Young Entrepreneur Revamps Children's Drink Market
At just 9 years old, Ethan Sanborn has become a surprising sensation in the beverage world, launching a brand that aims to redefine how children enjoy their drinks. After his appearance on ABC's Shark Tank, his brand Kiid Coffee has soared, reaching a remarkable revenue threshold of $2 million and spreading into more than 400 retail locations nationwide.
The Journey Begins
Ethan's inspiration for Kiid Coffee came not from market trends, but from personal experiences. Following a series of accidents that left him with broken legs, he and his family recognized a significant gap in his daily nutrition intake. Traditional solutions like plain milk didn’t appeal to him, thus sparking the idea for a 99.9% caffeine-free drink that blends the rich flavors of coffee with essential nutrients aimed at kids.
“I just wanted to have coffee with my dad,” Ethan recalls. His desire led to the creation of a beverage that is not only delicious but also beneficial, formulated with no added sugars and packed with crucial nutrients that many children lack, such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and fiber.
Tackling Nutritional Gaps
This innovative approach is timely, considering research shows that over 63% of kids aged 9 to 18 do not meet their calcium intake recommendations–a critical factor during their growth years. Kiid Coffee doesn’t just serve as a alternative drink; it is intended to create an experience that brings families together around the morning routine of coffee.
From Shark Tank to National Launch
Ethan and his father, David Sanborn, made a compelling pitch on Shark Tank, leading to a $50,000 investment from investor Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of KIND Snacks. In the year following their Shark Tank debut, Kiid Coffee has massively scaled, boasting revenue forecasts of over $2 million.
Key milestones include:
- - Expansion into more than 400 specialty retail shops, including prominent grocery chains like Raley's and Fresh Thyme Market.
- - Introduction of five flavors with enticing names like Choco'latte and Minty Mocha, catering to varied taste preferences.
- - An upcoming caffeine-free