Gearing up for a summer of celebrations with friends, family, and loved ones? Look no further, Ohza has you covered for your go-to drink for the summer (and year-round of course!).
Founder and CEO, Ryan Ayotte holding the Classic Mimosa in Cape Cod where the idea for Ohza first originated.
Founded in 2019 by Ryan Ayotte, Ohza currently sells Mimosas and Bellini canned cocktails made from quality sparkling wine and real juice. The products have no added sugar or preservatives and have a similar calorie count to a hard seltzer but with the bold flavor of a traditional cocktail. Ohza is one of few brands in the space that meets growing consumer demand for transparent labeling, a clear value proposition, and full flavor. The product has an elevated, premium look and feel but at an affordable price point. Ultimately, Ohza’s goal is to be the RTD cocktail category leader in all aspects of taste, price, and brand loyalty. Their mission “everyday calls for a celebration” has broad mass appeal and can resonate with all consumers 21+.
With $4MM in funding from lead investor CircleUp and participation from Ruttenberg Gordon Investments, Riverside Ventures, and individuals such as Elliot Grainge (founder of 10K Projects and Forbes 30 Under 30), Ohza plans to use the capital to support new partnerships with large distributors including Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Breakthru Beverage, as well as invest in its DTC capabilities.
Among a multitude of additional reasons, Ohza stood out as a not-to-be-missed investment opportunity for the following key reasons.
Ohza comes in four flavors - Classic Mimosa, Mango Mimosa, Cranberry Mimosa, and Classic Bellini.
Reason 1: Huge Market Opportunity in the Better-for-You, RTD Alcohol Space with Little Competition in Mimosas & Bellinis
RTD cocktails have experienced significant growth in recent years; sales volume increased 57% in 2020 up from 43% percent in 2019 and tripling 2018’s 17% percent growth. Canned cocktails offer convenience, controlled ABV, and require no prep or cleanup. Covid-19 has also had an increase on the growth of RTD cocktails as consumers perceive the products as safer alternatives. Ohza has been an early mover with limited direct competitors in Mimosa and Bellini RTD and competitive pricing at $9.99 per 4-pack. Ultimately, with no signs of the growth in RTD slowing and industry research that shows mimosas are the #1 mixed drink of 21-45 year old women, Ohza is incredibly well positioned in the market for continued success.
Reason 2: Rapid Growth both in Retail and Online with Planned Expansion Through Key Distributors
After almost exactly 2 years since launch, Ohza has gained considerable market traction and strong repeat orders at this stage. The company ships directly to consumers in 42 states and is available in over 2,500 retailers, primarily in the Northeast. Recently, Ohza was ranked a top 4 canned cocktail company nationally by USA Today. Global alcohol e-commerce reached $5.6 billion in 2020 up from $3 billion in 2019, and International Wine & Spirit Research expects total alcohol e-commerce to exceed $40 billion by 2024. However, due to rules and regulations, only wine-based alcohol products with the proper permitting are allowed to be sold D2C with spirit and malt-based products reaching consumers via retail or alcohol e-commerce platforms such as Drizly which can ship legally in 15 states. As a wine based beverage, Ohza’s ability to ship DTC provides a unique advantage over its competitors. Ohza’s DTC capabilities and recent partnerships with Southern Glazer’s and Breakthru Beverage propel growth efforts and expand reach to additional consumers.
Reason 3: Exceptional Team with Existing Investor Base of Brand Advocates
The Mimosa taste we all know and love but with 80% less sugar.
Ryan, a Boston-native, graduated magna cumme laude from Northeastern University and previously worked as a private equity associate at Bain Capital before founding Ohza. Described by investors and advisors as resourceful, disciplined, reactive and by one as the “best entrepreneur” they’ve worked with, Ryan’s character quickly stood out. Through his leadership, Ryan has attracted well-known investors including the Co-Founder of Tinder, and professional athletes Chandler Parsons and Kelley O’Hara. Additionally, he recently recruited two all-star sales team members, Matt Giese and Jeff Janisse with a combined nearly 45 years of industry experience.
Want to Learn More about Ohza?
We couldn’t be more excited to support Ohza’s future growth. If you’re interested in learning more about Ohza please check out their website and follow their Instagram page. For those 21+ make sure to give Ohza a try next time you shop at Whole Foods, Hannaford, Wegmans, Total Wine & More, Market Basket and many more independent retailers. Or place an online order at ohzamimosas.com (available to ship to 42 states). Cheers to Ryan and the team, and cheers to a sunny, happy, and healthy summer!