Bolthouse Farms to Acquire Starbucks’ Evolution Fresh
Starbucks and Bolthouse Farms have entered into a definitive agreement for Bolthouse Farms to acquire the brand and business of Evolution Fresh. The partners (employees) that support the business will also transition to Bolthouse Farms upon close of the transaction.
Evolution Fresh is a leading producer of primarily organic, cold-pressed, premium juice products. By joining forces with Bolthouse Farms – the No. 1 super premium refrigerated beverage brand and largest carrot supplier to North American retailers1 – Evolution Fresh will have the opportunity to accelerate its growth trajectory while Starbucks focuses its efforts on the growth of the core Starbucks business and its partner and customer experience.
“Evolution Fresh has grown steadily over the last several years as a result of our partners’ hard work and commitment to the brand. We feel there is a great runway and opportunity to take Evolution Fresh to the next level, and Bolthouse Farms’ considerable experience and success in the premium beverage category will allow the brand to continue growing,” said Hans Melotte, Starbucks executive vice president Global Channel Development. “Bolthouse Farms shares the same values and commitment to putting people first in everything they do, which affirms for us that we have found the right opportunity for Evolution Fresh.”
Through this acquisition, Bolthouse Farms will expand its beverage offerings from nutrient-dense, plant-powered juices and smoothies to include a full lineup of primarily organic cold-pressed, premium juices. Starbucks stores in the United States will continue to sell Evolution Fresh products.
“Evolution Fresh is a natural extension of the Bolthouse Farms portfolio and we look forward to welcoming the team,” said Jeff Dunn, chairman and chief executive officer of Bolthouse Farms. “At Bolthouse Farms, with the support of Butterfly, we strive to ensure that the acres we grow and beverages we make have a positive impact on the land, on the people who make up our company, and on all people. By bringing Evolution Fresh into our portfolio, we will extend our spirit of ingenuity and innovation, sharing resources and passion for high-quality, nutrient-dense juices to pioneer solutions for today’s food system.”
Butterfly is a leading private equity firm that specializes in the food sector with a particular focus on high-growth, on-trend categories. Through Bolthouse Farms, Evolution Fresh joins Butterfly’s brand portfolio that includes the likes of Chosen Foods, MaryRuth Organics, Orgain, and Pete and Gerry’s Organics.
“We have long admired the Evolution Fresh brand and see tremendous untapped potential in the premium beverage category. By bringing these powerhouse brands together — Bolthouse Farms and Evolution Fresh — we will deliver a robust, high-growth, and consumer-preferred portfolio of juices to market,” said Bill Levisay, president, Consumer Brands, Bolthouse Farms.
The transaction, which is for an undisclosed amount, is expected to close later this year.
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Barry Callebaut Adds Dairy-Free Organic Chocolate
Barry Callebaut, a leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is expanding its plant-based Plant Craft portfolio by adding dairy-free organic chocolate to its North American line.
Eighty-one percent of consumers are seeking chocolates that not only taste great but are also “good for me and good for the planet,” according to Barry Callebaut’s new report, “The Future of Indulgence,” which was unveiled at the Sweets & Snacks Show May 24.
Dairy-free organic chocolate joins the Plant Craft portfolio including the recently launched dairy-free compound, classic dairy-free chocolates, and cocoa powders. The portfolio also includes nut solutions and Cacaofruit Experiences – the pulp, juice and concentrate directly from the Cacaofruit. The Plant Craft range includes solutions for confectionery, bakery, ice cream applications and beyond.
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Guru Plant-Based Drink to Launch Campaign Across Canada
Montreal-based Guru Organic Energy Corp., Canada’s leading organic energy drink brand, announces the launch of “Made with Plants,” a national campaign that highlights Guru ’s exclusive market position as the only plant-based drink in its category and introduces Guayusa Tropical Punch to Canadians from coast to coast after its successful launch in Quebec in late 2021.
Developed in collaboration with Sid Lee, the six-week integrated, omnichannel campaign will kick off at the end of March. It features Guru’s full lineup of plant-based drinks (Original, Lite, Matcha, Yerba Mate and Guayusa Tropical Punch) and focuses on one of Guru’s key differentiators: its entirely plant-based and organic list of ingredients. The campaign will also be supported by the first large-scale in-store activation program, with the support of Guru’s exclusive Canadian distributor.
“Made with Plants is a bold campaign that introduces Guru’s better-for-you products to consumers across Canada and marks the beginning of the next phase of our ambitious Canadian growth plan. This campaign puts forward a fresh take on how natural, plant-based energy can fuel a healthy and active lifestyle. With the objective of creating awareness, encouraging trial, and reinforcing the fact that Guru is the better-for-you option in the market, the campaign builds on Guru’s momentum as the fastest-growing organic energy drink in Canada in the last 52 weeks,” said Carl Goyette, president and CEO, citing Nielsen data.
“This campaign also marks the national launch of our most recent innovation, Guayusa Tropical Punch. The first phase of its launch in Quebec was a huge hit, with Guayusa now ranking as the #6 energy drink in Quebec’s convenience and gas channel and as the industry’s top innovation both in 2021 and 2022-to date,” Goyette said, again citing Nielsen data.
Recent internal data shows Guru products’ weighted distribution at over 90 percent in the convenience and gas channel, and over 50 percent in the grocery, drug and mass channel in Canada (excluding Quebec), supporting this major marketing initiative. The campaign will include a comprehensive mix of out-of-home banners, digital and print content on leading platforms, partnerships with select influencers, in addition to sampling events and activations in major cities across the country.
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