Steaz

About Steaz

Steaz, operating under The Healthy Beverage Company, is a producer of organic and Fair Trade certified ready-to-drink teas. The company was established in 2002 by co-founders Steven Kessler and Eric Schnell, both veterans of the natural foods industry who identified a market opportunity as schools began removing soft drinks and consumer interest in organic products grew. Their prior experience at Country Life Vitamins and Long Life Tea informed their venture into creating a healthier beverage alternative.

The business model is centered on a "triple-bottom-line" philosophy focusing on people, planet, and profitability. Steaz generates revenue through the sale of its beverage products via a multi-channel distribution strategy. Initially sold in natural food markets, the company expanded its reach through a distribution agreement with Polar Beverages in 2005, making its products available in major supermarkets, and later in retailers like Costco and Target. The company was acquired in July 2016 by Novamex, which now manages the brand under its NovaNaturals division. Before the acquisition, Steaz had raised $11M in a Series A funding round in 2008.

Steaz's product portfolio includes iced green teas, yerba mate, and energy drinks, all crafted with USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified ingredients. Key ingredients include green tea from Kenya and cane sugar from Paraguay. A significant milestone was the launch of Steaz Green Tea Soda, the first soda to be certified USDA Organic. The company has continued to expand its offerings, introducing products like Steaz Energy and, more recently, a line of Cactus Water beverages. A core component of its brand identity is social responsibility; Steaz is a member of 1% for the Planet, committing a portion of its revenue to environmental initiatives.