Co-op Business Spotlight - Co-opportunity

LW: Wow, I’m glad you found something that worked. It’s always great to hear
memories of Eytan. So now, tell us about Cal Snax and how your partnership began?
EK: After I had lost most of the brown in my hair color, I left the Board and joined the
raw food revolution. I was quite familiar with the health and nutrition aspects, so I
brought in my partner, Mark Wong, to run the business and head up new product
development. As a result Cal Snax was born. We were constantly testing new products
and formulations to produce the highest quality products in the raw space. We did all of
our initial demos at the Co-op until we felt our recipes were rock solid.
LW: How has business been?
EK: Our 5 year old business has grown almost every quarter; something we are very
proud of. We expect to see a 50% increase in growth in 2013. We began with a raw
organic chocolate chip cookie and later branched into a raw organic hummus line. We
are the price and value leader in our niche. In late 2011 we took over the Rawk-n-Roll
dehydrated kale chips and have turned it into a major player in this crowded field.
LW: Share with us some of your experiences running a local business?
EK: Running a small local business is always challenging and fresh food is no exception.
One challenge in particular is delivering to stores. We prepare all of our products in a
commercial kitchen often for delivery that same day. Our biggest challenge though has
been maintaining our leadership low prices to the consumer as costs of everything
significantly increase, especially over the past 3 years. This year alone organic raw
cashews have doubled in price. To offset these raw material price increases our
manufacturing had to get much more efficient. My chemistry and bacteriology
background has helped us produce products with much longer shelf life using natural
ingredients.
LW: Well Emil, I’m glad everything is going well for you and for Cal Snax. I really
appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. I wish you all continued success with
your products.
*The Co-op will partner up with Cal Snax for the month of January offering an 8oz
container of their Garlic flavored hummus or the Jalapeño Cilantro to all new
members. Join today or tell a friend!