In May 2024, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes teamed up with beverage industry veteran Michael Fedele to launch Throne Sport Coffee, a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage designed for active individuals seeking a healthier caffeine alternative. This partnership combines Mahomes' commitment to peak performance with Fedele's extensive experience in the beverage sector. A Fusion of Athleticism and Industry Expertise Michael Fedele, known for his roles at Coca-Cola and as Vice President of Marketing for BodyArmor, recognized a market gap for a functional coffee beverage tailored to active lifestyles. Observing the prevalence of coffee consumption among athletes, Fedele envisioned a product that not only provided natural caffeine but also included additional health benefits. Mahomes, an avid coffee drinker himself, was immediately intrigued by the concept. Their collaboration led to the development of Throne Sport Coffee, aiming to offer a beverage that aligns with the nutritional needs of both professional athletes and health-conscious consumers. Innovative Coffee PLUS+ Formula Throne Sport Coffee distinguishes itself with its proprietary Coffee PLUS+ formula. Each 11-ounce can delivers 150mg of natural caffeine sourced from premium Arabica beans, complemented by 100% of the daily value of B vitamins, electrolytes like potassium and sodium, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine. This combination is designed to enhance energy, support metabolism, aid hydration, and promote muscle recovery. The beverage is available in flavors like Mocha Java, French Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Black, and the recently introduced Mint Mocha. Notably, the drinks are low in calories and sugar, catering to those mindful of their dietary intake. Market Reception and Expansion Plans Since its launch, Throne Sport Coffee has gained traction among consumers seeking functional beverages. The brand's association with Mahomes has undoubtedly amplified its visibility, especially during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Initially available through select retailers and online platforms such as Amazon, the company has plans to expand its distribution network in 2025, aiming to reach a broader audience. The introduction of new flavors and strategic marketing efforts underscore Throne's commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demands.

When I started my career with private label products were always cheaper with worse quality. Consumer knows that choosing this product can save money at the expense of quality. Producer or store chains could raise up your marge because marketing was unnecessary but it was a many, many times ago. Actually, I am old man :) Nowadays, change almost everything. Private label products don't mean worse products and sometimes need a serious marketing campaign. It's because market is full with a many of competitors. Example from Poland - one of the supermarket chain's W5 has become one of the most popular product among a wide range of similar products, including big brands. In your experience, what categories have seen the most dramatic transformation from "budget private label" to "premium private label," and what factors drove this evolution most successfully?

I used to work with coffee beans. The market had many big coffee brands everywhere. We were a small coffee roasting company in Poland. We had our own coffee brand, but mostly we made coffee for small shops and vending machines under their names. We wanted to sell in big supermarkets. I knew it wouldn't be easy or quick to get deals with them, but I worked hard at it. After trying for 9 months, I succeeded - I got contracts with two big Polish stores: Biedronka and Dino. Sometimes I heard that the bosses didn't want to change anything and kept the status quo. What are yours main obstacles to reach a good clients? How do you manage with that?

Good morning Happy to be in this group.

I want to share my thoughts on private labels and brands. Many times, I have seen company owners wanting to create their own brand, believing it will bring them success. However, the market often demands private-label products instead. In my experience, private labels are usually the smarter and more profitable choice. The Problem with Building a Brand Company owners see their brands as something special—something they have worked hard for. But customers think differently. They don’t care how much effort was put into a brand. Their only question is: "What does this brand give me?" Creating a successful brand is expensive. It requires strong marketing, advertising, and a team of experts. Many companies simply don’t have the money or the right people to compete with big, well-known brands. Without strong marketing, new brands often fail. Why Private Label is the Better Choice Private-label products are a much easier and safer way to do business. Here’s why: - More profit – Private-label products don’t need big marketing budgets, so companies can sell them at better prices while still making good money. - Retailers prefer them – Big retail chains love private-label products because they can control prices and keep customers coming back. - Less risk – Instead of spending a lot of money on branding and advertising, manufacturers can focus on making high-quality products and selling them steadily. For manufacturers, private-label partnerships bring stability. Retailers place regular orders, and there’s no need to fight for attention in a crowded market. Why Private Label Wins While creating a brand sounds exciting, it’s a risky and expensive process. Private labels, on the other hand, bring steady sales, lower costs, and long-term business relationships. Summary & Key Points 1. Brands are expensive to build – Marketing, advertising, and distribution costs are high. 2. Private labels bring better profits – They don’t need big marketing budgets and are preferred by retailers. 3. Less risk, more stability – Private-label manufacturers have steady demand and reliable partners. 4. Focus on production, not advertising – Instead of spending money on branding, companies can focus on making great products.