HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs has announced that Joe Serventi, who joined the company in early 2017 as general manager, has been elevated to Global CEO. In addition, HIPPEAS founder, Livio Bisterzo has transitioned into chairman for the company.
When Serventi joined HIPPEAS as general manager in March of 2017, he had a focus on building the business nationwide to drive cross-channel distribution among traditional, natural and club retailers. Currently, the brand is available in nearly 100,000 retail locations and has seen triple digit growth over the same period last year.
"When Joe joined HIPPEAS last year, we knew he would play a key role in driving the brand forward, rapidly increasing distribution and building out an industry leading team. His strategic leadership and brand building expertise has helped the U.S. business achieve incredible success over the past 18 months," said Bisterzo. "Joe has proven he can lead the HIPPEAS brand and his promotion to global CEO is a natural progression. I am very excited to see him help HIPPEAS and the entire team reach its full potential in the snack food category. I have the ultimate confidence that HIPPEAS can be a $100 million brand in the next three years."
As part of the new management structure, Serventi will oversee the business globally in his new role as CEO. Bisterzo will continue to be actively involved in the business as the Chairman and Founder overseeing brand marketing, innovation and the company's charitable work.
"I have seen this company go from a disruptive startup, to a fierce and fast-growing force within the industry. HIPPEAS has the potential to become a household name," said Serventi. "Since we launched, HIPPEAS has seen incredible velocity growth and expansion and I'm looking forward to taking the brand to the next level."
Prior to joining HIPPEAS, Serventi served as the executive vice president at barkTHINS, where he built out the organizational infrastructure while establishing the unique snack brand in the competitive marketplace, culminating in the company's sale to Hershey's. Before barkTHINS, Serventi was an instrumental member of the Pirate Brands (Pirate's Booty) management team, where they revitalized the then stagnant brand before selling to B & G Foods. Serventi began his brand building career spending 10 years at Glaceau (vitaminwater and smartwater), where he learned from and worked with the best in the industry, taking a start up to a $1B+ brand which eventually sold to Coke.
Serial entrepreneur, Livio Bisterzo, has a proven track record of starting successful businesses spanning several industries, including: hospitality, lifestyle, food and beverage brands like Kyoku men's grooming and super juice Little Miracles.
HIPPEAS organic chickpea puffs are USDA organic, certified gluten-free, Non-GMO, vegan and totally delicious. With 4 grams of protein and only 130 calories per 1 oz. serving, HIPPEAS are the new go-to snack for those looking for a great-tasting, better-for-you snack. They come in five far-out flavors: Vegan White Cheddar, Bohemian Barbecue, Sriracha Sunrise, Pepper Power and Far Out Fajita.
HIPPEAS launched in July 2016 with Starbucks. The brand can now be found at premium retailers including Whole Foods, Wegmans, Sprouts, Ahold, HEB, Shaw's, Central Market, Safeway/Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Kroger and has recently secured distribution in select CVS, Target, & Costco locations.
For more information, please visit www.hippeas.com.
