Keely Cormier of HerbalCast interviews Carter Reum, the cofounder of the acai-based spirit VeeV. The following is discussed in the 11m 49s audio interview.
The story behind VeeV
The eco-friendly aspect of their business as it relates to the Brazilian rainforest and carbon footprint of the company.
Challenges Carter and his brother have faced in getting the product to market and growing brand awareness.
TheEndOfVodka.com as a tool they created to virally spread the word about VeeV.
Current distribution markets for VeeV and how consumers outside of these areas can purchase VeeV.
The unique flavor of VeeV compared to vodka, and an in-depth discussion about acai and its benefits.
At least that’s the slogan of Purple, who’s drink contains acai berry, blueberry, cranberry, black cherry, pomegranate, black currant and purple plumb. That’s quite the lineup of foods that often sprout up among conversations about antioxidants. I can’t say I’ve tried this product myself – I haven’t seen it in stores up here in British Columbia, however they do take a very informative approach to marketing their product.
If you look at their website, they have a fairly extensive “science and research” section with an abundance of resources. One such article, titled Natural Purple Pigments In Fruits, Vegetables And Berries, Such As Blueberries, May Help Prevent Obesity, talks about the benefits linked to the purple pigment in fruits. If you’re like me, and you enjoy researching products thoroughly before using them, Purple should cater to your thirst for knowledge. Their nutrition label is posted right on their website – not many acai berry touting products do that.
Acai Roots, a leading supplier of 100% natural acai products, achieved 595% growth for 2006-2007. Based on 2008 Q1 and Q2 revenues, this company is on a fast track to post a three year 2677% increase. After moving to San Diego, three Brazilian friends missed the authentic taste, texture and style of their Rio-style acai, as well as the camaraderie of Brazilian healthy living. Acai Roots’ CEO, Igor Pereira says,
“We’re not only getting our authentic Rio-style acai products into the marketplace, but we are also helping to protect the Amazon rainforest. The demand for acai berries has created a sustainable agricultural industry and provides fair trade income to local workers. The acai palm trees used to be cut down for the heart of palm, and now they have a new life and purpose. Our families live and work in Brazil, and through Acai Roots, we too can give back to our native country. What started as a way the three of us could bring a taste of our energetic, healthy lifestyle to the US has turned into a business that is changing lives.”
I’m going to keep my eye on this company. On one side you have a couple of Americans (Sambazon) that visited Brazil and were impressed with the acai berry and it’s strong existence in Brazil. Then we have 3 Brazilians that now operate out of the USA (Acai Roots) bringing acai products to Americans.
Planet Smoothie, Founded in Atlanta in 1995, is one of the fastest growing up and coming concepts in the country. It’s sister project, Planet Smoothie Cafe, offers a more solid format of nutrition through nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Both projects offer acai products, Acai Smoothies and Acai Bowls.
But today Planet Smoothie isn’t about food – it’s about recycling. They have announced a contest to find an inventor with an idea of how to recycle or eliminating polystyrene from the waste process. Three respected judges have been selected to choose the winner – so let the contest begin!
