BranchOut Food Inc. (NASDAQ: BOF) has announced a partnership with Zesty Snackz and its founders, digital creators Brenten Szekely and Paul Cuffaro, to launch a new line of single-ingredient Fruit Chips under the Zest Snackz label. The collaboration combines BranchOut's proprietary GentleDry™ dehydration technology with Zesty Snackz's snack platform and the expansive digital reach of two of YouTube's most recognizable lifestyle creators.
This partnership is significant because it opens a direct-to-consumer channel for BranchOut, which has historically focused on retail and industrial channels. The creators—Brenten and Paul—collectively reach millions of viewers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms, where they have built highly engaged communities through authentic, family-friendly content. Their ability to drive purchasing behavior through storytelling and direct audience connection presents a substantial opportunity for BranchOut to expand its market presence.
The new Zesty Snacks Fruit Chips line, powered by GentleDry™ technology, will feature products made from 100% real fruit, with no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. The initial release includes mango, pineapple, strawberry, and banana, with plans for additional varieties. BranchOut plans to ship the first full container to Zesty Snacks in April, with follow-on orders expected thereafter.
Eric Healy, CEO of BranchOut Food, stated, "Our partnership with Zesty Snackz and creators like Brenten and Paul represents a powerful intersection of food innovation and modern consumer engagement. By combining that reach with our advanced drying technology and supply chain scale, we are uniquely positioned to deliver premium, single-ingredient snacks to a rapidly expanding market."
Brenten Szekely added, "After visiting the BranchOut facility in Peru and seeing the GentleDry™ process firsthand, we were incredibly impressed with the technology, the scale of the operation, and the team behind it. We're excited to share that experience with our audience and will be releasing content from the visit in the coming months."
For more information about Zesty Snackz, visit https://www.zestysnackz.com/. For more information about BranchOut Food, visit www.branchoutfood.com or follow them on social media. The latest news and updates relating to $BOF are available in the company's newsroom at https://tinyurl.com/bofnewsroom.
The partnership underscores a growing trend of food companies leveraging influencer marketing to reach new audiences and drive sales. By tapping into the creators' trusted relationships with their followers, BranchOut can bypass traditional advertising and build brand loyalty more directly. This move could also accelerate the adoption of single-ingredient snacks, which appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking clean-label options.
