BranchOut Food Inc. (NASDAQ: BOF), a food technology company known for its GentleDry™ dehydration process, has announced a strategic partnership with Zesty Snackz and its founders, digital creators Brenten Szekely and Paul Cuffaro, to launch a new line of single-ingredient Fruit Chips under the Zest Snackz label. The collaboration aims to combine BranchOut's advanced drying technology with the expansive digital reach of two of YouTube's most recognizable lifestyle creators, who collectively command millions of followers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
The new Zesty Snacks Fruit Chips line, powered by BranchOut's GentleDry™ technology, will feature products made from 100% real fruit. These single-ingredient chips offer vibrant flavor, texture, and nutrients while providing shelf-stable convenience, free from added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. Initial offerings include mango, pineapple, strawberry, and banana, with plans for expansion. BranchOut expects to ship the first container to Zesty Snacks in April, with subsequent orders anticipated.
Eric Healy, CEO of BranchOut Food Inc., highlighted the significance of the partnership: "Our partnership with Zesty Snackz and creators like Brenten and Paul represents a powerful intersection of food innovation and modern consumer engagement. These creators have built trusted brands with highly engaged audiences. By combining that reach with our advanced drying technology and supply chain scale, we are uniquely positioned to deliver premium, single-ingredient snacks to a rapidly expanding market."
Brenten Szekely and Paul Cuffaro have built multi-million-subscriber platforms through high-engagement video content and strong community relationships. Their ability to drive purchasing behavior through authentic storytelling extends their brands into successful merchandise and consumer product lines. This direct-to-consumer channel is a new opportunity for BranchOut, distinct from its existing retail and industrial channels. Szekely stated, "This partnership allows us to bring something to our audience that we genuinely believe in. After visiting the BranchOut facility in Peru and seeing the GentleDry™ process firsthand, we were incredibly impressed with the technology and the scale. We’re excited to share that experience with our audience."
The partnership underscores a trend where food companies collaborate with digital creators to bypass traditional retail channels and directly engage consumers. For BranchOut, this move diversifies its market reach and taps into the influencer-driven economy. The company's GentleDry™ technology, protected by over 17 patents, preserves up to 95% of the original nutrition of fresh produce, offering a competitive edge in the health-conscious snack market.
Founded in Bend, Oregon, BranchOut Food specializes in high-quality dehydrated fruit and vegetable products. The company serves as a trusted brand, ingredient supplier, and private-label partner. More information is available at branchoutfood.com. Zesty Snackz, focused on bold, high-quality products, integrates strong brand identity with influencer-driven engagement. For more on Zesty Snackz, visit zestysnackz.com.
This announcement follows BranchOut's recent newsroom updates, accessible at tinyurl.com/bofnewsroom. The partnership marks a significant step in leveraging digital influence to drive innovation in the single-ingredient snack category.
