BranchOut Food Inc. (NASDAQ: BOF), a food technology company specializing in natural fruit and vegetable snacks, announced a partnership with Zesty Snackz and its founders, digital creators Brenten Szekely and Paul Cuffaro, to launch a new line of single-ingredient Fruit Chips under the Zest Snackz label. The collaboration aims to combine BranchOut's proprietary GentleDry™ dehydration technology with the expansive digital reach of two of YouTube's most recognizable lifestyle creators, who collectively reach millions of viewers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms.
The new Zesty Snacks Fruit Chips line, powered by BranchOut's GentleDry™ technology, will feature products made from 100% real fruit. These single-ingredient chips offer vibrant flavor, texture, and nutrients while providing shelf-stable convenience, free from added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. The initial release will include popular fruits such as mango, pineapple, strawberry, and banana, with plans for additional varieties in the future. BranchOut plans to ship the first full container to Zesty Snacks in April, with follow-on container-sized orders expected thereafter.
Eric Healy, CEO of BranchOut Food Inc., stated, "Our partnership with Zesty Snackz and creators like Brenten and Paul represents a powerful intersection of food innovation and modern consumer engagement. These creators have built trusted brands with highly engaged audiences. By combining that reach with our advanced drying technology and supply chain scale, we are uniquely positioned to deliver premium, single-ingredient snacks to a rapidly expanding market."
Brenten Szekely and Paul Cuffaro have built multi-million-subscriber platforms through high-engagement video content and strong community relationships. Their ability to drive purchasing behavior through authentic storytelling extends their brands into successful merchandise and consumer product lines. This direct-to-consumer channel represents a significant opportunity for BranchOut, distinct from its existing retail and industrial channels. Szekely commented, "This partnership allows us to bring something to our audience that we genuinely believe in. After visiting the BranchOut facility in Peru and seeing the GentleDry™ process firsthand, we were incredibly impressed with the technology and the team. We’re excited to share that experience with our audience."
The partnership capitalizes on the growing demand for clean-label, minimally processed snacks. By leveraging the creators' engaged followings, BranchOut can bypass traditional retail channels and tap into a loyal consumer base. This move aligns with broader trends in food marketing, where influencer partnerships drive brand awareness and sales. For more information about Zesty Snackz, visit https://www.zestysnackz.com/. For updates on BranchOut Food, visit https://tinyurl.com/bofnewsroom.
