ORRVILLE, Ohio, U.S. — New 1850 Brand Coffee kicks off its “Bold Pioneer” contest, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their bold ideas forward and allow their passions to become their purpose.
To celebrate modern-day pioneers and their innate hunger for innovation or altruism, 1850 Brand Coffee is partnering with Initialized Capital and Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, to launch the “Bold Pioneer” idea contest.
Entrants are invited to pitch their own enterprising ideas for a chance to be selected as a finalist of the Bold Pioneer Contest and participate in a mentoring session with Ohanian. With a grand prize of $18,500, the recipient will foster an impactful idea that makes a difference among today’s trailblazers. The contest is live now and will accept entries through August 28, 2018 via Instagram and Twitter with video entries using #1850BoldContest.
“The official launch of 1850 Brand Coffee and the Bold Pioneer campaign marks our Company’s most significant coffee growth initiative to date,” said Tina Meyer-Hawkes, Vice President, Coffee Marketing, The J. M. Smucker Company. “Made from fire-roasted and steel-cut beans, 1850 Brand Coffee was crafted with coffee enthusiasts in mind who prefer stronger, bolder blends. Embarking on this bold new endeavor, we could not have picked a better partner than Ohanian. We’re excited for him to not only be a part of this big moment for the brand, but also the journeys of today’s trailblazers as an inspiration and mentor.”
Ohanian is kicking off the contest in New York City today at an exclusive launch event where there will be an 1850 Brand Coffee-inspired “Bold Pioneers” Facebook Live Q&A Session and immersive 1850 Brand Coffee tastings. Coffee experts will be on-hand to help showcase the flavorful distinctions between the portfolio’s four unique roasts, among other coffee centric experiences. You can tune into the Q&A by visiting the 1850 Brand Coffee Facebook Page at 6:30 p.m. E.T. Inspired by the brand’s roots of San Francisco during the California Gold Rush, the uniquely bold and smooth 1850 Brand Coffee pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of J.A. Folger and embodies the hustle and grind of today’s pioneers.
“Coffee is fuel for so many entrepreneurs and I’m excited that Folgers decided to create the 1850 Brand specifically with this ambitious audience in mind,” said Initialized Capital and Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian. “1850 Brand Coffee was made for bold people to help fuel original ideas and inspire new commitments and brave endeavors of today’s pioneers—ultimately being an ally to the hustle of being bold. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the creative pitches through the Bold Pioneer contest and to work closely with the winning entrepreneur to take a step forward in their own pursuits.”
Later this fall, three finalists will appear in front of a panel of judges and sponsor representatives to pitch their bold ideas. Ohanian will not only judge the presentation of pitches, but also mentor the finalists to help address their unique idea challenges and make their dreams a reality. The finalists’ pitches will be recorded and shared online for viewers to vote on their favorite Bold Pioneer idea, with a grand prize winner selected in December.
The Bold Pioneer initiative is supported through a full 360º marketing campaign including its new “Not Pressed for Time” ad spot. The music heard in the TV spot, Marvin Gaye’s “Far Cry,” came first, providing the brand an opportunity to build creative that works in concert with the tracks and establishes a distinct vibe and personality. The campaign is also supported through ongoing digital, social, PR and paid media execution, as well as a partnership with Forbes 30 Under 30.
1850 Brand Coffee is available at retailers nationwide in Ground, Whole-Bean, and K-Cup® Pods in four new blends:
- Black Gold Dark Roast, a smooth cup balanced with dark chocolatey notes and sweetness
- Trailblazer Medium-Dark Roast, with notes of strong roasted nut flavors with chocolate undertones
- Pioneer Blend Medium Roast, a bold, balanced and smooth cup with hints of roasted nuts
- Lantern Glow™ Light Roast, notes of lemongrass and jasmine tea with sweet, lemony undertones
In addition, 1850 Brand Coffee offers three Ready-to-Drink flavors:
- Sweet Cream, fire-roasted coffee balanced with sweet cream flavor
- Mocha, fire-roasted coffee with mocha flavor
- Vanilla, fire-roasted coffee balanced with creamy vanilla flavor
For more information or to learn how to submit your original idea for the 1850 Bold Pioneer contest (see rules for details), visit 1850coffee.com.
