Alina Morse’s ideation of the vegan, sugar-free candy started when she was 7, and when she was 14, her product won the Best Brand Storytelling NEXTY Award at SupplySide West.

Sandy Almendarez, VP of Content

December 11, 2019

1 Min Read
Zollipops-LiquidOTC2019.jpg

When Zollipops founder Alina Morse was 7 years old, she went to the bank with her dad, Tom, and the teller offered her a lollipop. While she wanted to accept, her parents always told her that candy was terrible for her teeth. In that moment the idea for Zollipops was born. Alina and her dad set off to make delicious lollipop treats that were good for teeth.

This origin story as well as the brand’s mission and formulation fueled the product’s winning of the Best Brand Storytelling NEXTY Award at SupplySide West 2019.

In this podcast, Tom speaks with Sandy Almendarez, content director, Natural Products INSIDER, about the origin and formulation process of Zollipops. They cover:

  • Alina’s drive to create this product, and her passion to educate kids on oral health and entrepreneurship

  • The sweeteners they tried during formulation, and why Alina landed on the blend of isomalt syrup, erythritol and xylitol for the finished Zollipops.

  • The philanthropic and sustainability efforts of the company, and why they are so important to the brand.

This podcast was recorded at SupplySide West/Food Ingredients North America (FiNA). Check out all the finalists and winners of the NEXTY Award at SupplySide West 2019 here.

About the Author(s)

Sandy Almendarez

Sandy Almendarez

VP of Content, Informa

Summary

• Well-known subject matter expert within the health & nutrition industry with more than 15 years’ experience reporting on natural products.

• She cares a lot about how healthy products are made, where their ingredients are sourced and how they affect human health.

• She knows that it’s the people behind the businesses — their motivations, feelings and emotions — drive industry growth, so that’s where she looks for content opportunities.

Sandy Almendarez is VP of Content for SupplySide and an award-winning journalist. She oversees the editorial and content marketing teams for the B2B media brands Natural Products Insider and Food and Beverage Insider, the education programming for the health and nutrition trade shows SupplySide East and SupplySide West, and community engagement across the SupplySide portfolio. She is a seasoned content strategist with a passion for health, good nutrition, sustainability and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a content-focused business leader. With specialization in topics ranging from product development to content engagement, creative marketing and c-suite decision making, her work is known for its engaging style and its relevance for business leaders in the health and nutrition industry.

In her free time, Sandy loves running, drinking hot tea and watching her two kids grow up. She brews her own “Sandbucha” homemade kombucha; she’s happy to share if you’re ever in Phoenix!

Awards:

Speaker credentials

Resides in

  • Phoenix, AZ

Education

  • Arizona State University

Contact:

See more from Sandy Almendarez
Subscribe and receive the latest insights on the health and nutrition industry.
Join 37,000+ members. Yes, it's completely free.

You May Also Like

Recommended

Supplement Regulations
NY law targeting dietary supplements mired in CRN, NPA litigation
NY law targeting dietary supplements mired in CRN, NPA litigation

Mar 13, 2024

Supplement Regulations
FDA seeks dietary supplement listing requirement in FY25 budget proposal
FDA seeks dietary supplement listing requirement in FY25 budget proposal

Mar 12, 2024

Supplement Regulations
FDA NDI guidance: Five key takeaways
FDA NDI guidance for supplement companies: Five key takeaways

Mar 12, 2024

Market Trends & Analysis
Amway’s revenues continue decade-long slide, dropping to $7.7 billion
Amway's annual revenues drop by 5%

Mar 12, 2024

Recent headlines