Press release
September 3, 2020
Califia Farms, a leading plant-based food and beverage company, announced that Dave Ritterbush has been named chief executive officer. Greg Steltenpohl, plant-based pioneer and company founder, will retire as CEO and remain on the board as Executive Director.
A veteran of the CPG industry, Ritterbush has a proven track record of leading and leading food and beverage brands to new heights, most recently as President and CEO of Quest Nutrition. He led the company in a $ 1 billion acquisition by The Simply Good Foods Co. last year. He also served as CEO of the better-for-you snack company Popchips and ran Premier Nutrition Corp., maker of Premier Protein and Power Bar Ritterbush was Vice President and General Manager of Red Bull North America and had a long tenure with Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream.
"With Califia's innovation and commitment to helping people and the planet, there is endless potential for further growth, especially as more consumers seek out herbal options," said Ritterbush. “I look forward to building on Greg's vision and continuing the company's commitment to innovation. Having Greg on the board allows us to use his deep knowledge and passion, which will be invaluable. "
Steltenpohl founded the Odwalla Juice Company before founding Califia Farms in 2010. Under his leadership, the company grew rapidly and became a leader in premium plant-based beverages.
“I'm very proud of what we have achieved at Califia since we launched the brand 10 years ago. Now is the perfect time in the company's development to take this next step, ”said Steltenpohl. "We were determined to find the right person for our next CEO and I couldn't be more excited to hand over the reins to such a talented and respected leader." With extensive experience in CPG and nutrition, Dave is the ideal person to help grow the company as a leader in plant-based foods and beverages. "
The burgeoning plant-based foods and beverages category is currently valued at $ 5 billion and growing at five times total food sales (i). In January 2020, Califia announced $ 225 million in Series D funding to fuel its innovation and growth. Califia expanded its successful plant-based milk portfolio with the launch of a new oat platform in 2019. The company recently added Plant Butters to its leading portfolio of plant-based milks, creams, yogurt and cold brew coffee. In Australia, Califia Farms products include a range of almond milks, cold brew coffees and their oat barista blend.
Source: Copypop.
