Founder Spotlight - Chuck Moore - Elevado Drinks

Can you share what motivated you to start Elevado and what the initial inspiration was behind your THC-infused drinks?

Chuck: The motivation behind Elevado Drinks comes from its sister company Chaco Flaco Drinks, which is known for its all-natural, Whole Foods compliant, handcrafted canned cocktails. With 53 global awards in the spirit-based beverage category, Elevado decided to remove the alcohol and infuse their drinks with low-dose, naturally derived hemp to offer consumers an alternative to alcohol while maintaining the same clean and amazing flavor experience.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when launching Elevado, and how did you overcome them?

Chuck: Initially, raising capital was the biggest obstacle for Elevado. However, leveraging their previous success and experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, they were able to convince friends and family who had invested in Chaco Flaco to support this new venture.

Elevado emphasizes premium, high-quality ingredients. How do you ensure that your products meet these standards consistently?

Chuck: Elevado’s mantra is “Flavor First,” which means they prioritize using all-natural flavors, real fruit juices, and clean ingredients. They carefully select co-packers with tunnel pasteurization and GMP certification to ensure the absence of preservatives and maintain high manufacturing standards. By partnering with top-notch certified flavor houses, they achieve consistency in their flavors, offering the consumer the best possible products.

Your brand focuses on delivering a sophisticated drinking experience. Can you discuss your product development process and how you maintain the quality of your ingredients?

Chuck: All flavors are developed in Chuck’s kitchen, using all-natural ingredients. They undergo testing with friends and family, making necessary adjustments, and then packed in dry ice and sent overnight to their flavor houses. After receiving iterations from the flavor houses, Elevado books time to perfect the flavors in house, resulting in their exceptional taste and 53 global awards over the past four years.

With changing regulations around THC, how has Elevado adapted its strategies to stay compliant and continue providing high-quality products?

Chuck: Elevado is a part of Emergent Beverages, a special group of brands handpicked by the five founders with over 150 years of combined experience. Along with Holon Law, the team ensures compliance and keeps a tight rein on what is permitted and what needs to be foregone. This unique system, involving 10 brands, a parent company, and a top hemp and cannabis law firm, works together to build an emerging category while striving for compliance. Elevado also conducts third-party accredited testing, providing Certificates of Analysis and 7-panel testing on each batch for public consumption.

What piece of advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs in the THC-infused beverage sector?

Chuck: Elevado emphasizes the importance of being thorough, having a solid game plan, sufficient capital, and being prepared to face challenges along the way. It is a journey that requires perseverance, but with dedication, one can wake up one day and have a successful business.

Besides Elevado, what other brands do you enjoy and why?

Chuck: Elevado is a huge fan of other brands under Emergent Beverages, including Long Coast, Boldt, Calexo, Hop The Wave, Lark, Hectare’s, Crooked Beverage, Beckett’s, Ave, and Alt, acknowledging their amazing qualities in their respective fields.

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