WHEN Troy Douglas and Drew Bilbe began their beverage company six years ago, with naturally sugar free products at its core, they probably didn't expect one of Australia's biggest fast food companies to come knocking at their door.
The guys who founded Nexba have partnered with Domino's (ASX: SMP), Australia's first publicly listed pizza company with global franchising and branding, to produce a sugar free range of soft drinks called Next Gen.
Next Gen will be free from preservatives, artificial colours and flavours as Domino's looks to provide healthier alternatives to its customers.
The new product is now in all Domino's stores in cola and lemon flavours in a 375ml can and each drink has less than 11 calories.
Douglas and Bilbe already have some big corporates as their customers including Coles, Aldi and 7-Eleven and they've been rewarded with the 2017 Product of the Year in the beverage category by research firm Nielsen.
Business News Australia spoke to Douglas and Bilbe about Nexba's plans for the future, and why the partnership with Domino's is about more than just adding to the bottom line.
Given the partnership with Domino's is your first foray into fast food does that make the partnership even more important in your eyes? How does it compare to signing a stocking agreement with Aldi or Coles for example?
Troy:Drew:
Is this an exclusive contract? Or are you looking to start getting Nexba out in more fast food joints?
Troy:What differentiates Next Gen from the other beverages you've launched into the market so far?
Drew:From your perspective what does it mean for the beverage industry going forward now that company's like Domino's, who probably don't have the best reputation for healthy food, are trying to offer consumers new healthier options in store?
Troy:Drew:
What have been some of the biggest challenges over the six years you've been operating?
Drew:Troy:
What's next for Nexba?
Drew:Troy:
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