![]() It’s a familiar story in the world of food. Before the end of this century, the more widely produced - and better tasting - of the two species cultivated today runs the risk of disappearing in the wild completely. In Latin America, which produces around 60 percent of the world’s coffee crop, this figure could be as high as 88 percent. Around half of the suitable areas for coffee growing could be lost due to the climate crisis by 2050, according to a 2014 study published in the journal Climatic Change. That’s because the plants need such specific conditions to grow. “Climate change is a major issue for coffee plants,” said Aaron Davis, head of coffee research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who led the search effort in Sierra Leone. In the meantime, rising global temperatures are exacerbating threats to production. And at the root of it all is a startling vulnerability: The coffee we cultivate and drink today, which sustains an industry valued at over $100 billion, comes from just two species - and research on others is woefully behind. It’s threatened by climate change, by a deadly fungal disease that has devastated crops, and by risky farming practices. It’s one that could help pull the world’s beloved beverage out of the dire straits it finds itself in today. This wasn’t just any species of coffee plant. If they hoped to scale up this uncommon variety, they would need to find it a mate. A team of researchers had spent over a year searching for it, only to discover the plant hadn’t begun to fruit. Kick says she can’t unveil quite yet what is coming next from BuzzBallz, but there’s little doubt that consumers will be buzzing with excitement when they arrive.The rare coffee plant sat on an isolated ridge in northern Sierra Leone, a lone shrub with thin leaves and marble-sized fruits. “Consumers are looking for new unique flavors and drinks, similar to what you can get at a bar that they can take on the go with their busy lives” she says. Noting the uptick in competitors, Kick understands what consumers want and plans to deliver with BuzzBallz. Consumers want a variety of fun and exciting quality cocktails that taste good for a decent price.” “The companies that have the most success are the ones that dive into innovation. “The RTD market is growing with many new suppliers, many of whom are new to the game,” she explains. Making it on the marketĪs more and more RTD beverages enter the market, Kick says that the company will rely on modernization to set it apart from the rest as the category continues to grow. BuzzBallz is distributed nationwide and in almost a dozen countries. ![]() The CEO also notes that the company is “constantly inventing and trying new flavors,” with plans to launch certain flavors in specific countries. “Both new flavors have been a hit, especially our Espresso Martini.” “Some flavors only test launch in certain markets, and if sales are solid, we expand our distribution,” Kick says. Flavors are added to the portfolio only after they pass testing, she explains. Normally, the company has almost 30 flavors within research and development (R&D), she notes. The two flavors were launched after “a lot of taste-testing,” Kick says. ![]() The newest flavors from BuzzBallz are Espresso Martini and Chili Mango. We love our consumers, and they are the best promoters for our brand.” “Our consumers love surprises, and that fun spontaneity is very in line with our brand. “Consumers tend to gravitate toward more traditional cocktail flavors, like Margaritas and Piña Coladas, but we’ve also seen success in the curveball flavors, like our Cran Blaster or seasonal Eggnog, that they weren’t expecting from us,” she explains. Kick says the top-selling SKU is the wine-based Choco Chiller. The company also offers BuzzBallz Biggies, 1.75-liter drinks compared to typical 187-ml “ballz,” both coming in at 15% alcohol by volume (ABV).Īdditionally, BuzzBallz has a receipt upload program, allowing the company to see which flavors are purchased more regularly in various states. BuzzBallz Cocktails are ready to enjoy, as are BuzzBallz Chillers, but the Chillers are made with an orange-wine base. With more than 25 options made with 100% juices, the BuzzBallz portfolio of mixed drinks and cocktails are made with vodka, rum or tequila. We are innovators and trendsetters - we love what we do and are always looking for ways to improve, expand and excite others with our brand.” “We have quality ingredients and a wide variety of flavors not found in other brands yet. ![]() “Our packaging is so unique, it’s instantly recognizable wherever your see it,” she adds. Inspired by a glass votive from a family trip, the idea to use a pop-top came after noticing a can of tennis balls at a sporting goods store, Kick says. Compared with other RTD beverages on the market, BuzzBallz’s products are notably different due to their spherical shape. ![]()
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