Beverage News
LIFEAID Inc 500 Amongst Top Rated in RTD Category
LifeAid Beverage Co. LLC, has ranked #227 in the 2017 Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies. LifeAid is the 2nd ranked RTD the list. LifeAid’s line of “better-for-you” supplement blend products include FitAid, FocusAid, PartyAid, TravelAid, GolferAid, FitAid Fuel Pouch, and a limited channel distribution product FitAid RX.ifeAid
LIFEAID co-founders Orion Melehan and Dr. Aaron Hinde, President, have grown their team over 100% in the last year. “We are pleased to continue our growth trajectory and see the path ahead reflect the importance of consumer wellness and commitment to healthy choices. The tide is changing and we are on the right side of the wave. We look forward to another strong year ahead, both with our internal team members and retail partnerships,” stated company CEO Mr. Melehan.
In 2016 LIFEAID secured an investment from private-equity firm KarpReilly and continued its expansion into traditional retail while sustaining strong direct to consumer business. In July 2017, KarpReilly exercised their option and invested more capital. “This further validates our product, our route-to-market, and our team’s execution,” said Melehan.
The ranking coincides with other key gains through channels in conventional grocery, successfully launching in the TX Kroger divisions and currently rolling out into the Mid-Atlantic, Columbus, King Soopers, Fry’s and Smith’s. Safeway has picked up the brand in the SW, Southern, Houston, Portland, Denver and NorCal divisions as well as Jewel-Osco.
LIFEAID has added a bevy of regional chains including Coborn’s, Brookshire Bros, Roch Bros, Kowalski’s and Woodman’s. In the natural specialty world – Whole Foods and Sprouts in April and Fresh Thyme help bolster a strong retail momentum. In the nutrition channel LIFEAID has added Academy Sports and Outdoors. Their continued relationship with Vitamin Shoppe, retailer of nutritional supplements, has expanded our offering in an additional 200 stores with increased SKUs.
“We could not be more pleased with our roll-out into conventional retail at this point. What is even more exciting than the number of doors that we are opening is the velocity at store level and the excitement coming from our retail partners and distributors,” Dan Leja, VP of Sales.
Source: LifeAID Beverage Company
