Freeze-dried fruit packs nutrition and nostalgia into one adventurous snack

By Elizabeth Crawford

- Last updated on GMT

Freeze-dried fruit packs nutrition, nostalgia into adventurous snack
The adventure-seeking co-founders of freeze-dried snack fruit start-up Berry Golden hope to lead consumers by example to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. 

In particular, Matt Aaron and Carlos Martin Del Campo want consumers to try their freeze-dried Goldenberry Bites – sweet and tart-tasting berries that recall with nostalgic crunch the space food many people try as children when they learn about the race to the moon.

Made the same way as space food, Goldenberry Bites are just as lightweight and airy as the freeze-dried ice cream enjoyed by astronauts and children alike – making them a snack that won’t weigh down on-the-go consumers, Aaron said.

He also noted that unlike space ice cream, Goldenberry Bites are a nutritious snack because they have no added sugar or preservatives and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, B1 and B3.

They also are fat-free and have six grams of fiber per each 120 calorie serving, which makes them a powerful tool for weight-watchers who want to feel full from a snack, but not weighed down, he said.

The berries also have a strong, concentrated flavor, which is on trend with consumers seeking bold taste, Aaron said. He explained that freeze-drying makes heat sensitive foods, like goldenberries, shelf-stable without sacrificing the taste or nutrients of the original fruit.

Recognizing that not everyone will like the tart tang of goldenberries, Aaron said he is exploring an additional “four or five amazing foods that would be great to bring to the U.S.”​ as a freeze-dried fruit snack.

The potential line extensions are an ambitious example of how Aaron and Del Campo are practicing what they preach about seizing the day and being adventurous – especially considering their flagship snack launched less than two months ago at the end of February and is available in only two outlets and online so far.

However, both partners are aggressively promoting their snack through sampling and demonstrations to raise awareness and demand that could lead to additional distribution.

A B2B background

The launch of Goldenberry Bites may be Aaron’s first foray into consumer products, but as a business-to-business veteran in the food space, Aaron has significant experience and knowledge on which to draw to succeed.

Under his import and distribution company Valor Foods, Aaron says he is well versed in knowing what retail stores and buyers seek. For example, he said he already knows how to ensure quality control, import ingredients, secure a sufficient supply chain, negotiate shipping and about shelf-life management.

He also knows enough to launch a snack that is on trend as raw, vegan, gluten free and an all-natural superfruit, in addition to being convenient and easily eaten on the go.

Calculated risks and fundraising

As an established business-owner, Aaron also already knows the risks of starting a company, which is why he is adverse to fundraising through family and friends, he said, explaining he doesn’t want to mix blood and fruit snacks.

However, he noted, crowdfunding is an attractive alternative in that it would allow him and Del Campo to retain ownership, unlike partnering with investors.

If the young company goes the investor route, Aaron said the investors would need to know about the food space because he would want them to double as advisors for the company.

But before Aaron gets ahead of himself raising funds and launching additional products, he said for now he is focused on “staying the course”​ and building distribution and awareness of Berry Golden and its freeze-dried Goldenberry Bites.

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