305 - How one AZ Lemonade company uses packaging to drive sales and deliver an incredible product

People of Packaging · 25 Feb 2025 · 30m

What this episode covers

Kyle Hollenbeck, co-founder of AZ Lemonade Stand, explains how the brand evolved from a food truck side-hustle into a shelf-stable beverage company by leveraging its distinctive mason jar packaging for premium appeal. He details the technical challenges of transitioning from cold-fill to hot-fill processes to achieve shelf stability, the strategic pivot to plastic bottles for smaller formats, and the ongoing debate between glass, plastic, and cans for national expansion. Hollenbeck also discusses flavor development, retail distribution strategies, and the importance of maintaining product quality over cost-cutting.

Mentioned

Companies
AZ Lemonade Stand, Aioli Burger, BLT Kitchens, Kroger, Ball, Iconic Cocktails, Minute Maid, Coca-Cola, Maverick, Circle K, AJ's Food City, Fry's, Hershey's, Liquid Death
Products
Diet Coke

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