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BOISE, Idaho (Oct. 20, 2021) –– ERTH Beverage Company and Cocoa Bombs were respectively named the winner and runner-up of Boise Entrepreneur Week’s annual Trailmix pitch competition. ERTH Beverage Company won the $25,000 grand prize and shelf space at Albertsons, with $5,000 going to Cocoa Bombs.

ERTH Beverage Company, founded by husband-and-wife team Eric and Sam Herrera, produces a beverage that is a modern take on a traditional 17th century recipe. Their drinks use organic herbs, fruits and botanicals that include Idaho honey and organic apple cider vinegar from Fruitland. Their unique brewing process retains enzymes, prebiotics and electrolytes to provide a non-alcoholic, tasty drink with health benefits.    

Cocoa Bombs, founded by Eric Torres-Garcia, are mixed with hot milk to offer a creative alternative to traditional hot chocolate powder mixes. A video of the first prototype that Torres-Garcia posted on TikTok went viral with 2.5 million views, launching him into entrepreneurship with 1,000 orders overnight. His products are now shipped worldwide with pending distribution through Kroger and Sam’s Club.

“Our Trailmix judges were deeply impressed by the shelf readiness and unique value provided by ERTH Beverage Company and Cocoa Bombs,” said Tiam Rastegar, co-chair of Boise Entrepreneur Week and Trailhead executive director. “It was clear that the founders of these companies understood their market opportunity and positioned themselves for success.”  

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After including cash prizes for this year’s event, Boise Entrepreneur Week has provided more than $306,000 in funding to entrepreneurs. Its Trailmix pitch competition helps food and beverage startups take their products from the farmers market to the supermarket. Albertsons was this year’s Presenting Sponsor and other sponsors included Bank of Idaho, Hawley Troxell, IGEM, Killer Creamery, Simplot and Trailhead.

Boise Entrepreneur Week is made possible through Platinum Sponsors that include Albertsons, Alturas Capital, Dan Berger, Idaho STEM Action Center, Scoggin Capital Investment, Trailhead, Vynyl and Zions Bank.  

About Boise Entrepreneur Week
Boise Entrepreneur Week (BEW) is a community program housed within Trailhead that promotes entrepreneurship in the Boise community. BEW, Idaho’s largest entrepreneurship-focused community event, provides individuals with an empowering experience as the week-long event fosters professional growth and development. To learn more about BEW and its impact on the Pacific Northwest, visit boiseentrepreneurweek.org

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