Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Monsalve, Samanta Ruiz, and Emilio Leon, the Co-founders of Moosa – Edible Dried Fruit Tea Infusions: A New Product Concept Arriving in the USA.
Hello Moosa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
A Taste of South America: The Birth of Moosa.
Our journey at Moosa has been a story of collaboration, shared passion, and diverse experiences. We realized that the delicious and healthy fruits we enjoyed in South America were something truly special and deserved to be shared with the world, especially in the American market. All three of us were born in Ecuador, a place where we grew up surrounded by an abundance of healthy fruits. In Ecuador, it’s still possible to taste fruit and vegetables directly from local farmers without additives—just pure, natural goodness
The beauty of our product, edible dried fruit tea infusions is that you can have it as a tea and eat the fruit afterwards. It’s like a double delight. Imagine the refreshing taste of our tea, and when you’re done, you get to savor the real fruit from a healthy land in South America. We realized that many beverages in the USA are packed with sugar and preservatives, which can be a problem when you’re searching for a healthy, flavorful drink. Some people struggle to find an alternative to tea or coffee to satisfy their need for energy or to simply enjoy a bold and guilt-free hot or cold beverage. We bring 4 product flavors/blends:
a) Immune Citric blend: Ginger, Pineapple, Tamarillo, Orange.
b) Tropical Medley blend: Pineapple, Hibiscus and Blackberry.
c) Mixed Berries blend: Strawberry, Blackberry, Hibiscus, Blackberry.
d) Passion blend: Passion fruit and pineapple.
Our inspiration for this unique concept comes from the vibrant and flavorful fruits of South America. We wanted to bring a piece of South America to the USA through our products. South America is known for its rich and exotic flavors, and we thought, “Why not share these flavors in a completely new way, through tea?”
It all began with a realization by our CEO, Emilio, who was the visionary who laid the foundation for Moosa’s inception. He recognized a gap in the market for edible dried fruit tea infusions here in the USA. South America, with its delicious and healthy fruits, served as our inspiration. Emilio, with his background in sales and management in the insurance and tech industry, saw an opportunity to introduce something truly unique to the American tea landscape. He had been trying for some time to build a business in the USA that brought flavors from our lands.
Emilio’s vision didn’t stop there. He reached out to Fernando, our COO, who is the heart and soul of our commitment to quality and healthy living. Fernando brought his expertise to regenerative farming and cultivating bananas, plantain, fruits, and more for many years. Fernando’s experience in growing and exporting his products in the USA, Europe, and Asia perfectly aligned with our mission. He shared his passion for bringing healthy, flavorful fruits to a global audience.
Our third co-founder, Samanta, who serves as our Marketing Director, was equally captivated by Emilio’s vision. With her track record of creating successful brands in the USA and South America through her business. She saw Moosa as an opportunity to not only redefine tea but to transport people to South America through their taste buds. Samanta’s expertise in branding and marketing has been instrumental in our journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship is a fascinating journey, one that extends beyond the creation of a great product. It involves not only bringing a unique offering to the market but also building strong teams and processes that reflect our values in the product. Along the path of entrepreneurship, we’ve encountered some struggles:
1) Finding the right suppliers and partners, from packaging to distribution, proved to be a significant challenge, especially in our early stages. We need to ensure that they not only meet our quality standards but are also aligned with our commitment to environmental friendliness share the values and benefits of our brand and communicate effectively.
2) Accessing third-party online sales channels has been another struggle. The competitive landscape in the USA market can make it a lengthy process for product approvals. We’ve had to navigate this to establish our presence and reach our audience effectively.
3) Navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and certifications, especially in the food and beverage industry, which can be quite rigorous.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Unique Value Proposition of Moosa: Innovation – First Edible Fruit Tea Infusion: Moosa is the pioneer of a groundbreaking concept – the first edible fruit tea infusion. It’s a brand that redefines the tea experience by allowing you to combine the pleasures of both drinking and eating. Our product stands alone in the market as the pioneering edible fruit tea, and there’s nothing like it on the shelves.
- Health-Conscious Choice
Challenge: Many customers are looking for healthy beverage options but struggle to find products that prioritize their well-being.
Moosa Solution: Moosa stands out as a health-conscious choice. Unlike some brands that offer “healthy solutions” loaded with sugar and additives, our product is 100% natural and free from added sugars. Each fruit in our blends contains vitamins, antioxidants, natural energy boosters, and fiber. We prioritize quality over empty calories.
- Caffeine-Free and Sugar-Free
Challenge: Some customers seek caffeine-free alternatives to traditional coffee and tea, as well as products without added sugars.
Moosa Solution: Moosa is the ideal solution for those looking to avoid caffeine and added sugars. While other brands often rely on caffeine or excessive sweeteners, Moosa offers a refreshing and caffeine-free beverage with no added sugar. We provide an energizing choice without compromising health.
- Convenience and Versatility
Challenge: Customers often face the challenge of incorporating fruit into their daily diet, which can be time-consuming.
Moosa Solution: Moosa addresses this challenge by offering a convenient and versatile solution. Our product serves as both a delightful tea infusion and a healthy snack. It also serves for cocktails and mocktails and as an edible garnish for food. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy fruit and its nutrients without the hassle of cutting or peeling.
- Bold and Exotic Flavors
Challenge: Many customers desire bold and enjoyable flavors but are wary of sugary beverages.
Moosa Solution: Moosa is the solution for flavor enthusiasts. While some brands offer bland or sugary options, our tropical and exotic flavors, such as passion fruit and pineapple, deliver a guilt-free, flavorful indulgence. We redefine the beverage experience with unique and vibrant tastes.
- 100% Natural, No additives. REAL FRUIT.
Challenge: Customers are increasingly concerned about additives and seek natural, unadulterated products.
Moosa Solution: Moosa is committed to transparency and purity. Unlike brands that use additives and artificial ingredients, our product is 100% natural with no additives. We provide a guilt-free and unadulterated blend that prioritizes quality and health.
- Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Challenge: Eco-conscious consumers are looking for brands that align with ethical and sustainable practices.
Moosa Solution: At Moosa, we partner with local farmers, promoting regenerative agriculture practices. We also provide job opportunities for women facing family challenges related to cancer. These skilled artisans handcraft our products, ensuring that each sip of Moosa embodies both quality and purpose.
In summary, our product is the first edible fruit tea infusion, and it offers a range of health benefits, making it a unique and health-conscious choice in the market.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Ecuador, we, the three co-founders, were each shaped by our unique experiences in different cities on the coast. Our upbringing instilled in us a deep sense of family orientation and the value of working together. We share a profound love for our country, its culture, and its rich, flavorful cuisine. Our local cuisine is more than just food; it’s a nostalgic connection to our childhood and a tribute to the family-oriented upbringing we all had. In Ecuador, family is everything, and food serves as a powerful means to connect with our loved ones.
Our childhoods were characterized by a close-knit and caring family dynamic. We also hail from the Andes, a region known for its healthy and fertile land, making it a wonderful place to grow anything, especially the fresh, nutritious ingredients that have always been a part of our lives. The beauty of Ecuador is that you can find fresh fruit and vegetables just around the corner, thanks to the diverse and fertile landscape of our homeland.
Back home, we were surrounded by the lush beauty of nature, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been raised in a country that’s not only small but incredibly diverse in the variety of fresh and delicious foods it offers. Our experiences in Ecuador, with its rich culinary traditions and close family ties, greatly influence our approach to both life and business.
Pricing:
- Edible dried fruit infusion – Tropical Medley: $16.99
- Edible dried fruit infusion – Inmune Citric: $16.99
- Edible dried fruit infusion – Mixed Berries: $16.99
- Edible dried fruit infusion – Variety Mix: $16.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.moosanature.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moosa.nature/?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moosa.nature?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moosanature/
- TikTok: @moosa.nature
Image Credits
Verde Moosa
