PurBlu Brands, the philanthropic drink company that catapulted the successful career of a Shadyside Academy student, has led a $1 million Series-A financing round for the growth and expansion of Green Shoots Distribution, its new strategic partner.
PurBlu was started by self-described "philanthropreneur" Ben Lewis and several high school pals in 2007. While the team went off to college a year later, Lewis has continued to run PurBlu as CEO while attending Wharton at University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a senior.
PurBlu touts itself as the beverage with a social mission: Buy a bottle of GIVE Water or GIVE Energy and 10 cents from each bottle goes to a local charity. The concept caught on and the drinks are one of the fastest selling health beverages in Whole Foods, says Lewis. GIVE Energy is also rated the fastest growing brand in the health beverage category, according to SPINS, a market research firm that tracks natural products.
Lewis estimates that PurBlu has donated more than $100,000 to local charities.
The collaboration with Green Shoots is a logical next step for the
Pittsburgh-based company, he adds. The two companies share a like-minded
focus on innovative marketing tools to gain recognition. Green Shoots will assume all sales responsibilities, as well distribution in core natural food markets in the US, allowing PurBlu to develop new natural food and beverage products.
"We're more of a brand incubator and product development company now," Lewis says.
PurBlu's lastest product is Tonic Health Shot, a 2.5-ounce shot of herbs and botanicals. The shot is initially being sold through 400 Sheetz locations across the country. The brands are bottled in plants in New York, Minnesota and California; Castle Co-Packers in New Kensington bottles the Tonic Health Shots. The companies currently employ 24 who work in key markets across the country.
"A lot has changed since the days when we were delivering from the backs of our cars," Lewis quips.
Writer:
Deb SmitSource: Ben Lewis, PurBlu