Everyone seems to love a little bubbly. And that’s likely one of the reasons why the hard seltzer market has taken off in recent years, with industry experts estimating that the beverage segment will will continue to gain momentum, increasing from $500 million in annual sales to $2.5 billion by 2021.
Among the brands making headway in the marketplace is Press, a premium alcoholic seltzer founded by Amy Walberg in 2015. The brand, based in Milwaukee, is one of just a few independent woman-owned hard seltzer companies on the market today. And it’s made a name for itself with not only a dedication to high quality ingredients, but also inventive flavors including pear chamomile, blackberry hibiscus and blood orange chili.
On this week’s podcast, we chat with Walberg about her journey to entrepreneurism and the challenges of breaking into the beverage market. She shares her experience launching the brand from her kitchen, the thinking that went into her branding strategy and flavor profiles and what sets Press apart from the crowd.
Along the way, we are treated to the inspiring success story of a single mom whose passion for flavor resulted in the launch of a seltzer brand which is now available in all 48 contiguous states.
Listen in!
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As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
