In 2021, according to SPINS data, KOS was the fastest growing plant-protein brand by total distribution points in the natural channel. KOS also partnered with Walmart, CVS, and Vitamin Shoppe, bringing total distribution up to 38,500 stores by year end, a 470% increase over 2020.
Tony Stahl, KOS Co-founder and Co-CEO, attributes brand growth to its direct-to-consumer digital business and resulting relationship with consumers. "The direct line of communication with hundreds of thousands of consumers both inform us in real-time of changing customer needs but also gives us a platform to launch and test new products before taking them to the broader retail market,” Stahl said in the press release.
"We are beyond excited to continue our journey with Clayton Christopher and Brian Goldberg's involvement," said Allan Stevens, KOS Co-Founder and Co-CEO, in the press release. "They are incredibly skilled brand operators who have built multiple iconic brands throughout their careers. They have been incredibly helpful from the start, and they bring invaluable experience that will aid us in navigating the coming years."
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Clayton Christopher has founded Sweet Tea Leaf, Deep Eddy Vodka, Waterloo Sparkling Water, and better-for-you CPG investment firm CAVU Ventures. Brian Goldberg is Founder and Managing Director of Redbud Brands, and was formerly a founding executive of Amplify Snack Brands. Springdale Ventures is investing in KOS for the second time, after leading a $2.1m early-stage investment for the brand in 2020."We've been fans of the KOS brand since it first launched and have watched it develop into something quite special in a very short period. I have been a heavy user of plant-based proteins, tried them all and KOS wins on both taste and nutritional profile," said Clayton Christopher. "Over time as an investor, you see certain patterns repeat that are clues to a brand's long-term success and KOS has exhibited many of them. We're excited to be involved and to support the KOS team in their next chapter of growth."
