#United States #Santa Cruz #West Peak #RTD

West Peak Sparkling Spirits: A New Era with Industry Leaders

West Peak Sparkling Spirits, an innovative ready-to-drink (RTD) brand emerging from Santa Cruz, California, has made waves in the beverage industry by combining cocktails' complexity with seltzer's refreshment. The brand is excited to announce its newly appointed strategic advisory committee, a group that boasts impressive credentials and a wealth of experience in various sectors. This strategic move aims to guide West Peak into its next growth phase, further enhancing its position within the competitive RTD market.

The newly formed committee comprises accomplished figures, each bringing unique expertise:

• - Brian Swette is the Co-Founder and President of Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods, a company that was acquired by Nestle. His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer at eBay and Executive Vice President at PepsiCo. Brian has played pivotal roles in numerous corporations, including serving as the Chairman of Burger King.

• - Bridget Firtle, a dynamic beverage entrepreneur, made her mark by establishing Owney's Rum and later launching ROCKAWAY Soda. Her extensive knowledge informs West Peak's vision, especially as she re-acquires Owney's to expand her beverage ventures.

• - Derek Dodge formerly held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at BuzzBallz, a company backed by Sazerac. With a rich career spanning decades in the beverage sector, he adds strategic acumen to the team.

• - Josh Roush, Co-Founder and CEO of Movetic, has collaborated with some of the most iconic brands globally across various industries. His expertise in design, storytelling, and technology is vital as West Peak aims to bolster its brand identity.

• - Kelly Swette, another Co-Founder of Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods, has a robust background in innovative product design and marketing. Her insights are crucial in refining West Peak's product offerings as they seek to connect with health-conscious consumers.

• - Leo Ortega, Vice President of the California Agave Council, brings agricultural experience to the table, ensuring that West Peak’s ingredient sourcing aligns with sustainability and quality standards.

• - Shadi Bakour, Co-Founder and CEO of PATH, is renowned for her commitment to sustainable practices. Her knowledge of packaging and sustainability will support West Peak's objectives as they strive to minimize environmental impacts.

• - Sharla Ortega, a fourth-generation farmer, combines her legal education and extensive knowledge of agriculture to contribute to product innovation and brand direction.

• - Taylor Foxman, Founder and CEO of The Industry Collective, is a networking powerhouse in the beverage industry. Her connections with various founders and CEOs are expected to generate collaborative opportunities for West Peak.

Jamie Sanyal, the Co-Founder of West Peak Sparkling Spirits, expressed enthusiasm about the new committee, stating, "Our goal in creating this committee was to bring together a robust and dynamic group of mentors and industry leaders with diverse skill sets across various disciplines. It is an honor to have this exceptional group behind us as we continue to build momentum and expand our brand in 2026 and beyond."

West Peak Sparkling Spirits aims to provide unique beverages that deliver the complexity of a cocktail with the refreshing taste of sparkling water. Their drinks, crafted from premium spirits, sparkling water, and real juice, boast a balanced alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6% and are both low in calories and free from added sugars. For those interested in learning more about West Peak Sparkling Spirits, please visit drinkwestpeak.com or follow them on Instagram.

In conclusion, with the formation of its strategic advisory committee, West Peak Sparkling Spirits positions itself for an exciting future in the RTD market, combining industry expertise and innovative beverage solutions. This thoughtful approach is anticipated to attract a diverse audience of cocktail lovers and health-conscious consumers alike, as the brand sets its sights on growth and sustainability.