Plymouth Entrepreneur Launches Plant Sterol Water
The beverage aisle continues to grow with new products that promote different benefits. Now there’s a Plymouth company that is out with something different that took years of science and research.
“I really mean it when I say I’m passionate about health and wellness,” said Simona Huskova, founder of Way2B.
Huskova spent years in the beverage and packaged foods industry working for companies like Coca-Cola, Del Monte Foods and Hershey. But the Plymouth mother of two wanted to create something fun, but without any bad calories.
The First Water-Soluble Plant Sterol Beverage
Four years ago, Huskova’s connections allowed her to work with a team of scientists to create a first in the field of beverage science. It also led to the creation of the Way2B company.
“We were the first in the world to launch launch first-ever water-soluble plant sterol,” said Huskova.
Plant sterols are a natural substance found in foods like vegetables, nuts and seeds. According to sites like WebMD, they are known for their health benefits. There is evidence they lower bad cholesterol. The FDA also allows the claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
“They have been commonly described and are known as one of the top discoveries in nutrition in the last 30 years,” Huskova said.
Launched in October and billed as the “world’s first functional drink,” Huskova says Way2B beverages are a response to a demand in the marketplace for better nutrition.
“Right now there is a huge movement, that is health and wellness movement, plant-based movement. And that was my movement always,” she said.
Huskova says her plant-based beverages come with several flavors: orange, lemon, berry and plain. More flavors are to come.
“Tastewise, it’s just refreshing. We worked very, very hard on developing the product,” she said.
Huskova says her startup company relied on angel investors to help fund the research and development. Way2B now aspires to have its products in more stores across the country this year. Currently, you’ll find Way2B beverages on sale at Lunds & Byerlys, Cub Foods and online with Amazon. Huskova says the successful launch of the new brand will require more than long days.
“What it requires is relentless pursuit of success,” she said. “You have to be ready for challenges, for obstacles.”
For more Business Matters stories, click here.
