Clean Label - Clean Energy on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

Did you ever think to yourself, “I could make a better smoothie than this!”?  Our guest today had the same thought.  Ted Volz is the founder of Clean Energy, a one-man operation that began producing clean label, fully organic, shelf-stable, one serving smoothie packets.  He did all the research, ran the numbers, found a co-packer and 3PL provider, and put out a terrific product that is getting rave reviews.  Ted did all this on his own, during a pandemic.

Join us for an inspirational discussion about how Ted Volz, a “numbers guy” with years of experience in accounting, became frustrated with the offerings he observed in the market and set out to create something better.

The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals.

Discussion Points

• Ted Volz’s inspiration to create a CPG product that met a certain need
• Most packaged food is not “clean label” – Ted’s product is
• Even if he couldn't meet the MOQ, a lot of contract manufacturers were willing to help him figure out his product’s path
• The challenge of producing “clean label” packaged products
• More and more people are becoming conscious of what they’re consuming because of the pandemic
• Ted’s modeling and numbers scenarios 
• Clean Energy smoothies are starting small on their website and in running shoe stores, to fine-tune the product and presentation
• Amazon is next for Clean Energy sales
• The process of selecting a 3PL partner
• Clean Energy is targeting the West Coast and pro-athletes next
• To sum up– do your research

Resources:

Ted Volz on LinkedIn

Clean Energy Website

NexxtLevel Brands Website

Steven Cleere LinkedIn