Beverages
Açaí Brand OAKBERRY Raises $67 million in Series C Funding with BTG Pactual to Grow U.S. Restaurant Footprint
MIAMI /PRNewswire/ — Today, global açaí brand OAKBERRY announced that it has successfully raised $67 million (325 million Brazilian Reais) through a Series C funding round. The round was raised through funds managed by the Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual (BPAC11) – the largest investment bank in Latin America, including an impact fund portfolio. The new partnership will accelerate OAKBERRY’s global expansion strategy, most notably through rapid growth in the United States market.
Founded in 2016 with the ambition to make better-for-you food more easily accessible, the company currently has approximately 700 stores across more than 40 countries. Now, the Brazilian-founded açaí brand expects to reach over $200 million in revenue and nearly 1,000 stores globally by the end of 2024.
“We designed OAKBERRY to be a global brand with a strong footprint in the United States, and the investment from BTG Pactual brings not only a financial partner, but also a strategic partner with a keen focus on reinforcing our expansion. The strategy to invest in corporate stores in high demand markets, like the United States, represents an excellent opportunity for capital allocation while, at the same time, establishing our brand in these regions,” said Georgios Frangulis, CEO and Co-Founder of OAKBERRY.
Since the arrival of Bruno Cardinali as Global Head of Marketing and Leandro Gasparin as Head of Business North America, the pair – both alumna from dominating restaurant chains Burger King and Popeyes – have guided OAKBERRY through an aggressive expansion in the U.S. and globally, opening more than 150 new stores in 2023 alone. Now, with 35 locations in the U.S., Cardinali and Gasparin, in partnership with OAKBERRY’s leadership team and BTG Pactual, will lead the açaí brand to 200+ U.S. stores, while also tripling its European footprint by 2026.
In addition to its corporate stores in the United States, the chain is exploring co-investments in countries such as Australia and Portugal as additional markets of importance for funding allocations from the capital round.
This latest funding round represents the third time OAKBERRY has strengthened its capital structure. In 2021, the company raised its first private round of $17.3 million with Monte Bravo and its manager, Kilima Asset, to invest in its fully verticalized operations. In 2022, the brand made its capital market debut with the issue of a green Agribusiness Receivables Certificate (CRA) of $10.3 million for the purchase of sustainably managed açaí. OAKBERRY’s sustainable sourcing and operation, with clear ESG metrics monitored by external auditing companies, was one of the key elements that caught the attention of BTG Pactual’s impact fund. The company is dedicated to promoting the sustainable agriculture of its suppliers, contributing significantly to the local economy of riverside residents.
To learn more about OAKBERRY, visit https://oakberry.com/en/, and for franchise opportunities visit https://oakberryfranchise.com/.
About OAKBERRY
OAKBERRY was founded in Brazil in 2016 by Georgios Frangulis and Renato Haidar following a dream to create a quick-service superfood brand that is delicious, easy and fun to eat, and accessible to everyone. That dream became OAKBERRY’s refreshing and indulgent menu of açaí bowls and smoothies served up in visually appealing layers of açaí and customizable, unlimited toppings at shops worldwide. OAKBERRY’s açaí is sustainably sourced from Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest and is an abundant source of energy, rich in antioxidants, all-natural and organic with no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors added.
A fast-growing brand with over 700 locations across 40 countries, OAKBERRY’S fully verticalized business model provides flexibility and operational efficiencies for its growing franchise model. To learn more about OAKBERRY, visit https://oakberry.com/en/ and follow along on social media at @oakberryusa; for franchise opportunities visit https://oakberryfranchise.com/.
About BTG Pactual
BTG Pactual (BPAC11) is the largest investment bank in Latin America and operates in the Investment Banking, Corporate Lending, Sales & Trading, Asset Management, Wealth Management and Banking markets. BTG Pactual has established itself as one of the most innovative investment platforms in the country, with a complete transactional bank to support the moment in life and the construction of its clients’ stories. Furthermore, it is a pioneer in the ESG agenda, with financial products that support the transition to a greener and more sustainable economy. The institution is internationally recognized and awarded, and has more than 7,000 employees in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, United States, Portugal and Luxembourg.
SOURCE OAKBERRY
Beverages
PEPSI® ANNOUNCE FOOTBALL STAR JACK GREALISH AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR IN MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP
- The star takes center stage in upcoming football campaign as Pepsi® continues to unlock enjoyment for fans
- Jack joins Pepsi’s star-studded group of global brand ambassadors, including Vini Jr., Son Heung-min and Leah Williamson
LONDON, April 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pepsi has today unveiled the signing of its latest global brand ambassador, Jack Grealish, on a multi-year deal.
Jack will take centre stage in Pepsi’s soon-to-be-announced global football campaign. The campaign will build on Pepsi’s signature approach to football by creating unexpected and unrivalled football experiences for worldwide fans seeking to enjoy more of the beautiful game.
Jack Grealish joins Pepsi’s incredible roster of globally recognised talent, which already includes winger Vinicius Jr., Son Heung-min, and Leah Williamson.
All four players are set to appear in Pepsi’s forthcoming global advertising campaign, battling it out for street football supremacy. Jack and Pepsi have many plans in store that will bring the joy of football to fans throughout the year focused on the pleasure he takes from playing the beautiful game.
Jack Grealish, said: “I’m buzzing to partner with Pepsi as a global brand ambassador. Pepsi has a great heritage working with the biggest names in world football, and I’m excited to join their mission to unlock enjoyment for football fans around the world and encourage everyone to play the beautiful game!”
Eric Melis, VP of Global Brand Marketing, Carbonated Soft Drinks at PepsiCo, said: “Jack is renowned worldwide for his incredible football skills and the enjoyment he takes from the game. We celebrate those who personify our attitude on and off the pitch and can’t wait for him to support us in bringing more enjoyment to football fans around the world as part of the Pepsi family.”
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
Beverages
International Delight Introduces Cold Foam: Elevate Your Coffee Experience at Home
Experience the premium coffee shop taste at home with International Delight’s Cold Foam, the innovative way to elevate your coffee creations.
Hey coffee lovers and flavour enthusiasts! Get ready to elevate your coffee game at home with International Delight’s newest and first-to-market innovation, Cold Foam. This exciting launch brings the indulgent coffee shop experience right to your doorstep without breaking the bank.
On April 8, 2024, International Delight introduced Canadians to Cold Foam, a unique product that effortlessly elevates your coffee creations. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: shake it, foam it, and sip it! In just a few simple steps, you can transform any hot or cold coffee into a foaming delicious (yes, you read that right) coffee shop drink.
International Delight listened to the desires of coffee lovers and delivered a game-changing product. With Cold Foam, they have revolutionized the at-home coffee experience, creating a multi-sensorial product that offers satisfying flavors and textures. Now, you can enjoy a premium coffee shop-style drink from the comfort of your own home.
Recognizing the rising popularity of cold foam in coffee shops and the growing number of consumers looking to recreate these specialty drinks at home, International Delight saw an opportunity. They took inspiration from social media, where coffee lovers seek unique creations, and developed their innovative Cold Foam product. Not only is it distinct to the brand, but it is also a first-of-its-kind offering on grocery shelves in Canada.
Indulgence is the name of the game with International Delight Cold Foam. Available in two fan-favorite flavors, French Vanilla and Caramel Macchiato, this coffee shop-style foam topper adds a creamy and foamy touch to your hot or cold coffee. Watch as it gradually mixes the creamer into your cup, creating a one-of-a-kind, indulgent experience. The best part? No frothers or extra tools needed! International Delight fans can enjoy their beloved foamy flavor hassle-free.
Starting in April 2024, you can find International Delight Cold Foam in major Canadian retailers nationwide. With just one can, you’ll enhance over 20 coffees and enjoy the delightful flavor at your fingertips. To celebrate, International Delight is running a pop-up sampling activation at the Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto, Ontario, where you can grab free samples of cold brew coffee with Cold Foam from April 29th to May 5th, 2024.
Cold Foam is just the latest addition to International Delight’s commitment to delivering exciting coffee enhancing products that can’t be found anywhere else. So, coffee enthusiasts, get ready to sip, foam, and indulge with International Delight Cold Foam. Your at-home coffee experience will never be the same again!
Visit www.InternationalDelight.ca and follow @internationaldelightca on Instagram and @internationaldelightca on TikTok to stay tuned on what’s next!
About International Delight Canada
International Delight® Canada has been transforming cups of coffee into moments that spark joy through one-of-a-kind, bold coffee enhancers and iced coffee flavours. By uniting people with smooth and rich flavours that add flavour to your cup and your life, International Delight Canada brings people together over a cup of coffee, creating opportunities for connection, inclusion and celebration. International Delight Canada coffee enhancers and iced coffees are available Canada-wide at major grocery retailers, convenience stores, and mass merchandisers across Canada. For more information, visit www.InternationalDelight.ca.
About Danone Canada
Danone Canada is a business unit of Danone and operates from head offices in Boucherville, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. Danone Canada is the country’s largest consumer-facing Certified B Corporation®, demonstrating that the company meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Danone Canada’s ambition is to produce healthful dairy, plant-based products, and coffee creamers and beverages, create economic and social value, and nurture natural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture. Its portfolio of brands includes Activia®, Oikos®, DanActive®, Danone®, Silk® plant-based foods and beverages, So Delicious® Dairy Free, Stok®, International Delight®, evian® and more. For more information, connect with Danone Canada online at www.danone.ca, and on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
| 1 Source: “Coffee and RTD Coffee, US 2021” Mintel, August 2021 |
SOURCE Danone Canada
Beverages
Introducing Bikini Island: A Spirits-Based, Ready-to-Drink Canned Cocktail with Nuclear Flavor
Party Like It’s the End of the World with Four Explosive Flavors and only 100 Calories per Can
LOUISVILLE, Ky. /PRNewswire/ — Bikini Island has now landed, and it’s here to deliver nuclear flavor! The new line of ready-to-drink cocktails contains 5% ABV and just 100 calories per can. Launching with four refreshingly bold flavors, Bikini Island offers consumers a better-for-you RTD that features real spirits and explosive taste.
Bikini Island will launch in select markets mid-April, and nationwide later this year, retailing at $19.99 for a Variety Pack of eight canned cocktails featuring four explosive flavors: Citrus Charge – vodka based, Blue Razz Explosion – vodka base, Watermelon Blast – tequila based, and Nuclear Pineapple – rum based.
With the spirits-based RTD category growing 55% in the last year alone, consumers are showing a clear preference for premiumization in addition to seeking out full-flavor (IWSR, 2023). There is an opportunity in the better-for-you space with current options lacking excitement and flavor. Consumers want the real deal with spirits-based products and when picking something off the shelves, however, they’re often forced to pick between great tasting flavor or lower calorie option – until now.
“Consumers are leading more health-conscious lifestyles, but that doesn’t mean they want to sacrifice fun or flavor,” said Don Deubler, CEO of Atomic Brands. “We saw a unique opportunity to capitalize on the white space and set out to do the seemingly impossible for consumers: create a low cal, spirits-based RTD that still packs a ton of nuclear flavor.”
“Aside from new items representing the largest share of sales within the RTD category, we know multipacks are shown to increase consumer’s average annual spend and trips to stores over 2x” said Deubler. “Bikini Island is an explosive brand and we’re excited to see the response!”
Inspired by the historical events at Bikini Island in the 1940’s and 50’s that led the world into the atomic and nuclear era, Bikini Island Cocktail Company is now bringing the seltzer world into explosive nuclear flavors at 100 calories a can.
Party Like It’s The End Of The World – Follow Us On Instagram: @drink_bikini_island
ABOUT ATOMIC BRANDS
The privately-owned Chicago-based Atomic Brands was founded in 2006 with a focus on creating products that people want with exceptional and uncompromised quality. With a portfolio of products including the award-winning artisan canned cocktail, Monaco Cocktails, the premium coffee-flavored whiskey, Kentucky Coffee and Bikini Island, Atomic Brands is committed to continually developing high-quality innovations across several drinking and lifestyle occasions. For more information, please visit atomic-brands.com
SOURCE Atomic Brands
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