Spoonable smoothie concept wins Ganeden competition

AVOKE is the winner of Ganeden’s Probiotic Innovation Jumpstart program. The promising functional food startup will take home $25,000 to support the launch of the new vegan, avocado-based smoothie bowls with probiotics.

Ganeden launched the program to give back to the industry and help startups and entrepreneurs enter the probiotic market, which is expected to reach $36.7 billion over the next five years. The company selected three finalists, for in-person presentations: AVOKE, simplyFUEL and Red Lotus Foods, LLC. Similar to Shark Tank, each finalist presented their probiotic food concept to a panel of industry experts. Entrant Daniel Karsevar received the award on behalf of AVOKE.

“Our goal for Probiotic Innovation Jumpstart was to encourage startups with unique ideas for novelty foods and beverages to join the probiotic space—an industry that has helped us grow exponentially throughout the years,” said Andy Lefkowitz, CEO of Ganeden. “The line of AVOKE Spoonables is going to be a game-changer in the healthy snack category and we plan to put our full support behind this impressive company and launch.”

AVOKE’s spoonable smoothie bowls come in four varieties: Berry Mint, Greens & Ginger, Spicy Carrot, & Coconut Curry and include half an avocado, two servings of fruits and vegetables, a toasted quinoa topping and 1 billion CFU of Ganeden’s patented strain of probiotic, GanedenBC³⁰.Each smoothie bowl will come packaged and ready-to-eat in a half avocado-shaped stackable cup that includes a pop-out, eco-friendly spoon. The concept was created by two NY-based sisters as a fun and healthy alternative to yogurt and other plant-based beverages and snacks. It will be the first avocado-based, probiotic smoothie in the market.

“The use of avocados as a healthy snack is growing immensely in popularity, yet there continues to be a huge void in ready-to-go avocado products in retail,” said Daniel Karsevar, consulting COO for AVOKE. “AVOKE Spoonables provide a solution by offering a healthy, vegan snack with a unique design that is convenient for on-the-go lifestyles, and we are proud that Ganeden and the industry experts see the value. Ganeden’s additional financial support and expertise will be extremely beneficial for the launch.”  

Ganeden and AVOKE will work closely to finalize details for the upcoming launch, which is scheduled for this Fall. The Spoonables will join the more than 500+ product SKUs internationally with GanedenBC³⁰.