Boulder, CO, June 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextFoods Inc, the makers of GoodBelly Probiotics, a recognized leader in the probiotic industry, today announced that it raised $12 million to expand GoodBelly’s national sales team, support capital improvements and drive product innovation. 301 INC, the new business development and venturing unit at General Mills, led the round with additional investment coming from existing investors, including Emil Capital Partners.
“We are excited to partner with 301 INC to help take GoodBelly Probiotics to the next level,” said NextFoods, makers of GoodBelly, CEO Alan Murray. “This investment is a testament to GoodBelly’s leadership in the category and the continued growth of probiotic food and beverages. With this partnership, we look forward to driving new product innovation as well as expanding our team to reach new consumers.”
The investment from 301 INC builds on NextFood’s partnership with General Mills that started in 2016. The companies recently partnered to launch GoodBelly Crunchy Probiotic Bars, which debuted at Natural Products Expo East last fall and began rolling out nationwide earlier this year.
“We're thrilled that GoodBelly is joining the 301 INC investment portfolio,” said John Haugen, vice president and general manager of 301 INC. “The digestive health space is emerging quickly, and we look forward to helping GoodBelly reach more consumers through its remarkable products and brand.”
Gut health is a growing trend among food consumers, with the market projected to reach $64 billion by 2023. GoodBelly is the leading probiotic juice brand on the market, with a vision to combine natural foods and science to give consumers a “feel the effect experience”. The company only uses the most well researched strains to ensure efficacy in promoting healthy digestion. Not only does Nextfoods take the science seriously, they also recognize consumers want to make healthier choices without sacrificing taste, which is why all of their products are created to be delicious, approachable and convenient.
About GoodBelly Probiotics:
Based in Boulder, CO, privately held NextFoods has been making GoodBelly probiotic juices and shots since 2008. GoodBelly Probiotics was born out of the idea that food is the best medicine. The company was co-founded in 2007 by Todd Beckman, natural foods innovator, and Steve Demos, the founder of WhiteWave Foods (Silk Soymilk), who had the foresight to identify probiotics as the next method to support wellness through real food. GoodBelly is a recognized probiotic pioneer that is dedicated to making probiotic foods and beverages. Probiotics is all they do. They only use the most well-documented and scientifically proven probiotic strains in all of their foods and beverages. These strains have been proven to promote healthy digestion and overall wellness. GoodBelly also tests the probiotic count in all of their finished products and proudly displays that number prominently on each package. They make an extensive line of beverages, which are USDA Certified Organic or made with organic fruit as well as vegan, dairy-free, soy-free and Kosher OU certified. In 2018, they expanded beyond beverages with the launch of GoodBelly Probiotic Bars. For more information, visit www.goodbelly.com or check out social media pages Facebook @GoodBelly, Instagram @GoodBellyProbiotics and Twitter @GoodBellyDrink
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