ODYSSEY CONTINUES OMNICHANNEL DISTRIBUTION STRATEGY IN GNC STORES, THRIVE MARKET AND FANTASTIC FUNGI FORAGER BOX
AUTHOR: MARC SHUSTER • June 28, 2023
Odyssey Elixir (Fort Lauderdale, FL) has announced its launch into select GNC stores across the nation. The mushroom energy drinks also went live on Thrive Market and will be part of the Fantastic Fungi Forager Box that drops on Sept. 21.
"We are thrilled to continue executing our omnichannel strategy by adding these very significant points of sale to our distribution channels. Each has their own loyal customer base, and we look forward to supporting them in their launch and beyond," said Scott Frohman, founder and CEO of Odyssey Wellness.
"Odyssey integrates the power of adaptogenic mushrooms into their line of next generation sparkling energy elixirs to promote energy, focus, clarity and mood. Odyssey's meteoric rise in popularity among Gen Z and Millennials is credited to their innovative extraction method capturing all the various health benefits these superfoods with an undetectable mushroom taste.
Odyssey said it is uniquely positioned to benefit from a triple play at the intersection of three burgeoning market sectors: the global energy drinks market is expected to reach USD $177.59 billion by 2030, the global functional beverages market projected to be worth USD $279.4 billion by 2030 and the global functional mushroom market expected to be worth more USD $22.3 billion by 2032.
Read more here: https://vitaminretailer.com/odyssey-continues-omnichannel-distribution-strategy-in-gnc-stores-thrive-market-and-fantastic-fungi-forager-box/
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Mushrooms are seriously funky organisms. Maybe you recently watched Fantastic Fungi and now you’re as obsessed with mushrooms as we are. They may be squishy and slimy, but they are truly superb - in so many ways of the word. Mushrooms are made up of many parts such as the cap, gills, ring, stem/stalk, and mycelium. The cap is what gives many mushrooms their umbrella-like shape and provides protection for the rest of the mushroom body. The gills appear right under the cap and are used to produce spores (otherwise known as little mushroom babies). The stalk is the vertical part of the mushroom that holds the cap and gills above ground, allowing the spores to be carried away and spread by the wind - creating fungi families across the forest floor. All of these parts combined are what make up the “fruiting body” of a mushroom. The fruiting body is the fleshy part of the mushroom that you would find above ground in a forest or on your dinner plate. Mycelium, on the other hand, is a web of sprawling, interconnected fibers that exist below ground, supporting the mushroom “fruiting body” that is found above soil. Together, these components create the structural makeup of a mushroom and house the potent nutritional properties recognized by consumers today. While there is some debate about which part of the mushroom contains the highest concentration of nutrients, both have unique properties and health benefits. Some species contain different bioactive compounds in their fruiting bodies and mycelium and so both are being utilized to create different functional mushroom products. However, at Odyssey, we decided to only utilize the fruiting body of different adaptogenic mushroom species during extraction for a number of reasons. The fruiting bodies of various mushroom species contain bioactive compounds (such as polysaccharides and carotenoids) as well as vital nutrients (i.e. protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) not found in mycelium. The fruiting body is home to various compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties . We looooove the beta-glucans - a form of fiber that lights up your immune system, making you feel your best. Many mycelium based products, on the other hand, tout similar health benefits but have lower potency levels. Take for example, myceliated grain products. Many mycelium based products utilize a grain growing process where mycelium grows out on a grain substrate, creating an inseparable white mass. Eventually, both the grain and mycelium are harvested together - meaning the grain dilutes the mycelium product making it less potent. Many products using this type of production method will tout their “mushroom-based” products despite the minimal mushroom content in them. In fact, mushroom pioneer and expert Paul Stamets estimated that myceliated grain contains 60-70% grain. When you drink Odyssey, you can find peace in knowing we are providing the best of the best. Potent, powerful and pretty darn good - we’ve got you covered.
Looking for a new way to spice up your holiday season? Look no further. This year, we’re getting into the holiday spirit, Odyssey style. We’re all about the festive fungi this season and we’re here to spread the love. Whip up this autumn cocktail and you’ll wow your friends and family with your mushroom mixology skills. This combination of fragrant ingredients like rosemary, rooibos, cognac, and citrus with ~2000mg of functional mushroom extracts will leave you and your whole holiday squad feeling more joyous than ever. Ingredients Rosemary Rooibos Simple Syrup 1.5 cans of Mood Boost 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary 1 cup sugar or 1/2 cup honey/maple syrup Sidecars 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup rosemary rooibos simple syrup 2 cups cognac Ice for serving Rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish Directions Rosemary Rooibos Simple Syrup Boil the water and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan for 1-3 minutes, remove from heat, add in the tea and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove (strain) tea and rosemary sprigs, return saucepan to stovetop and bring to a simmer. Add in the sugar/honey/maple syrup and stir constantly until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. This will keep well in the refrigerator in a sealable glass jar (mason jar) for up to 1 week! Sidecars Rim the glasses with sugar (by using honey) if you'd like and set aside for now. In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and cognac and stir well. Add more simple syrup or lemon juice to taste. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs! ***Recipe inspired by & adapted from: Sips By
Today, and everyday, we strive to impact the communities around us. So in honor of the giving season and in true Odyssey spirit - we decided to donate 10 pallets of our Energy Elixirs to our friends over at the Food Bank of the Rockies.⠀ Food Bank of the Rockies provides food and necessities to more than 800 Hunger Relief Partners across Colorado and Wyoming, who then provide their local communities with food, necessities, and support. Food Bank of the Rockies is the largest hunger relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region that distributes over 1 million meals per week. We donated 1920 cases (23,040 cans!!) so that we could help provide nourishment to those that need it most. We want to share the medicine of mushrooms with the world and this is one way to do just that. ⠀ As we step into the New Year, we’re filled with gratitude for all those who have supported us on our journey. Now it’s our turn to give back. As we continue to grow as a brand, we’re continuing to think about the ways in which we can also grow our impact.
Ever heard of the term brain food? It’s the kind of stuff that’s so damn good for your brain, you could maybe (just maybe) break the world record time for completing a rubik’s cube after consuming it. Okay, maybe not but there are indeed certain foods that are incredibly good for cognitive function, helping to enhance cognition, focus, memory, and even mood. We present to you….natural nootropics. By definition, natural nootropics are naturally occurring “ substances, or nutrients that affect mental performance .” In fact, the word nootropic comes from the Ancient Greek word nóos meaning ‘mind’ . There are certain natural substances that have brain-boosting properties, many of which have been used for thousands of years in both Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing. Some of the most recognized nootropics include ginseng, turmeric, L-theanine, and our personal favorites; Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms. Lion’s Mane was used by Buddhist monks in order to enhance brain power, and heighten their ability to focus during meditation . Lion’s mane has long been recognized for its potent effects on the brain, namely its ability to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) , a regenerative compound in the brain. Today, healers, medical practitioners, go getters, health nuts, and hustlers are all turning to these natural nootropics to support mental health and optimize cognitive performance. Anyone seeking ways to step into their best self should consider nootropics a powerful tool for their mental toolkit. Natural Product Insider said it best; “ Total cognitive wellness is at the center of the companies bringing nootropics to consumers who strive for a lifetime of higher cognitive function.” We each want to be and feel our best and thrive in all that we do. But let’s face it, modern life takes a toll on our brain each and every day. Between incessant screen time, sensory overload, unprecedented access to information, and the rise-and-grind culture we’ve all become accustomed to, “ many consumers today report feeling especially scattered, stressed, depressed, foggy-brained, and all around exhausted .” In a world that only continues to get more chaotic and fast-paced, consumers are looking for ways to ground themselves. People of all ages are showing a renewed commitment to holistic health; focusing on protecting the body, mind and spirit. That’s why we’ve taken everyday drinks and elevated them, using functional ingredients with nootropic effects to help our fungi family feel their best.
Odyssey Wellness LLC announced today they will be showcasing their premium functional mushroom elixirs at BevNET, a leading beverage industry conference, in Santa Monica on December 6th and 7th. Odyssey is meeting the increasing demand for beverages with functionality and health benefits for consumers, especially those seeking enhanced focus, clarity, energy and mood from the vast cognitive benefits of mushrooms. “The rapid acceptance we’re getting from major retailers and distributors so early in our launch confirms there’s an untapped market for our innovative premium elixirs with less sugar, exotic flavors and an intentional infusion of the most potent, bioavailable mushrooms available,” said Scott Frohman, CEO and Founder of Odyssey Wellness. During the conference, Odyssey will be hosting an afterparty where they plan to showcase the beverage line’s diversity by offering samples of their drinks as well the option for elixirs infused with premium spirits to provide flavorsome, functional cocktails. Odyssey looks forward to creating an elevated vibe and engaging experience for all in attendance. “We are excited to be participating at BevNET. Our goal is to introduce our brand to industry professionals, engage in substantive dialogue with potential strategic partners and support the beverage community,” added Frohman. “Odyssey is a bold, empowering, and cutting edge brand that is uniquely positioned to be disruptive in the natural beverage category.” The company will be unveiling their portfolio of premium elixirs to industry professionals and decision makers at BevNET, highlighting the potent mushroom extracts they’ve infused into each one of their beverages. Odyssey’s beverages are differentiated by these highly concentrated extracts that range from 8:1 – 10:1 in concentration - meaning the mushroom extracts used have 8-10x the active compounds as the original mushroom products in dried form. This level of potency is unmatched in the industry and brings credibility to the beverages’ health enhancing potential. Odyssey’s portfolio of potent elixirs include: Sparkling Elixirs each with 2500 mg of Lion's Mane and Cordyceps extracts esteemed for nootropic benefits, plus 85 mg of natural caffeine in three exotic fruit flavors: Energy + Focus - Passion Fruit Orange/Guava with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Energy + Focus - Mixed Berry with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Energy + Focus - Dragon Fruit Lemonade with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Coffee + Tea Brews each with 1000+ mg of varying functional mushroom extracts in four flavors: Energy - Cold Brew Oat Latte with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Focus - French Roast Oat Latte with Lions Mane & Cordyceps Mood Boost - Chai Rooibos Tea with Reishi, Turkey Tail & Ashwagandha Immunity - Berry White Tea with Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, Turkey Tail, Shitake & Elderberry All of the Odyssey Elixirs are made with organic ingredients, contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher.
Odyssey Wellness LLC announced today the launch of its ready-to-drink (RTD) line of organic functional mushroom elixirs poised to disrupt the $208B global functional beverage category and the functional mushroom market, projected to reach $16.83B by 2026 in the US. Odyssey is targeting consumers who are increasingly demanding healthier beverage options with functional benefits. “Odyssey’s Elixirs were created to deliver next generation functional beverage that harnesses the power of adaptogenic mushrooms providing support for Energy, Focus, Immunity, and Mood,” said Odyssey Wellness Founder Scott Frohman. The functional mushroom market is projected to reach $16.83B by 2026 and Odyssey is positioning itself to become a leading RTD brand in that space. The Odyssey Functional Mushroom Brew line includes four unique, delicious flavor combinations, featuring different types of functional mushrooms and adaptogens: Cold Brew Oat Latte: Lions Mane, Cordyceps, for Energy French Roast Oat Latte: Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Cocoa for Focus Chai Rooibos: Reishi, Turkey Tail, Ashwagandha for Mood Berry White Tea: Reishi, Chaga, Maitake, Turkey Tail, Shitake, Elderberry for Immunity The company also debuted three new sparkling beverages made with organic ingredients that support Energy + Focus each infused with 2500 mg of Lion's Mane and Cordyceps plus 85 mg of natural caffeine in exotic fruit flavors: Passion Fruit/Orange/Guava Mixed Berry Dragon Fruit Lemonade Odyssey is positioning itself to compete as a healthy alternative to the current high sugar/high caffeine energy options in the marketplace. Frohman added, “Our beverages contain highly bioavailable mushroom extracts, sourced from the nutritious fruiting body, which has a higher concentration of active compounds than the commonly used mycelium extract. This allows us to create premium mushroom elixirs.” The beverages are made with organic ingredients, contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. “Odyssey is now available in select retail locations and that footprint is growing rapidly,” said Frohman. “We’ve also built a robust e-commerce platform. Since the launch of our Amazon storefront, the Focus SKU shot to #1 position in the “New Releases in Bottled & Canned Coffee” category, and our Immunity beverage claimed the #1 position in “New Releases in Bottled Iced Tea” -- showing great promise for the future of our brand.”
Odyssey Elixir is transcending the nootropics space with their line of ready-to-drink (RTD) functional, mushroom elixirs. The brand is redefining the perception of mushrooms, making them a more accessible and enjoyable part of the everyday routine. Blending ancient remedies with fresh flavors, Odyssey Elixirs are the ultimate functional beverage for the modern creative, competitor, and high achiever. Odyssey Elixir is on mission to help consumers activate their highest potential through functional mushroom-based beverages that are potent, organic, sustainable, and most of all; delicious. “Odyssey’s Elixirs were created to deliver next generation functional beverage that harnesses the power of adaptogenic mushrooms providing support for Energy, Focus, Immunity, and Mood,” said Odyssey Wellness Founder, Scott Frohman. Ditch traditional coffee or tea and jumpstart your day with one of Odyssey’s functional mushroom oat milk lattes or herbal brews. Each distinct flavor from the Odyssey Brew line features a unique blend of mushrooms and adaptogens, regarded by the scientific community for their ability to boost cognitive function, alleviate anxiety and fatigue, and regenerate gut health. For optimized focus and mental clarity, try one of Odyssey’s Sparkling Elixirs that support Energy + Focus. Each beverage is infused with 2500 mg of Lion's Mane and Cordyceps plus 85 mg of natural caffeine in exotic fruit flavors. Odyssey Elixirs deliver all the benefits of mushrooms without the earthy taste. The extracts are sourced from the nutritious fruiting body of the mushroom instead of the more commonly used mycelium extract, meaning their level of potency is unmatched, adding to their credibility as healthy alternatives to artificial energy drinks. For the sober-curious, these elixirs also serve as a delicious replacement to alcoholic beverages. All Odyssey Elixirs are organic, contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher. In a chaotic and fast-paced world that is constantly demanding our time and attention, Odyssey Elixirs help keep you grounded and resilient.
Odyssey Elixir, a leading functional mushroom beverage brand, announced today they are now available on the Fantastic Fungi Marketplace, an online platform that connects fungi fanatics with various high-quality, mushroom-based products. The platform was created by Fantastic Fungi filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg with the goal of uplifting artisan products that harness the power of mushrooms. “Fantastic Fungi is proud of the thoughtfully curated assortment of mushroom brands featured within our marketplace, and excited to now feature Odyssey products as part of our exclusive collection. Fantastic Fungi has focused on finding small-scale brands which feature certified organic mushrooms, and the Odyssey line of ready to drink beverages is a perfect fit with our values-forward approach, allowing the mushroom curious to discover brands and products they can trust - like these function-forward adaptogenic brews and elixirs - all in one place,” said Elizabeth Zeigler, General Manager of Fantastic Fungi. The Fantastic Fungi Marketplace is an extension of the filmmakers’ devotion to mycology; the purpose of the platform is to further connect mycophiles and makers committed to helping the planet, not harming it, enabling shoppers to more easily make informed, values-driven choices. All products on the site are strictly vetted and must meet the following criteria: Non-GMO products & ingredients, mushroom fruiting bodies in all products, certified organic or responsibly wildcrafted, and no artificial flavors, fragrances or additives. “We’re thrilled to be included in this incredible marketplace that highlights the power of the fungi kingdom and exhibits products of the highest quality and standards. We are so grateful for Schwartzberg and the team at Fantastic Fungi Marketplace in expanding awareness around mushrooms as they have helped to create a platform for Odyssey to thrive,” says Scott Frohman, CEO & Founder of Odyssey Elixir. Fantastic Fungi, released in 2019, is a “descriptive time-lapse journey about the magical, mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth.” (IMDb) The film featured various experts in the field including Paul Stamets, a pioneer of the mycology movement. The film is a testament to both Schwartzberg’s and Stamets’ reverence for the natural world and exhibits their passion for telling stories that honor nature and uncover the mysteries of our planet. Odyssey Elixir is an emerging functional beverage brand that produces coffees, teas, and sparkling beverages loaded with a high concentration of adaptogenic mushrooms, Beta Glucans and Nootropics combined with other health enhancing ingredients. Odyssey’s beverages provide vast functionality and health benefits for consumers such as increased focus, clarity, energy and mood. All of the Odyssey Elixirs are made with organic ingredients, contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher.
Odyssey Wellness announced today their novel functional mushroom beverages are launching in national and regional retailers CVS, Central Market, Nuggets, FreshThyme, Lazy Acres and many other independent retailers across the country further amplifying the company’s nationwide presence and bolstering their omnichannel distribution strategy. The company is benefitting from the surge in consumer purchasing trends toward functional, healthier energy drinks. “We’re so excited to continue to grow at an uprecendented pace across the US with the launch into these notable retail locations,” says Scott Frohman, CEO & Founder of Odyssey Elixir. We are continuing to expand our consumer base across the US.” Our sparkling elixirs come in four absurdly delicious flavors: Passion Orange Guava, Dragonfruit Lemonade, Orange Ginger and Blackberry Lemon Twist; all made with 85 mg of green tea, natural fruit extracts, natural low carb sweeteners, and organic ingredients.” Key retailers that are now carrying the Odyssey brand include over 400 CVS stores, Nuggets 16 locations across the Sacramento Valley, Marin and Sonoma counties, Central Market in Texas, Fresh Thyme in the Midwest, Lazy Acres and Erehwhon in SoCal, among others. With the addition of these new retail outlets, Odyssey is now available in over 3000 stores enabling the company to reach the hands of more wellness-minded consumers growing their footprint as part of their commitment to offering a healthier energy and focus beverage brand fueled by functional mushrooms. To further support their retail growth, Odyssey recently signed on with UNFI and KeHE, two of the largest grocery distributors, which combined, deliver to over 60,000 retail locations. “We don’t look at Odyssey as just a play in the mushroom space, but moreso a functional beverage built for “new energy” using 85mg of green tea extract combined with nootropics for brain function, focus, clarity. We are delivering an alternative to the type energy drinks that contain artificial ingredients and 200-300mg of caffeine. The mushrooms are the star ingredients that power our drinks.” added Frohman. Odyssey Elixir is a fun, refreshing ready-to-drink sparkling beverages infused with 2500mg fruiting body extract of Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps in each can. The highly concentratrated mushroom extract is also rich in Beta Glucans, which have been known to support digestion, heart health and immunity. The company’s commitment to quality and nutrition is further exhibited by the use of organic ingredients that contain no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, and are vegan, non-GMO, and kosher.
Here are two words you don’t hear every day: ‘Beta Glucans.’ The word ‘beta’ means ‘house’ in Greek and a glucan is a polysaccharide (such as glycogen or cellulose). So essentially, beta glucans are a tiny house of fiber. A powerful one. Beta Glucans are fiber that's found in certain types of yeast, algae, plants like oats and barley, and even bacteria and fungi—a major source. Studies have shown this his fiber can stop the growth of microorganisms, stimulate the immune system, is anti-cancer, promotes healthy blood pressure, controls cholesterol and is an anti-diabetic, promotes bone health and is a probiotic. [1] They have even been used topically as a burn medication. That’s a lot of Beta bennies. So how does one deliver these little gems into one’s system? Beta Glucan is commonly found in foods such as oats, barley, seaweed, nutritional yeast, and mushrooms. There’s a fungus among us! That’s right--Fungus. Mushrooms are chock full of beta glucans and can be an integral ingredient in one of many delicious wellness products like gummies for adults and children or a product like Odyssey Functional Mushroom Elixir, a potent, organic, sustainable, and delicious sparkling beverage that delivers all the best that these mushrooms have to offer. So, let’s meet our mushrooms—big beta blasters. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, which are said to stimulate brain cells and help relieve anxiety—a perfect answer to work and life as it is today. It also, like the other species of functional mushrooms, aside from beta glucan, contains diverse phytochemicals, including polysaccharides and digestive enzymes that support immune health and promote healthy gut flora. The Cordyceps mushroom may help improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. Reishi mushrooms may enhance immunity, lower anxiety, and improve sleep. People also take Reishi mushrooms for health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Turkey Tail Mushrooms are said to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation Chaga Mushrooms are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a possible alternative remedy for conditions such as arthritis and high blood pressure. Shiitake Mushrooms may protect against cell damage, boost the immune system, and boost white blood cell production for fighting off microbes. Maitake Mushrooms may help in keeping arteries healthy and reducing cholesterol. Let’s face it, the stress of everyday life, a post pandemic world, pollution, climate change and other factors, our bodies are taking a hit. For overall health, clean and natural products like Beta Glucan and other supplements that are plant-based and made without toxic chemicals can be a key resource for overall robust health benefits. So, get out there and cozy up to those grains; crush on those mushrooms and embrace the yeast. Remember that name: Beta Glucans. It’s certainly worth knowing. [1] The gut- & heart-supporting fiber you need to know about + how to get enough. mindbodygreen. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/beta-glucan-benefits
