As an entrepreneur, it's important to be aware of emerging trends in your industry, and food is no exception. If you're looking for a product that could be the next big thing, you might want to check out Cardinal Bites. Cardinal Bites is a Bulgarian-based company that produces protein bites with no added sugar, artificial flavors or trans fats. The bites are also gluten and lactose-free. In this blog post, we'll explore the story behind Cardinal Bites, its products, and its vision for the future.
Cardinal Bites was founded by two co-founders, Milena and Zhasmina Gevezieva, who is also the CEO, is in the fitness industry and knows the importance of high-quality protein without added sugar or artificial flavors. Milena, a pastry chef, developed the company's first flavor which features Bulgaria's protected berries. Zhasmina, who has a strategic partner in the ex-general manager of Mons Bulgaria, a subsidiary of Kraft Foods, raised €500,000 in March 2023 and has used that money to help produce new flavors.
What makes Cardinal Bites unique is that the protein bites are tasty, healthy, and eco-friendly. The company's first product is protein bowls, which are made with signature tastes and no added sugar. The company prides itself on transforming plantations into innovative products that are both healthy and delicious. Their goal is to create guilt-free products for people who crave sweets and want to stay in shape.
When asked about the company's vision for the future, Zhasmina mentioned that they're currently working on a guilt-free protein chocolate with no sugar. He said that he and his wife eat chocolate every night, and they feel guilty about it. With Cardinal Bites' chocolate, they can indulge without the guilt. The company's aim is to produce functional chocolate that is totally guilt-free.
If you're an entrepreneur who's interested in launching a food product, there are a few takeaways from Cardinal Bites' story. First, it's essential to create a product that solves a problem. In Zhasmina's case, she saw a gap in the market for high-quality protein bites that don't have added sugar or artificial flavors. Second, having a partner who brings expertise and connections to the table can be extremely valuable. Milena's background in pastry and Zhasmina's partner's experience with a global food company were both instrumental in Cardinal Bites' success.
Third, it's important to be patient and not rush the product to market. Zhasmina and her team spent time perfecting the flavors and ensuring that the product was eco-friendly before launching. Fourth, it's crucial to find a distributor who recognizes innovative products and can help you get your product in stores. Cardinal Bites' distributor was instrumental in helping them get their product in over 200 locations in Sofia.
In conclusion, Cardinal Bites is an inspiring story of two entrepreneurs who saw a gap in the market and created a product that is both healthy and delicious. The company's commitment to using eco-friendly packaging and ingredients is a refreshing change in the food industry. As an entrepreneur, there are many lessons to be learned from their story, such as the importance of solving a problem, finding a partner, being patient, and finding the right distributor. Keep an eye out for Cardinal Bites' protein chocolate, which could be the next big thing in guilt-free indulgence.
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