JANIE HOFFMAN, founder & CEO, Mamma Chia: ‘They just took off like a rocket ship’
Mamma Chia founder and CEO Janie Hoffman got her big break in October 2010 after securing listings for her chia-and-fruit juice-based beverages in 50 Whole Foods stores. And within weeks, the business took off - like a rocket ship.
“Within 30-60 days they were asking me to go national, and all these other retailers were knocking on my door wanting to stock the product,” says Hoffman.
“We went national at Whole Foods within the year, we’re now national at mainstream retailers such as Kroger, Safeway and Costco, and we’re rolling out at 800 Target stores this summer.”
Chia Squeeze ambient vitality snacks in a pouch - which were launched in 2013 - were another instant success, says Hoffman.
“They’re in natural, mainstream and club stores now and we’re also doing really well online.”
But there is no room for complacency, says Hoffman, who has this advice for budding entrepreneurs: “Believe in yourself, and make the final decisions. But don’t drink your own Kool-aid.”
Click HERE to read our interview with Hoffman.
