes packed with powerful antioxidants in six flavors: Original Rose, Mint Rose, Lychee Rose, Elderberry White Tea Flower, Peach Marigold, and Lemongrass Dandelion.
BeyondBrands is Growing
BeyondBrands is seeking more talent! They are looking for seasoned CPG experts in the Natural Products Industry to join its Conscious Collective. Inquiries can be made by emailing namaste@beyondbrands.org.
BeyondBrands partners are currently booking appointments with companies attending the Fancy Food Show. Interested in discussing a potential partnership? Learn how BeyondBrands suite of capabilities can position your natural products brand for success in the upcoming year by scheduling an in-person meeting, by emailing namaste@beyondbrands.org. For a complete list of BeyondBrand's capabilities, click HERE.
About BeyondBrands
Assembled by Steaz & Good Catch Co-founder Eric Schnell, and Under the Canopy and Institute for Integrative Nutrition Co-founder Marci Zaroff, a team of 20+ senior-level natural lifestyle and eco-conscious experts are Co-Creating the future model of full-service executive-level consulting including brand incubation and acceleration through the agency's networks and affiliates. This Conscious Products Collective – comprised of specialists from the most respected natural and organic food, beverage, fashion, beauty and nutraceutical companies, to the most recognized consumer brands in the world – passionately and collaboratively delivers 360-degree consulting and outsourced management services for its clients. Visit www.beyondbrands.org.
About the Specialty Food Association
Founded in 1952 in New York City, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) is the leading advocate for the $148.7 billion specialty food industry. Representing makers, importers, entrepreneurs, retailers, distributors and others in the trade, the SFA aims to champion, nurture and connect its members to deliver traditional and innovative new products to consumers that expand consumption of specialty foods. With over 3,800 member companies, the Association helps its members through providing information, research, educational events, and celebrating the industry through its awards programs. The SFA is known for hosting the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.
Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, 303.807.1042, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
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Cool Beans™ Plant-Based Gluten Free Wraps Sizzle into the New Year with National Product Launch at Winter Fancy Food Show, January 19-21, 2020, San Francisco, CA
Innovative Healthy Frozen Food Brand Delivers on Protein and Flavor from Globally-Inspired Recipes, While Meeting Growing Demand for Clean, Balanced, Plant-Based Portable Eating
Chicago, IL (January 14, 2020) – Cool Beans, the latest innovation in the fast growing plant-based food category, is pleased to announce the launch of its three new wraps at this month’s Winter Fancy Food Show, being held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 19-21, 2020. Trade Show attendees will have the opportunity to sample new Cool Beans plant-based wrap flavors including Moroccan Gold, Spicy Chipotle and Tikka Masala at the World Finer Foods Booth #5745.
The three new wraps include:
Moroccan Gold – Inspired by outdoor spice markets, this wrap weaves a unique tapestry of bold flavors and distinctive texture.
Spicy Chipotle – Like the heat of the Mexican sun, this wrap offers bold flavor thanks to a mix of veggies and a kick of poblano chili peppers.
Tikka Masala – A nod to India’s diverse culture, this wrap blends traditional Indian-style spices and coconut milk for a rich and aromatic flavor that’s sweet meets peppery.
Rooted in Whole Food Goodness
Cool Beans blends together the mightiest nutritional legumes with globally inspired recipes that result in clean, balanced food that’s good for you and your karma! Cool Beans’ mission is to help people choose the healthiest whole food, plant-based options while also reducing the amount of meat in their diet.
Vegetarian since childhood, Cool Beans Co-Founder & CEO Eric Schnell sees three major factors driving consumers’ long-term migration away from diets centered around animal products to more plant-based diets: “Whether for personal health, environmental reasons or animal welfare, more consumers are opting for plant-based foods as a long-term conscious choice,” says Schnell.
Because the migration is being driven by such a powerful consumer sentiment and is multi-generational, Schnell sees a large-scale opportunity for Cool Beans to be sold through natural, conventional, C-stores, colleges & universities and more. Schnell adds, “Vegan choices are no longer a category niche and we are excited to be entering the market at this time. We believe our brand is a natural fit and cost-effective solution for an easy-to-prepare meal that nourishes the mind and body.”
World Finer Foods
All Cool Beans wrap varieties are packed with bean power and made with plant-based protein and nutrients that won’t weigh you down. That’s why World Finer Foods supports the efforts Cool Beans is making to create a product that is not only better-for-you, but one that is environmentally friendly. World Finer Foods, a leader for building brands from around the globe, plans to distribute and market Cool Beans throughout the country.
“We celebrate our growth into the vastly changed and increasingly-important Frozen Food category with the launch of Cool Beans, a brand that delivers a unique and convenient new innovation in plant-based foods,” said World Finer Foods CEO Susan Guerin. “We are proud to leverage our expertise in the distribution of high-quality foods and stand at the forefront of Cool Beans’ journey to success as it enters this multi-billion-dollar industry.”
Ashley Koff Approved!
Cool Beans provides convenient, portable eating that consumers can feel good about whether vegan, flexitarian or in need of a delicious, satisfying gluten-free wrap. Ashley Koff, an award-winning dietitian, looks for products containing whole foods and minimally processed ingredients that deliver on a balance of nutrients. She says, “Not all plant-based products deliver better-for-you nutrition. However, after reviewing and tasting (lucky me!) Cool Beans, I am excited to give it my AKA stamp of ‘better nutrition’ and will be recommending these products to clients and my family to enjoy!”
About Cool Beans
Headquartered in Chicago, Cool Beans was founded in 2018, fueled by a passion to increase the availability of whole food, plant-based, gluten-free and convenient options in the supermarket. Backed by BeyondBrands and Co-Founder & CEO Eric Schnell, known for innovative conscious food and beverage brands including Good Catch Foods and Steaz Tea, Cool Beans is well positioned to meet rising consumer demand for plant-based foods.
Join the Cool Beans Conversation
@luvcoolbeans on Instagram
@eatcoolbeans on Twitter and Facebook
www.eatcoolbeans.com
Media Relations: April Siler, asiler@eatcoolbeans.com, tel 973.338.0300 x 189
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