We're Gonna Make It Starting 2 Different Billion Dollar Drink Brands (Four Loko and Koia) | Chris Hunter
May 14, 2024
Listen to Chris Hunter, who started two different billion-dollar drink brands, discuss the challenges and successes of launching beverage brands, handling FDA rulings, utilizing NetSuite for financial management, managing costs, expanding product offerings, and the decision to write a book for positive impact.
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Four Loko's Inception
- Chris Hunter, founder of Four Loko, describes the brand's origin as a caffeinated alcoholic beverage.
- It evolved from a malt-based formula with added flavoring and caffeine.
Inspiration for Four Loko
- After college, Chris Hunter worked at a vodka startup, learning about the three-tier alcohol distribution system.
- He noticed that much of the vodka was mixed with Red Bull, inspiring him to create a pre-mixed alternative.
Early Stages and Formula Development
- Initially, the founders, including Chris Hunter, lacked funding and knowledge of beverage development.
- They invested $10,000 in a flavor house to create the initial Four Loko formulas.