On January 9, 2020, the BUSINESS section of The Wall Street Journal featured an article (by Annie Gasparro) about the successful launch of LIFEAID Hemp entitled "Cloudy Regulation Slows CBD’s Seep into Food and Drinks."
PHOTO: LIFEAID Beverage Co
Big food-and-drink companies are slowing work on products containing cannabidiol after regulators sounded a note of caution, making space for smaller players to capture more of the budding market.
PHOTO: LIFEAID Beverage Co
![](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cbd-wsj2.jpg)
> > > Live well.
Source: BevNET LIVE 2019
Each year, BevNET’s annual Best Of awards honors companies, brands, individuals, products, ideas and trends from across the dynamic and ever-changing beverage landscape.
As in years past, 2019 witnessed the emergence of disruptive newcomers developing alongside established players seeking out new frontiers. In ways both big and small, this year confirmed that there isn’t a singular route to success. In bottled water, we saw Essentia reap the benefits of a dedicated long-term growth strategy, fueled by strong execution, and at the same time we saw Liquid Death capture the imagination of consumers with a wholly unconventional (and unmistakable) marketing voice. We saw young companies in categories like energy and coffee help bring a new generation of functional beverages to mainstream audiences, while also watching as legacy brands extended their reach with new innovations. Some well-worn rules were confirmed, and others were torn up in style. There was truly a bit of everything.
With such a wide breadth of worthy nominees, the process of selecting our Best Of 2019 award winners was hardly simple. These honorees represent a vibrant and dynamic group of brands that we feel best encompass the ideas, personalities and products pushing the beverage industry in exciting new directions at the dawn of a new decade— and we can’t wait to see where they will take us next. Congratulations to all our winners!
LIFEAID Beverage Company:
BevNET 2019 RISING STAR Award
![](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/award.jpg)
"The entire team at LIFEAID Beverage Company, LLC is beyond honored and thrilled to have been chosen as the recipient of a BEVNET Best of 2019 RISING STAR award! Thank you for this acknowledgment. Here's to rising to even greater heights in 2020," LIFEAID posted on their LinkedIn profile following the announcement at the BevNET LIVE event on Monday, December 9, 2019.
![](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/banner-720x159.jpg)
![Product image of three LIFEAID cans arranged on a grass background](https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/bestof/2019/4_rising-stars_lifeaid_970.jpg)
When functional beverage brand LIFEAID first made a name for its workout-based FITAID line through its partnership with CrossFit©, it seemed the company had settled into a strategy of cornering niche target demographics through a focus on hyper-specific use occasions such as partying, travelling and golfing. But after several years of incremental gains, 2019 finally saw LIFEAID and its entire product portfolio break into the mainstream. This past year the company’s risky take on functional beverages saw a vast expansion as it tripled its retail footprint, established a robust DSD network in the West, and made nationwide expansions in major outlets like Walmart and CVS. Co-founders Orion Melehan and Aaron Hinde said that LIFEAID’s mainstream breakout was always the long-term plan, even as it spent years with an emphasis on narrow channels -- part of an “incubation” strategy that through close customer relationships and ROI driven marketing is finally seeing validation in the broader market. Earlier this year, LIFEAID raised $7.7 million in April to fuel this growth and now with Fitness, Focus, Immunity, Partying, and Golfing all covered, the company has introduced sugar-free varieties with FITAID ZERO and FITAID RX ZERO. And the innovation isn’t done yet: the brand has announced LIFEAID HEMP as the latest addition to its beverage portfolio -- making it one of just a handful of established brands to date to jump into the hemp space.
—BevNET
![](https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T044USHFF-FRJG7ECK0/image_from_ios.jpg)
> > > Live well.
The natural ingredients in LIFEAID HEMP contain balancing adaptogens (lemon balm and rosemary) and hemp extract to help you find your bliss in everyday life. Crack a can anytime you're looking for that perfect zen moment. Proudly brought to you by LIFEAID Beverage Co., your trusted supplement brand since 2011. Discover more about the ingredients in LIFEAID HEMP below.
What are cannabinoids?
There are more than 100 known active cannabinoids, the compounds found in the hemp plant. Many scientific and health related research studies have been performed on these molecules.
The LIFEAID HEMP Blend uses Ojai Energetics™ broad spectrum hemp which contains high level of active cannabinoids which are not intoxicating when isolated, so they will not cause the euphoric high or psychoactive effects associated with THC.
![THC Free Icon](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/THCFree-Icon.png)
IMPORTANT: LIFEAID HEMP is 100% THC-free, non-addictive and non-psychoactive.
To learn more about the difference between CBD and THC, visit Healthline.com.
What are adaptogens?
The LIFEAID HEMP Blend contains several key adaptogens, which are basically any herbal supplement or natural source which helps to promote homeostasis—or balance—in the body.
The adaptogens lemon balm and rosemary are both natural sources used in LIFEAID HEMP to help balance the mind & body.
![Full Spectrum Icon](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/FullSpectrum-Icon.png)
What other ingredients are in LIFEAID HEMP?
- Hemp Extract: 20mg of broad spectrum hemp extract from Ojai Energetics helps promote overall balance in the mind & body.
- Cannabinoids: Broad spectrum hemp contains active cannabinoids which help promote homeostasis.
- Rosemary: This adaptogen naturally helps balance the mind & body.
- Lemon Balm: A lemon-scented herb, this adaptogen also helps balance the mind & body.
- Agave: Raw organic blue agave provides just a pinch of sugar to sweeten naturally, with a low-glycemic index.
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- No THC: LIFEAID HEMP is 100% THC-free, non-addictive and non-psychoactive.
![](https://app.asana.com/app/asana/-/get_asset?asset_id=1149433971101474)
What do hemp products taste like?
Not all hemp products are created equal, ranging in form and flavor.
LIFEAID HEMP is lightly carbonated and has a refreshingly light Herbal Lemon taste. It may remind you of sipping lemonade on a sunny day, offering subtle hints of rosemary and lemon balm.
Get ready to enjoy the light, refreshing Herbal Lemon taste of LIFEAID HEMP—now you can drink happy thoughts. Every can is 100% THC-free, only 40 calories and contains adaptogens (rosemary and lemon balm) and hemp extract to help provide balanced bliss in your everyday life.
![Woman drinking LIFEAID Hemp](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/image-3.png)
When should I drink LIFEAID HEMP?
LIFEAID HEMP is best enjoyed ice-cold anytime of day, to help you find those perfect zen moments amidst the stress of everyday life. It contains absolutely no THC and no caffeine—it's the perfect low-cal refreshment choice morning, noon or night. Drink a can on your break, with a meal, or whenever you just need a moment to find better balance and harmony for your mind & body.
Will I feel any strange effects from drinking LIFEAID HEMP?
LIFEAID HEMP contains absolutely no THC (the part of the hemp plant which causes psychoactive effects). That means it's non-addictive and non-psychoactive. The natural adaptogens lemon balm and rosemary along with hemp extract in LIFEAID HEMP are intended to simply help improve homeostasis (balance) in the mind and body, helping you find bliss and balance amidst those mildly stressful moments in everyday life.
![](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MG_9357-720x480.jpg)
Why is Ojai Energetics™ preferable to other sources on the market?
The LIFEAID HEMP Blend proudly uses Ojai Energetics broad spectrum hemp and contains no THC. (It’s 100% THC-free, non-addictive and non-psychoactive.)
Ojai Energetics broad spectrum hemp is of the rigorously tested for heavy metals, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, microbes, terpenes & cannabinoids.
'Broad spectrum' means that it has multiple cannabinoids, which we now know are simply the active ingredients in the hemp plant. There are currently over 100 known cannabinoids in hemp.
Another reason we chose Ojai Energetics is because they use a patented microcellular nano-encapsulation process. Generally, other broad spectrum hemp products are fat soluble, meaning they don’t absorb well into the bloodstream. Ojai Energetics has found a way around this with their nano-encapsulation process. Think of it as a sheath around these fat molecules that allow for 100% absorption into the bloodstream, making it much more potent and, subsequently, more effective.
You can learn more about Ojai Energetics at ojaienergetics.com.
![Adaptogen Icon](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Adaptogens-Icon.png)
What is nano-encapsulation?
In a nutshell, nano-encapsulation allows for faster absorption, increased bioavailability and higher potency levels. (Bioavailability is the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream.)
Now let’s break that down a bit further.
Nano-encapsulation is the patented delivery system that Ojai Energetics uses to improve the absorption rate of their hemp extract, making the hemp water soluble and more bioavailable. While other broad spectrum hemp products are fat soluble (meaning they don’t absorb well into the bloodstream), Ojai Energetics has found a way around this with their nano-encapsulation process. Think of it as a sheath around these fat molecules that allow for 100% absorption into the bloodstream, making it much more effective, much more potent.
In most hemp products, up to 90% of what is ingested is destroyed by the liver and stomach acids before it is even able to be used. This is because the body doesn’t absorb fat molecules, and must encapsulate them in water inside the gut before it can be absorbed. For example, if you eat 20mg of a regular hemp oil, only 2mg of hemp is usable. So those who consume other extracts are paying for 100% of the hemp but only getting 10% of the potency, often waiting 30 minutes before any benefits even occur.
With LIFEAID HEMP you’re getting more bang for your buck, plus a higher absorption rate due to the nano-encapsulation process used by Ojai Energetics.
![Woman Carrying LIFEAID Hemp](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Photo1-720x400.jpg)
What is the price point for LIFEAID HEMP?
LIFEAID HEMP currently has a very competitive price point at just $3.99 per can ($41.88 per 12-can case, $83.76 per 24-can case) suggested retail price.
You can also Subscribe & Save to get 10% OFF + FREE shipping on all future LIFEAID orders, making the cost of LIFEAID HEMP only $37.69 for 12 cans or $75.38 for 24 cans (SRP)!
Reporting a 169 percent increase in sales for 2018, LIFEAID Beverage Company announced last week it is aiming to triple its retail presence to at least 18,000 doors this year, including Walmart, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Sprouts stores.
The announcement comes as the company prepares to expand chainwide at Walmart with its FitAid, FocusAid, and ImmunityAid SKUs, as the retailer looks to grow its functional beverage set with national and regional brands.
LIFEAID VP of Sales Dan Leja told BevNET, "The company entered 429 stores Walmart last year and that the expansion marks a ten-fold increase."
The company has also expanded in Kroger; according to Leja, LIFEAID has experienced a “natural evolution” with the retailer, having first entered with a 40-store test in the Texas market in 2016 and slowly expanded over the past two years. The latest expansion brings the brand’s presence to 15 Kroger divisions, which Leja said is about 1,500 doors.
LIFEAID has also reformulated its nootropic-based FocusAid line to double its caffeine content to 100 mg per can. Leja said the SKU is projected to grow more than 500 percent in 2019 and will make up 40 percent of the company’s total placement.
Leja said the company is also seeking to increase brand awareness by working with “micro influencers” who can appeal to the company’s niche target demographics. LIFEAID will seek to grow its FitAid line within yoga studios, while the company is recruiting musicians and DJs to promote its PartyAid line.
“We really want to piggyback off of what we’ve done with FitAid and building the name within the Crossfit and functional fitness space,” Leja said. “It’s not gimmicky or anything like that. We’re truly passionate about the offerings that we have and we want to portray that in a professional manner.”
On the West Coast, LIFEAID is also building out its DSD network to service the convenience channel, working with distributors Hensley in Arizona, Golden Beverage in Utah, Bonanza in Nevada, and New Age in Colorado. The company is negotiating contracts currently to service the entirety of California and the Pacific Northwest.
“By building out this proof of concept we wanted a story we could take to distributors and not just sell them on hopes and dreams,” he said. “Most of our retail authorizations started in the west, so that’s why we’re building our DSD footprint there. We also have some high-level meetings coming up in the Northeast in the coming weeks to start carving out a DSD footprint there as well.”
Visit lifeaidbevco.com for more information about the brand, or to shop the entire lineup of their clean nutritional blends to fit your active lifestyle.
![](https://blog.lifeaidbevco.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/lifeaid-bevnet-walmart-720x685.jpg)
Source: Brad Avery on BevNet.com - Jan. 31, 2019 at 6:41 p.m.
SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. – Hot off the heels of the traditional shopping season kick-off, LIFEAID Beverage Co., LLC. achieved an impressive volume of Direct to Consumer business during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend reaching just shy of $500,000 in direct website e-commerce sales.
The company, known for their niche “clean supplement blends” has seen a meteoric rise over the last year. 2018 is proving to be a potential break-through year for the brand.
For a second year, LIFEAID has secured a top spot on the Forbes list of Fastest Growing Companies and 2017’s list recognized the brand as the 2nd fastest growing in its category. FITAID, the Recovery Blend, which is popular within the CrossFit and OCR communities, recorded an impressive 35% share of the weekend’s sales. Notable portfolio performers included FOCUSAID and brand flagship product LIFEAID; while GOLFERAID, PARTYAID, and TRAVELAID rounded out the strong sales figure.
According to their VP of Sales, Dan Leja, “2018 is going to be a breakout year for the Brand.” Leja goes on to report, “We anticipate in excess of 12,000 traditional retail outlets, including some of the most established national retailers.”
This figure is 4 times what their retail penetration was in 2017. Authorizations include GNC, Kroger, Safeway, with significant reviews pending. At time of release, SPINS data is displaying promising results as they are positioned as a top 5 brand in their category over the last 24 weeks. Additional focus in 2018 will include consistent brand awareness efforts and building off their consumer successes to help bolster and sustain their current trajectory in retail.
About LifeAid Beverage
At LIFEAID, we fuel your passion with our clean and refreshing nutritional blends. Our products are tailored for your active lifestyle – without all the junk. LIFEAID products are available throughout the U.S. in more than 5,000 gyms and retail stores such as Whole Foods and The Vitamin Shoppe. Join us as we show the world there is a better way. For more information, please visit www.lifeaidbevco.com or contact press@lifeaidbevco.com
SOURCE: https://www.bevnet.com/news/2017/lifeaid-sets-e-com-black-friday-sales-record
LIFEAID Beverage Co.
Develops and sells nutritional sports and energy drinks. It's PartyAid is popular at Burning Man.
![Inc. 5000 logo #396 for 2016](http://www.incimages.com/img_gen/inc5000_2016/inc5000_num_396.png)
2016 INC. 5000 RANK: #396
3-Year Growth: 966%
2015 Revenue: $4.4 M
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Industry: Food & Beverage
Launched: 2011
INC. 5000 HONORS
#24 - Top Food & Beverage companies
ON THE WEB
Web site: lifeaidbevco.com