Behind the Brand: Avita Gourmet Sipping Chocolate
Meet Avita Gourmet Sipping Chocolate’s Owner, Roger Cohen
1. What is the name of your company?
Avita Gourmet Sipping Chocolate
2. What is your title?
President/Founder
3. Where is your company located?
Littleton, Colorado
4. Whats your current obsession?
Being in the mountains with friends, riding horses. Good company and a day on the trail are hard to beat.
5. How did you hear about Naturally Colorado? What made you become a member? Has Naturally Colorado helped you in any way?
The introduction came through Sari Kimbell of Food Business Success. Both Sari and Naturally Colorado have been instrumental in helping us learn how to bring consumer packaged goods to market. Naturally Colorado offered the opportunity to learn from people who understand this industry firsthand. Participating in two of its mentorship programs has been invaluable. Retail Ready, in particular, has been an eye-opener about the complexity of working with larger retailers through distribution – and the requirements to succeed.
6. What size is your company?
2 employees
7. What inspired you to start your company?
Avita began with an unexpected connection between packaging innovation and chocolate. Our team was working on a packaging system for single-dose liquid pharmaceuticals and began exploring other possible applications, including liquid chocolate. A friend arranged an introduction to Julie Nygard, owner of The Chocolate Therapist in downtown Littleton and author of the book by the same name. Julie was enthusiastic about European-style sipping chocolate, but felt the pharmaceutical packaging wasn’t the right fit. That conversation shifted my focus from finding another application for our pharmaceutical packaging system to creating a sipping chocolate business. The next step was to find suitable packaging to bring it to life. Today, Avita offers rich, velvety sipping chocolate in three formats, including convenient, single-serving ready-to-enjoy pouches. My family is the greatest source of inspiration. Beyond that, motivation comes from curiosity and immersing in something new. I enjoy the challenge of finding pragmatic, innovative solutions for consumer products.
8. Why did you choose to focus on the natural and organic industry?
Exceptional flavor, a velvety texture, and clean ingredients are the backbone for Avita’s gourmet sipping chocolate – also made without dairy, gluten, or preservatives. The goal is to provide an enthusiastic chocolate experience along with the satisfaction of knowing it’s made with natural ingredients.
9. Can you describe the biggest challenge you faced during the early stages of your company, and how you overcame it?
One of our biggest challenges has been introducing a product that is unfamiliar to most people. “Sipping chocolate” suggests to some a thin, liquid drink like hot chocolate, not the rich, velvety flavor and texture of Avita that’s ready to enjoy straight from the pouch. We’re addressing this through sampling and clear, simple messaging. A taste communicates everything – so sampling along with friend to friend, group to group referrals are key.
10. What keeps you up at night regarding your business?
Making sure the most important work gets the time and attention it deserves. There’s an extensive list of priorities, so the challenge is deciding what needs attention now, what can wait, and how to keep moving forward both strategically and tactically.
11. What strategies can you share that have been effective?
Seeking out mentors and professionals with deep experience in the areas where we need the most support. Their perspectives help broaden our understanding, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and make more informed decisions. Naturally Colorado has been an excellent resource for us in this regard.
12. How important is networking, and what strategies do you use to build and maintain professional relationships?
Networking is essential, especially when building a new business. The strongest relationships begin with shared interests and a willingness to help. The approach is simple: listen, learn, follow through, and offer support where you can. Build the relationship first. Over time, trust develops and opportunities often follow naturally in both directions.
13. What is one piece of advice or knowledge that has changed your life and why?
Do what’s right, even when no one is looking. That lesson came from my dad, and it has stayed with me. It’s a simple standard for how to conduct yourself, work hard, and make decisions. Ultimately, our actions speak louder than our words.
Connect with Roger.
Learn more about Avita Gourmet Sipping Chocolate.
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