Trevor Hague’s Post

This ‘mushroom-based’ coffee brand made a revenue of $18M globally As an entrepreneur, I'm always on the lookout for innovative businesses that are redefining traditional industries. One such company that has caught my attention recently is Ryze Superfoods, co-founded by Rashad Hossain. Ryze Superfoods was started in Boston, Massachusetts, from a desire to offer a healthier coffee alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or energy-boosting benefits. Traditional coffee is known for its high caffeine content, which can lead to jitters, anxiety, and an afternoon crash. Ryze’s mushroom coffee blend addresses these issues by combining high-quality coffee with functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane and cordyceps. These mushrooms are known for their health benefits and sustained energy without the downsides of traditional coffee. Here is why this brand is unique and innovative in it’s approach- 1. Mushrooms have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties, and Ryze Superfoods turned its benefits into a daily habit like drinking coffee. 2. Ryze tapped into the ongoing demand of health and wellness products by offering a product that aligns with the growing awareness around health, making it a relevant and timely offering. 3. Their focus on using organic and responsibly sourced ingredients sets them apart in a crowded market. 4. Ryze Superfoods has a strong brand identity that resonates with health-conscious consumers.Their focus is on- - Clean ingredients - Sustainability And convenience is evident in their messaging and packaging. Rashid Hossain has also earned the title in the Forbes’ list of 30 under 30 in the Food & Drink category. The company has a revenue of more than 18M+ and $2M+ in funding. Ryze Superfoods has carved out a niche in the competitive coffee market by understanding consumer needs, committing to quality, and staying true to core values. Do you agree? Which aspect of this brand surprised you the most? Do let me know 👇 And follow me Manish Madan for more such business-driven content! #coffee #brand #business101

Ever thought about the unexpected combinations that can redefine our favorite beverages? A recent article discusses the rise of coffee soda—a blend that might initially raise eyebrows but is capturing the taste buds of many. I recall trying my first sip at a local café, curious about this unusual mix. The experience was a revelation, showcasing how two familiar flavors can come together to create something entirely new. It reminded me that innovation often springs from the unlikely, pushing us to explore beyond our comfort zones. The takeaway is simple: don’t shy away from mixing things up in your own life, whether it’s in your kitchen or your approach to business. Embracing the unconventional can lead to surprising and refreshing outcomes. What unique combinations have you discovered lately? https://lnkd.in/g92N2sEf

☕️ Here’s a caffeinated love story: How one man's espresso obsession changed your morning cup! In 1975, Swiss engineer Eric Favre wasn't on a mission to change your morning brew – he was just trying to impress his Italian wife! Newly married and eager to prove his coffee prowess, Eric whisked Anna Maria off to Rome for a caffeine-fueled adventure. 💑 Our hero fell head over heels... for the perfect espresso! He observed a savvy barista named Eugenio pumping his espresso machine multiple times. This wasn't just a lazy day at the café – it was the key to crema-topped perfection! Back at Nestlé, our caffeinated Casanova got to work. His eureka moment? Figuring out that a little extra air could turn a good espresso into a great one! Favre's first prototype looked like a bowler hat and evolved into a "Back to the Future style amalgamation of tubes and cylinders". Talk about mad scientist vibes! 🧪The final design? A sealed capsule trapping air, pierced by the machine to create a frothy espresso. Genius! But it took 10 years to convince Nestlé this wasn't just hot air. Talk about a slow brew! Not long after his innovation finally filtered through, Favre left the company. Nestlé then filed crucial patents that kept many would-be competitors from getting a taste of the market. Unsurprisingly, Favre claimed he was the true inventor, and a bitter legal battle brewed. The parties eventually reached a settlement in 2003, putting a lid on their disputes. After leaving Nestlé, Favre founded Monodor in 1991, where he stirred up fresh ideas in the coffee capsule industry. He developed a new generation of eco-friendly capsules made from polypropylene, eliminating the need for an integrated filter. ♻️ This sustainable approach caught the attention of major players, leading to licensing agreements with Lavazza and Migros for their Delizio brand. By 2010, over 500 million of Favre's capsules had been produced under license, showcasing the lasting impact of his contributions to coffee. So, the next time you pop a capsule into your machine, remember: you're not just making coffee. You're participating in a love story (with a side of corporate drama) that's been percolating for almost 50 years! What’s your favorite way to reuse coffee capsules? Whether it's turning them into planters or arts and crafts projects, I’d love to see your ideas 👇! (pics appreciated) #ipidity #CoffeeLoveStory #CapsuleRevolution #patent P.S. This post pairs well with your morning coffee. Side effects may include sudden urges to innovate, visit Rome, or start pumping your espresso machine vigorously. 💪

A coffee a day makes everything okay. And if you want to know more about the value of intangibles in the coffee value chain, see our World IP Report 2017, chapter 2. Link here: https://lnkd.in/e8ysMEAK

In an increasingly competitive market, coffee roasters are looking for new ways to stand out. For many, product diversification is often the most effective strategy. Launching new products increases sales, reduces risk, and allows companies to take advantage of market opportunities. We’ve seen many roasters selling more than just whole bean and ground coffee in recent years. Capsules, ready-to-drink coffee, and concentrates have all proven popular, with sales growing in key markets around the world. But as more consumers seek differentiated experiences, roasters have to flex their creative muscle and innovate even further. Combining coffee with products like liqueurs, ice cream, and chocolate is becoming more common, especially in the specialty segment where quality is a priority. To see success, leveraging the expertise of other like-minded brands is hugely beneficial for roasters expanding into uncharted markets. Establishing new brand partnerships, however, requires careful consideration and an open mind. Roasters need to work closely with other companies to ensure values and expectations are aligned, with the ultimate goal of creating a unique premium product that reaches a wider range of consumers. In today’s article, Zoe Stanley-Foreman speaks to Vytautas Kratulis, CEO and founder of Huracán Coffee, Domantas Uzpalis, founder of Chocolate Naive, and Maria Pacas, Commercial Director of Coffee at Café Pacas, to find out how brand partnerships have helped their businesses grow. https://lnkd.in/dFCa7_pa #PerfectDailyGrind #CoffeeProducts #CoffeeRoasters Photo by: Huracán Coffee

Brand partnerships are becoming increasingly common throughout the speciality coffee industry, from coffee chocolate 🍫 and ice cream 🍨 to beer 🍺 and liqueurs 🍸 Looking for inspiration for your next brand collab? Not sure how these can help your coffee brand grow? Check out my latest piece below for all things coffee collaborations 🔽 #CoffeeCollaboration #BrandPartnership #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeRoaster #QuillAndPine

✨ Borders, Flavors and Choices for New Brands 🌱 #Scenario: You’re starting a new #snack brand in a #global market. The product is done, the packaging is great, and now the big question comes: “What flavor do we kick this off with?” This decision isn’t as straightforward as one might think because there is incredible variation in flavor preferences, often driven by cultural taste. Let’s break down the options: 1️⃣ Follow the Trends Get with the flavor: Adopting trending flavors such as BBQ (#US), Matcha (#Japan), or Wasabi (Southeast #Asia) can quickly get your product on-trend. But that’s a safe route and also a very competitive one — will your product get noticed? 2️⃣ Stick to the Classics Universal flavors such as Salted, Butter, or Mild Cheese are classic and suit a wide range of tastes. While they might not be “wow-worthy,” they build trust and familiarity with new customers. 3️⃣ Take a Bold Leap But if you were to start something from scratch - say, a fusion flavor influenced by your home region’s culinary heritage or a more exotic combination of sweet and savory. It’s a risk — but innovation is sometimes what drives a category-defining product. 🤔 Each path has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on how well you know your audience and the market dynamics. So, if you were in this situation, which flavor strategy would you choose? Stick with safe classics? Tap into current trends? Or dare to innovate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Your insights could inspire others navigating this same decision! 🌟 #GlobalFlavors #FoodInnovation #HealthySnacks #BusinessDecisions #fmcg #purchasemanger #B2B

My comments in the article by Rajiv Singh for the Forbes issue dated 15 November 2024 : Coffee, chocolate, cheese: How this entrepreneurial couple built an empire of gourmet brands “The team at Roastery is on a journey to create a premium ‘grown in India’ specialty coffee brand,” says KS Narayanan, a food and beverage expert. The brand offers coffee enthusiasts an opportunity to savour exceptional brews either at their cafes or in retail packs. Expanding their presence through cafes in multiple cities, Roastery is providing a space where coffee lovers can immerse themselves in the nuances of fine coffee and experience the full spectrum of flavours in an inviting and curated atmosphere, he adds. “As a high-end offering, the brand focuses on a more intimate and refined coffee experience,” There is a rapidly expanding market for specialty coffee driven by a confluence of trends: Rising coffee consumption, increasing urbanisation, growing global travel, and the influence of social media. As more consumers seek premium, gourmet experiences, there is a demand for high-end coffee that goes beyond the basics. The brands such as Roastery are catering to those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind every cup. The specialty coffee market, with its focus on distinct flavour profiles, small-batch roasting, and unique origin stories, offers an opportunity to deliver an elevated experience that resonates with discerning coffee lovers. Additionally, sustainability, fair trade practices, and a deep connection to the coffee’s origins are becoming key pillars of consumer preference. “The trend aligns perfectly with the growing demand for ethically sourced and transparent products,” #Coffee #GourmetCoffee #Foodservice To read the full article click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/djfjSKiy

Consumer preferences are constantly evolving, so it's crucial for brands to stay ahead of the curve. When it comes to beverage development, our Applications Scientists are here to guide you through every step of the process, from concept development to final product launch. Whether it's crafting a unique flavor profile or incorporating functional ingredients, we're committed to helping you bring your vision to life. Ready to elevate your product? Reach out to us today at [email protected] for beverage projects or [email protected] for all flavor inquiries. Let the journey to extraordinary taste begin! #BeverageTrends #Innovation #BeverageExperts #FlavorExperts

Spicy-sweet and floral-tangy flavor blends are capturing consumers’ interest by delivering bold, multidimensional taste experiences. These innovative combinations, from chili-honey fusions to floral pepper infusions, reflect a growing trend for complex and adventurous flavors that leave a lasting impression. As demand rises for unique taste profiles that break away from the ordinary, these flavors present valuable opportunities for brands and culinary professionals to differentiate their products. For companies focused on innovation, embracing these trends can not only elevate the consumer experience but also strengthen market position in a competitive landscape.