Plant Protein Drink Start-Up Invades The Traditional Protein Snack Market

Plant-based protein beverage company Koia, founded just 18 months ago, quintupled its sales in its first year and is on track to triple sales this year. Launched with distribution through Whole Foods Market, the company’s first two products were refrigerated almond milk beverages made with vanilla beans, cacao beans, and coconut, fortified with a plant protein blend. With the help of a $7.5 million investment by two venture capital firms, the company recently added two new products – cold  brew coffee and cinnamon horchata – and expanded distribution to include Earth Origins Market, Natural Grocers, Erewhon Natural Foods, Fresh Thyme, Giant, Stop & Shop, and Wegmans. Its “aggressive growth” strategy takes advantage of a market trend of protein beverages invading the protein bar and “bag of something” snack territory.