FDBusiness.com

Swedish start-up business Caliente and its chili infused juice drink snatched the gold medal at the world’s most prestigious drink award – The World Beverage Innovation Awards – in the category ‘Best Premium Adult Drink’. The award comes shortly after the brand was recognised as the ‘Best New Organic Drink’ at the Nordic Organic Food Fair.

The organic drink was launched in March 2015 and is already available in over 250 cafés, restaurants and well-assorted food stores throughout Sweden. The company is currently experiencing great interest from distributors around the world and it is only a matter of time before the brand enters new markets.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the positive response from the market as well as from the industry. It’s especially great to get recognition for a drink that differs radically from everything else out there. To actually win over giants with huge innovation and marketing budgets is truly amazing,” says founder Thomas Adner.

Despite the fact that there is a growing global demand for non-alcoholic premium drinks, most alternatives until now have been either boring or unhealthy. Thomas Adner and his team spotted this gap in the market and wanted to offer something that didn’t compromise on health or flavour. “Chili is also known for its strong release of endorphins that in turn creates a slow-building, yet powerful rush. Caliente gives a natural kick and is the perfect alcohol alternative or for an afternoon pick-me-up,” he says.