FedUp Foods Launches New Beverage Line

Photo Courtesy of FedUp Foods

FedUp Foods Launches New Beverage Line

By: Jessica Maurer

FedUp Foods, a national leader in purpose-driven beverage manufacturing with a local presence, has launched a new private-label cold brew coffee line, which the company says is the first of its kind to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) status.

Founded in 2008, FedUp Foods is the largest private-label fermented beverage manufacturer in North America and opened a third production facility on Greenfield Street in Wilmington earlier this year at the former TRU Colors brewery and taproom.

According to FedUp Foods, the coffee industry has long been plagued by issues such as deforestation, pesticide use and unfair labor practices, which the company aims to change. ROC status is recognized as the gold standard in sustainability, ensuring the highest quality in soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness.

“The coffee industry has historically been challenged by unsustainable farming practices that deplete soil health and strain the communities that rely on it,” said Julie McGuire, FedUp Foods’ sourcing specialist. “By prioritizing ROC beans, we’re not just producing better coffee, we’re actively supporting farming practices that restore ecosystems, improve soil health and ensure fair treatment for farmers. This approach is vital to creating a more sustainable future for coffee production.”

FedUp Foods’ cold brew is made at the Wilmington facility with ROC Arabica beans, sourced through fair and direct trade partnerships. All brews are available in 48-ounce, multi-serve bottles made of 100% post-consumer recycled material in accordance with the company’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.

“We’ve always believed that innovation can go hand-in-hand with sustainability,” said Jeannine Buscher, the company’s cofounder and executive vice president of innovation. “This cold brew is a perfect example of that ethos; it’s crafted with care using regenerative ingredients while delivering a superior taste that we know our customers will love. It’s coffee done the right way, with attention to the health of the soil, the well-being of the farmers harvesting the beans and every step of the process in between.”

FedUp Foods has designed this cold brew to be a crowd-pleaser – smooth and full-bodied.

“Our proprietary brewing approach is crafted with rigorous quality standards to create a cold brew that is rich in flavor, smooth on the palate and accessible to a broad range of coffee drinkers,” said Rupert Brink, a FedUp Foods research and development food scientist. “This process has allowed us to deliver a complex, balanced and enjoyable experience, offering bold taste without bitterness.”

The new cold brew line is available in two varieties – a medium roast that is well-balanced and full-bodied with subtle complexity and a dark roast, a robust brew with deep flavors.

“The cold brew is also available with optional adaptogens, such as Lion’s Mane and L-theanine, offering functional benefits to elevate the coffee experience,” said Brink.

Because FedUp Foods operates as a private-label manufacturer, they are unable to specify what brands they have partnered with for the distribution of the coffee. They will, however, be launching a cold brew line under their control brand, Buchi, in select markets next year.

“Private Label manufacturing allows us to move beyond a single brand’s reach and collaborate with store brands nationwide,” said a FedUp Foods leadership team member. “This approach gives us the scale and influence to source the highest-quality ingredients from organic and regenerative suppliers who meet rigorous third-party social and environmental standards.”

With a commitment to innovation, sustainability and purpose-driven manufacturing, FedUp Foods is committed to transforming the beverage industry and redefining what it means to craft drinks that are good for both people and the environment.