PODCAST: Circle Bev Focuses on Healthier Beverages
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Matt Whiteside is not a food scientist or certified nutritionist, but he has a passion for health and wellness. Factor in his manufacturing and supply chain background, and you get the impetus for Circle Bev, an Indianapolis manufacturer of healthy, functional beverages. Whiteside joins AgriNovus Indiana Chief Executive Officer Mitch Frazier on this week’s episode of the Ag+Bio+Science podcast.
“Every time we see a shelf, there are other high sugar products on it. It’s a calling for us to continue to show up every day and work hard to get great products out on the market,” said Whiteside.
The company produces functional foods, or in this case beverages. Whiteside explains functional foods have a positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.
“That’s really [the role] we’re playing as a company. How CircleBev can we create beverage products that also have a healthy and functional component to them. That’s the gold standard if you can get that health and function all in a single product,” said Whiteside.
The company manufactures two different beverages that offer different health benefits: kombucha and sparkling collagen water. Whiteside says kombucha is a sparkling probiotic tea that helps with gut health. The other product is sparkling collagen water.
“Collagen peptides are the most abundant form of protein in your body found in your hair, skin, nails, ligaments, it’s a central building block of your body,” said Whiteside.
During the podcast, Whiteside talks about the perks of growing a business in downtown Indy, and the support from the business ecosystem.
“Indiana’s got a really unique open-door policy that I haven’t experienced in any of the other many places that I’ve lived in. There’s a sheer number of high caliber people in this community that are willing to take a meeting with someone who’s got an idea or is an up-and-coming business or just looking for some assistance on any plethora of topics.”
Whiteside’s career took him from supply chain management for Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis to food innovator. What was that path like? Check out the new Ag+Bio+Science podcast when it is released Monday morning.
Also, click here to access a full lineup of Inside INdiana Business podcasts with Gerry Dick.