Jamba Inc. buys Talbott TeasJamba Inc. buys Talbott Teas

Lisa Jennings

The parent of Jamba Juice is adding specialty teas to its portfolio.

Emeryville, Calif.-based Jamba Inc. said it has acquired Talbott Teas, a boutique premium tea company based in Chicago.

Terms of the deal were not released, but James White, Jamba chair, chief executive and president, said Talbott fit with the smoothie company’s strategy for growth through lifestyle brands within the health-and-wellness category.

Jamba Juice shares the commitment of Talbott Teas founder Shane Talbott “to using the finest quality ingredients to create premium tea blends that are flavorful and healthful, but designed with a flair that only a visionary trendsetter could achieve,” White said in a statement.

The smoothie player and the tea brand were introduced on the ABC-TV television program “Shark Tank”, which matches entrepreneurs with investors, called “sharks,” looking for deals to bankroll.

Talbott Teas are known for their customizable loose-leaf blends and designer packaging. The teas are sold in specialty stores, gourmet grocers, on QVC or by mail order through the tea company’s website.

As a result of the deal, Talbott Teas will be sold at Jamba Juice’s 750 locations, both as brewed beverages and packaged products, starting in the fall.

In addition, Talbott, who the company described as a certified master tea blender, will join Jamba Juice as vice president of innovation.

“Jamba is a progressive, specialty beverage brand with a passion for creating innovative, trendy offerings that support healthier lifestyles,” said Talbott in a statement. “Jamba has broad reach and appeal among consumers who are seeking premium products at affordable pricing that are better-for-you and great tasting. The sharks connected us with Jamba Juice, and we could not have found a better company with whom to align and grow our brand.”

The move by Jamba into specialty tea follows news last year that coffee giant Starbucks acquired the Evolution Fresh juice brand for $30 million, with plans to expand into the estimated $50 billion health-and-wellness category.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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