MALK Organics: “Our Mission is to Offer the Cleanest, Healthiest Plant-Based Milk Options Available” – vegconomist

Challenger brand MALK Organics was founded in 2015 in vibrant Austin, Texas, and since then has carved a niche for itself in the area of clean-label plant milks, earning a strong reputation, loyal following, and not least, the accolade of the fastest-growing plant-based milk in the USA.*

In the past twelve months, MALK reports that it has “remained the #1 fastest-growing plant-based milk across all markets and has more than doubled distribution” of its ultra-clean nut milks and creamers, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and carrageenan.

We were excited to catch up with CEO Jason Bronstad to understand the secret to MALK’s success and find out how the company will invest the $7M raised in its recent Series B2 round.

Tell us about MALK Organics’ mission and vision.
Founded in 2015, MALK Organics prides itself on leading the charge for cleaner products in the plant-based milk category and beyond. Our mission is to offer the cleanest, healthiest plant-based milk options available, emphasizing transparency and simple ingredients.

Unlike many competitors, our products are certified organic, contain minimal ingredients, and are always free of additives, gums, fillers, and oils. Through initiatives like our #turnitaround campaign, we aim to set new standards for purity and transparency, which will in turn encourage consumers to be more conscious of the ingredients they are consuming.

MALK emphasizes clean ingredients and transparency. Can you explain the sourcing and selection process for your ingredients?
At MALK, we believe in complete transparency from recipe to package design. We source certified organic whole foods with great care for both the consumer and the environment. Each of our products contains only 3-6 simple, familiar ingredients. We avoid using dairy, gums, fillers, oils, gluten, and GMOs. This selection process ensures that our products meet the highest standards of quality and health benefits, providing clean and nutritious options for our consumers.

We have always believed that the highest ingredient products are the most important, and ensured that the partners we choose (Almonds, Oats, Salt, etc) maintain the highest integrity in the growing and limited processing of the raw materials, so we (and our consumers) can feel great about what they are consuming.

As the #1 fastest-growing plant-based milk brand, what do you believe sets MALK apart from other competitors in the plant-based beverage market?
MALK stands out in the plant-based beverage market because of our commitment to transparency and simplicity. While many competitors use additives like gums, fillers, and oils, we steer clear of all of that. Our dedication to quality and transparency has resonated with health-conscious consumers, driving MALK’s rapid growth.

What are the company’s key milestones and achievements?
Since our founding in 2015, MALK has achieved several key milestones, including expanding our product line to include Unsweetened Almond, Vanilla Almond, Chocolate Almond, Original Oat, Vanilla Oat, and Cashew. We also recently entered an entirely new category – creamers – launching with Vanilla Almond, Caramel Almond, and Lightly Sweetened Oat.

We’ve also cracked the code in creating a shelf-stable offering that doesn’t sacrifice our commitment to clean, simple ingredients. Additionally, we’ve significantly grown our retail presence, partnering with major retailers like Publix, Albertsons, and Target.

Our #turnitaround campaign has successfully raised awareness about the importance of clean ingredients, and we continue to lead the plant-based milk category with our commitment to organic, simple, and transparent products.

We also recently announced a Series B2 funding round of $7M, which we will utilize to expand our retail presence, increase marketing efforts, and support new product innovation. Since the start of 2023, we have doubled our retail presence and continued to hold our place as the fastest-growing plant-based milk brand and the #1 brand across all markets in sales growth. We rank among the top 8 best-selling brands in the plant-based milk category, with the #5 spot in the Natural Channel.

MALK has significantly expanded its retail presence recently. Can you discuss the strategic considerations behind choosing new retail partners like Publix, Albertson’s, and Target?
Our mission is to ensure that consumers across America have access to the highest quality and cleanest ingredient products, and partnering with incredible retailer partners like Publix, Albertsons and now Target aligns with our mission to bring MALK to the masses!

With the recent completion of an internal Series B extension, how does MALK plan to allocate these funds to support its strategic initiatives?
We plan to utilize the funding to expand our retail presence, increase marketing efforts, and support new product innovation.  We have been focused on our mission to help support and ignite people’s personal wellness and lifestyle journey.  We know that we can play a pivotal role for consumers who are looking for a brand they can trust to add to their health journey, and we are working to ensure that wherever you shop in America, you can buy MALK and know that there is a clean, organic brand you can trust.

MALK has launched multiple new products over the last few months. What can you tell us about the company’s strategy for product development?
Our product development focuses on being innovative, healthy, and sustainable. We use clean ingredients and are transparent about what’s in our products, making sure they meet our high standards. We listen to what our consumers want and need and keep up with market trends to continue improving and innovating with the highest quality plant-based milk options.

Are there any plans for international distribution beyond Canada?
It is important for a brand to always have an eye to the future, and most importantly to ensure that the core geography is properly distributed as well. International expansion is exciting (and costly) so when we do choose to expand beyond the United States, we will be very intentional and focused on our efforts.

What trends do you see shaping the future of the plant-based dairy industry?
The plant-based dairy industry is set to grow a lot, thanks to more people caring about health and sustainability. Consumers want products with clean labels, simple ingredients, and organic options. Gen Z and Millennials are driving the demand for dairy alternatives because of health and environmental concerns. New product ideas and a focus on being transparent will be important for the industry’s future.

What are MALK Organic’s long-term goals? What is next for the company?
One of our long-term goals is to become the leading brand in the plant-based milk category by continuing to innovate and expand our product line.

Another goal is to continue to grow our retail presence both domestically and internationally, of course maintaining our commitment to transparency and clean ingredients while doing so.

Another focus will be on enhancing our sustainability practices and increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of our products. The next phase for MALK involves scaling operations, expanding into new markets, and continuously improving our offerings to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers.

*(SPINS data 12wks to 3/26/23 demonstrating 263.6% growth)