Welcome back to Inside the W.E.L.L. Summit, where we take you behind the scenes of our wellness weekend, giving you a peak into the minds of prominent members of our Tribe. Today, Linda Barron, CEO of Fair-Trade beverage company Steaz, is sharing a little with us about the company’s latest innovation: Cactus Water. Yep, that prickly pear seed oil everyone has been telling you to look for in your skincare this year has now shown up in your drink. Here’s why.
It seems like organic cactus water is the new wave in hydration. What are the top health benefits of cactus water taken internally vs. putting on our skin (like we’ve seen lots of in the last year)?
Steaz Cactus Water is the new wave in hydration because it is a ready-to-drink product loaded with all-natural health benefits and great taste. The prickly pear cactus was a relatively unknown ingredient in the U.S. until recently but contains a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It reduces inflammation, and is ultra-hydrating. It’s an ingredient that fights free radicals and improves cell function.
What does it taste like?
Steaz Cactus Water, made from the prickly pear cactus fruit, has a berry-like flavor that is combined with organic green tea and natural flavors to create a refreshing beverage that’s delicious, but not too sweet. It comes in three great flavors: Steaz Cactus Water with Green Tea; Steaz Cactus Water with Cucumber & Green Tea; and Steaz Cactus Water with Starfruit & Green Tea.
How do you choose what to pair cactus water with in your infusions?
The prickly pear cactus has a unique, berry-like taste that, when blended with green tea, bursts with flavor on its own. That said, when we were coming up with the final recipe for Steaz Cactus Water, we tested many different fruit combinations and love the benefits and complimentary flavors of both cucumber and starfruit. It can be paired with anything and enjoyed at any time. It’s great for maintaining hydration both inside and out and can be enjoyed pre-workout or post-workout or anytime throughout the day instead of reaching for a soda or sugary beverage.
Why did cactus water feel like a natural progression to add to your line of fair trade, organic green tea infusions?
Steaz has always been a forward-thinking, innovative brand, and our new Cactus Water line is a great example of that. Cactus Water has many nutritional properties, giving you a product that not only tastes great but has great benefits as well. It furthers our mission of creating healthy and delicious drinks that are good for the mind, body and soul.
Furthermore, the foundation of creating products with organic and fair trade ingredients sourced globally and sustainably, is at the core of our company. Our loyal fan base knows that we are both a leader and an innovator in the industry, constantly coming out with new products to invigorate the market place.
Thank you, Linda! Linda will be joining the W.E.L.L. Summit on our Fair Trade panel. With more than 15 years of executive level experience in Fortune 1000 companies, Linda Barron joined Steaz® as CFO in 2008. She demonstrated a strong understanding of the organic beverage market and a passion for further developing the company’s triple bottom line business philosophy of people, planet and ethical profitability. After establishing a track record of success in just over five years of leadership, Linda was appointed CEO in October 2013.
In her time as CEO, Linda has led the company through its most successful and profitable years yet, an increase in net sales, new distribution and double-digit organic growth. With Linda’s guidance, the company has successfully launched new innovation and has met or exceeded every key performance metric.
