Fresh off a successful Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC that saw one of its products recognized by Food Network, SFA member Moka Energy is set for some serious scaling. The brand's coffee bean bars deliver convenient, delicious energy "without the spill, the cleanup, or the crash" of a cup of coffee, formulated for today's busy yet discerning consumer.
SFA recently connected with co-founder Tom Seymour to learn more about his team's experience at the Fancy Food Show, the impact of their high-profile media coverage, and where they'll be channeling the momentum created from the show. Read on and be sure to check out Moka Energy's innovative products.
Moka Energy's tagline is “Coffee. Minus the Cup.” What gap in the market were you trying to solve when you created a coffee bean bar, and why did you believe consumers were ready to rethink what coffee could look like?
Coffee is part of the daily routine for millions of people, but the way we consume it has not changed very much. You still need a cup and time to prepare it, and usually a place to enjoy it. We saw an opportunity to take the experience and natural energy of real coffee and make it available in a completely new, convenient format.
Moka Energy is made with whole roasted coffee beans and provides 90 milligrams of caffeine, about the same as a traditional cup of coffee. It eats like a delicious confection, but it contains no chocolate. We believed consumers were ready for something different because they are already rethinking so many daily habits. They want products that are convenient and functional, but they do not want to sacrifice taste, quality, or the experience they enjoy.
Food Network recently named your Caramel Cappuccino Coffee Bean Bar one of its top 12 products from the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show, selected from thousands of options. What did that recognition mean for your team? Have you seen an uptick in interest since the article?
The Food Network recognition meant a great deal to our team. The Summer Fancy Food Show brings together thousands of incredible products and some of the most innovative brands in the industry. To have Moka Energy selected as one of only 12 trending products was both humbling and incredibly validating.
We have spent years developing this product, working through manufacturing challenges, listening to consumers, and building the brand, one relationship at a time. That recognition gave our entire team a moment to step back and appreciate how far we have come.
We have absolutely seen increased interest since the article was published. It has helped introduce Moka Energy to new retailers, distributors, consumers, and industry partners. More importantly, conversations have opened with people who immediately understand that we are creating an entirely new way to experience coffee. Important to me, my mom was able to relate as she knows and loves The Food Network!
It was amazing having Moka Energy exhibit at the Summer Fancy Food Show in June. What was your team’s experience at the show like? Any especially memorable conversations, whether with buyers, press, or fellow brands?
The Summer Fancy Food Show was an incredible experience for our team. There is energy at the show that is difficult to describe. You are surrounded by founders, buyers, retailers, distributors, and food professionals who genuinely love discovering what is next.
Some of our most memorable moments came from watching people try Moka Energy for the first time. Many approached the booth expecting a traditional chocolate energy bar. When they learned that the flavor and energy came from real roasted coffee beans, their reactions were immediate. Hearing someone say, “I have never had anything like this before,” never gets old.
We also had meaningful conversations with buyers and distribution partners who could see Moka fitting into several areas of the store, including functional candy, grab-and-go, checkout, and coffee. We were grateful for the openness and encouragement we received from fellow founders as well. The specialty food community is competitive, but it is also incredibly supportive.
Consumers today are looking for products that fit seamlessly into busy, on-the-go lifestyles. How do you think Moka fits into broader shifts in the way people think about energy, convenience, and daily routines?
People are busier than ever, but they are also becoming more thoughtful about what they consume. They want energy and convenience, but they are paying closer attention to ingredients, functionality, and how a product makes them feel.
Moka Energy was created for those moments when you want another cup of coffee but do not have the time, equipment, or ability to stop and make one. It can be enjoyed during a commute, between meetings, while traveling, before a workout, or during the afternoon when your energy begins to fade.
We are not trying to replace the morning coffee ritual people love. We are creating another way to enjoy real coffee when a cup is not practical. That is where “Coffee. Minus the Cup.” becomes more than a tagline. It describes the role we want Moka to play in people’s lives.
Moka is still a young brand, but you've hinted at partnerships in sales and distribution that could bring the product to more consumers. How are you approaching scaling the business while staying true to your original vision?
We are approaching growth thoughtfully and strategically. It is exciting to have conversations about larger retail and distribution opportunities, but we also understand that sustainable growth requires strong operations, reliable manufacturing, and the right partners.
We are working with people and organizations that understand what makes Moka Energy different and believe in the long-term opportunity. We are also continuing to spend time in stores, conducting demos, talking directly with consumers, and learning from every interaction. Those conversations have already influenced our packaging, messaging, and merchandising strategy.
As we grow, our original vision remains the same: create a genuinely delicious product made from real coffee that gives consumers a more convenient way to enjoy the ritual and energy they love. Scale is important, but not at the expense of product quality, authenticity, or the trust we are building with our customers.
Looking ahead, what's next for Moka Energy? What should the specialty food community be watching for from you over the next year?
The next year will be focused on expanding access to Moka Energy. We are working to grow our retail and distribution footprint, strengthen our e-commerce business, and introduce the product to more consumers through sampling and in-store demonstrations.
We will also continue improving our manufacturing capabilities and building a supply chain that can support the next stage of growth. As founders, we are always thinking about future innovation, but our immediate priority is establishing our three current flavors, Signature Roast Coffee, Vanilla Latte, and Caramel Cappuccino, and making sure we execute exceptionally well.
We are still early on the Moka Energy journey, and that is what makes this moment so exciting. We believe coffee can be more than a beverage, and we look forward to showing the specialty food community just how large that opportunity can become.