Strafford, VT (October 27, 2022) – Sarilla, a SOFI Award winning alcohol-free beverage company and member of Specialty Food Association, received a $20,000 grant this past Sunday in Chicago, at Pack Expo International. This national award was part of the Emerging Brand Summit, hosted by the Emerging Brands Alliance, and Sarilla was selected based on brand mission and social impact, product quality and packaging, and ability to scale and compete in a competitive environment.
Sarilla’s founder, Sara Stender Delaney, a Vermont native, decided only last Friday to attend the event in Chicago, after learning her company was selected as a finalist. Together with her 12 year old son, Jackson, they made it to the stage at one of the world’s largest packaging trade shows, hosting 44,000 people this year. Interestingly, the first speaker of the day was another female founder and Vermont native, Cathy Bacon, owner of Freedom Foods co-packing in Randolph. In an industry where less than 5% of business owners are women, it was an inspiring day that exemplified the spirit of entrepreneurial grit.
“Having just moved my manufacturing to Middlebury, Vermont, and securing a new distribution partnership with Vermont Beer Shepherd for our cans and kegs, this is perfect timing, and there’s nothing like getting non-restricted funding to invest back into our business and the local economy,” says Founding CEO, Sara.
Sarilla is a purpose-driven product and exists to inspire joy and self-acceptance. Created to solve two major problems: To offer sustainable solutions to poverty for their partners in Rwanda, where the tea and botanicals grow, while lowering the social stigma for people choosing to go alcohol-free.
“Now, more than ever, brands need support and adequate resources to keep up with the rapidly growing demands they are facing,” said Kim Overstreet, Director of the Emerging Brand Alliance. “For many entrepreneurs, the idea is the easy part and is why they jump out of bed in the morning. Taking that idea and then building a business that can scale is where it gets hard” writes Mike Prokopeak, Packaging World.
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About Sarilla Find our award-winning products in specialty markets, co-ops, and natural grocery stores throughout the North Atlantic and Southeast regions and coming soon to Northern California and Pacific Northwest. Now available in six flavors, including sparkling Lemon and Apple Tea, White Ginger, Green Hibiscus, and caffeine-free options Tulsi Lime and Rooibos Vanilla. Free from pesticides, preservatives, refined sugar, and alcohol. Certified Women-Owned, Kosher, Organic, and Fair Trade. Get involved with the company’s broader mission to end alcohol-related sexual assault, and to disrupt the beverage industry. Learn more at DrinkSarilla.com and nonprofit foundation AfricaHealingExchange.org.
About the Emerging Brands Alliance Providing year-round education, resources, and growth opportunities for brands looking to scale operations. Membership is free. Learn more at EmergingBrandsAlliance.org.