The Proof with Simon Hill Plant-Based Beverages | Maya French
May 17, 2018
Maya French, co-founder of Koia, shares her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship in the plant-based beverage market. She reveals insights on securing a partnership with Whole Foods and the challenges of scaling production. Maya discusses how consumer feedback shaped her product's evolution from juice to protein drinks, highlighting low sugar content and diverse flavors. She also offers tips for attracting investors and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and community support in growing a startup.
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Pivot from Juice to Protein Drink
- Maya shares the initial struggles with their original juice product due to market saturation and a labeling fine.
- They pivoted to almond milk-based plant protein drinks which resonated well with consumers and was a better business fit.
Plant-Based Demand Broadens
- Plant-based products appeal not only to vegans but also to mainstream consumers seeking allergen-friendly and healthier options.
- Increased consumer awareness is driving demand for plant-based beverages in grocery stores.
Koya's Unique Selling Points
- Koya differentiates with high protein, low sugar, low calories, high fiber, and transparency of ingredients.
- This combination meets consumer demands for healthier, clear-labeled plant protein beverages.