Dive Brief:
- Suja Juice Co. is introducing Suja Pressed Probiotic Waters, what it's calling the first enhanced water made with only organic fruits, vegetables, and vegan probiotics. The product will be available at Target stores in February.
- Suja Pressed Probiotic Waters contain 10 calories, one gram or less of sugar, 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of vegan probiotics, and no additives. The launch will include four flavors: raspberry, ginger/lime, orange/ginger/pineapple, and pineapple/lemon/cayenne.
- Suja is a cold-pressured, organic and non-GMO juice and smoothie company. "In launching these Probiotic Waters, we have not only welcomed in a new generation of Suja products, but are also introducing the first-ever organic, vegan probiotic waters on the market," said Jeff Church, Co-Founder and CEO of Suja, in a news release. "As we enter our fourth year of business, we are continually looking at new ways to innovate the organic, cold-pressed, HPP industry."
Dive Insight:
The demand for probiotic-containing products such as kefir and kombucha has increased as researchers discover more about the human microbiome and the benefits of probiotic bacteria. Markets and Markets estimates the 2015 global probiotic ingredients market at $33.19 billion and projects it will reach $46.55 billion by 2020.
In August, The Coca‑Cola Company and the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs made minority investments in Suja, acquiring 30% of the company for $90 million. Suja also formed a distribution partnership with Coca‑Cola, where that company distributes Suja through the Odwalla chilled direct store delivery system.
"The closing of these deals provides Suja with the expertise and accessibility to further increase product distribution and operational efficiencies, as well as the ability to expand its manufacturing facilities to increase capacity in response to growing demand," according to the news release announcing the deals.