Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Sacal.
Hi Simon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We started Solely specifically because there was a big gap between what people really wanted and what companies were giving them in the fruit snack space, so we made a way to make a much better one ingredient product.
The story of this business goes back more than 20 years when we realized there was a big confusion between better-for-you “healthy” snack foods and good-for-you real foods. First, we started by identifying the huge need for ‘good-for-you’ savory snacking, so we invented a technology to create our patent to create a fat-free chip. Everything started to evolve towards fruit, and we then created a second patented cold-pressing process to transform whole organic produce into single-portion jerky. We then partnered with local governments in Latin America to provide clean and nutritious snacks to children and families.
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?
It’s been more than 20 years of a lot of challenges, hits and misses. We had to reinvent ourselves many times, but our vision has never changed. Since we developed this business as a vertically integrated business, every part of the supply chain has been a challenge – from developing the whole supply chain and turning it into organic to working with farmers all over Latin America. Additionally, technology development has been a big challenge along with the overall launching of a product in the US because the market is hard to get distribution. Still, we have been fortunate to be successful in that. We have overcome these challenges with an abundance of passion from the hard-working team, family, and investors. It is important to understand that you need help and seek out to get that help.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Solely is an innovative, clean food company leading a revolution for the future of food by using the fewest possible ingredients without compromising indulgence. For example, many of our competitors in the fruit snack category claim to be “made with real fruit,” but what that means is they contain fruit-based “concentrates” or “juices” where the nutrient profile is closer to candy than a healthy snack and include a laundry list of 15-20 ingredients that are mostly sugar masquerading around as “good for you.” We promise always to use whole organic fruit to make our products, providing a nutritious snack that tastes like the real thing. As we reflect on the extraordinary milestones of the past year, Solely stands at the intersection of growth, innovation, and sustainability. Our journey goes beyond crafting delicious snacks; it’s about reshaping the future of food. We are excited to continue this journey, providing consumers with snacks that align with their values from a brand they can trust. In 2023, we achieved a remarkable 70% 3-year Compound Annual Growth. This growth has allowed us to reach millions more American households, showcasing our robust business strategy, unwavering commitment to quality and transparency, and the dedication of our team of industry veterans. Additionally, Solely has proudly earned the title of the #1 brand of dried mango and pineapple in the U.S., reflecting our excellence in the industry and dedication to delivering high-quality products.
Lastly, our commitment to sustainability is a key factor that sets us apart. We save approximately 1.6 million pounds of fruit from waste annually and invest in regenerative and organic farming practices. In 2023, we installed over 1,000 highly efficient solar panels at our production facilities, generating 1 million kilo-watt hours and offsetting 416 tons of CO2 annually. These efforts reflect our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I love reading. Books like Taleb’s Antifragile and Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow have really influenced my thinking. I also like business stories like Bad Blood, Billion Dollar Whale, and Shoe Dog, as well as light novels like series from Robert Galbraith, Daniel Silva, and Richard Osman.
Contact Info:
- Website: solely.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solelyfruit/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solely-inc/
Image Credits
Solely
