SoBe Creator Leads Beso Del Sol Sangria Investment Group
MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 9, 2015 / Beso Del Sol Sangria, the fast growing all natural bag-in-a-box sangria imported from Spain, received a significant round of capital funding from outside its original investor group, announced CEO Bradd Levitan, longtime beverage veteran who helped build brands such as SKYY Vodka, Skinny Girl and Eppa Sangria.
The investment group will be led by beverage industry veteran John Bello, founder and former CEO of South Beach Beverage Company, the maker of nutritionally enhanced teas and juices marketed under the brand name SoBe. Pepsi purchased the company in 2001 for $370 million. Bello brings additional beverage experience with involvement in IZZE Sparkling Juice, Adina World Beat Beverages among others and venture experience as a former general partner with Sherbrooke Capital.
"Since introducing Beso del Sol two years ago, we have built a foundation for the brand with broad on-premise national account penetration, a first tier nationwide wholesale distribution network and are now aggressively pursuing retail chain distribution," said Levitan. "To fuel growth we needed smart, strategic and value added investment to achieve Beso's immense potential," added Levitan. "John Bello and his investment group bring the savvy, experience and resources to help us build Beso into the leading national sangria brand."
"Beso is an attractive investment opportunity and a surefire winner," said Bello. "The product and package are superior, innovative and on trend. The team is passionate and experienced and a quality distribution network is in place." Added Bello, "With the heavy lifting done, the focus will be on brand building. We are delighted to be part of this exciting brand and category."
Beso del Sol is the first super premium natural Sangria with a bag-in-a-box on the market and is available in two varieties, red and white.
In addition to a great taste, an attractive contemporary design, Beso del Sol offers a better value. Each 3L box of sangria is the equivalent of four 750mL bottles. Additionally, the technology used ensures that each sip is fresh - from the first to the last. The sangria stays fresh for up to six weeks after opening whether refrigerated or not.
In 2015 the brand garnered a Growth Brand Award from the Beverage Information Group. This year the brand is expected to grow by 285% and sell over 100k cases and is expected to grow to over 350k cases in 2016 with broadened distribution in multiple channels. Beso del Sol Sangria is proudly served at several casual dining chains including Red Robin, El Torito, Rainforest Café, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Grimaldi's Pizzeria, and Logan's Roadhouse. Other on-premise accounts include Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Staples Center, Petco Park, Great American Ballpark, Foxwoods Resort & Casino as well as AMC Theatres and Old Chicago restaurants starting in mid-October. Major regional retailers include Meijer, Whole Foods, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Shaw's Star Market, Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirits, Spec's, Stew Leonard's, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, as well as Publix and Winn Dixie starting in early October.
The company will use the funds to fuel growth through aggressive marketing that will build awareness, generate trial and adoption and establish Beso del Sol as the nation's leading sangria according to Bello.
Levitan as CEO and Hans Christian Holst as President will lead the new company along with partners and beverage industry veterans Larry Margolis and Stuart McGuire overseeing off and on premise sales activities. Bello will serve as Chairman of the Board.
About Beso del Sol
Beso del Sol, TRANSLATED…KISS OF THE SUN is the first super premium all natural authentic Sangria imported from Spain with a bag-in-a-box on the market and is available in two varieties, red and white. In addition to a great taste and an attractive contemporary package design, Beso del Sol offers a better value. Each 3L box of Sangria is the equivalent of four 750mL bottles. Additionally, the packaging technology used ensures that each sip is fresh - from the first to the last. The sangria stays fresh for up to six weeks after opening whether refrigerated or not. In addition to red and white in the 3L box Beso del Sol red is also available in 1.5L glass bottles.
For more information:
Laura Baddish, The Baddish Group
212 221 7611, ext. 304, [email protected]
SOURCE: Beso Del Sol Sangria Investment Group