Known for its sophisticated shopping experience and ‘adult’ take on confections, Sugarfina spent more than two years developing the gummies with Alfred Coffee, which made waves in Hollywood with its ‘But First, Coffee’ motto and modern packaging design.
The co-branded gummy bears – available in Cold Brew, Bourbon Cold Brew and Iced Vanilla Latte flavors – are sold in a 3.5oz mini cold brew cup ($7), which mimics a cup of iced coffee, 12oz coffee bags ($14) or a 12oz tumbler ($25).
The gummies combine ‘two of our favorite pick-me-ups’ in candy and caffeine, said Rosie O’Neill, Sugarfina co-founder and CEO.
Josh Zad, Alfred’s founder and CEO, added that the coffee shop has strived to ‘stay ahead of both design and beverage trends.’
Caffeine in candy
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not formally addressed caffeine as an additive in food and beverage since the 1950s, when it approved its use in cola. The agency took note of caffeine in dietary supplements last year as new products have shown up on shelves.
A few confectionery brands have toyed with added caffeine, including Awake Chocolate, whose bars contain 95mg of caffeine, or the equivalent of a cup of coffee.
As recreational marijuana laws continue to change in the US, cannabis-infused gummies and chocolate have slowly permeated the marketplace.
"When the opportunity arose to collaborate with our hands-down favorite candy company to deliver everyday Alfred classics in a never-before-seen gummy form it was a no brainer,” he said.
Alfred’s, which has developed a cult-like following with celebrities, often partners with other for pop-ups and designs for its coffee cup sleeves, such as the bear sleeve used for the Sugarfina collaboration.
Sugarfina has also co-branded some of its products: it sells gummy bears infused with the likes of Pressed Juicery ‘green juice,’ Casamigos Tequila and Whispering Angel Rosé wine.
O’Neill and co-founder Josh Resnick opened their first boutique in 2013 in Beverly Hills and now operate 40 locations across the US and Canada, as well as within select Nordstrom locations. The Cold Brew Bears are available online and in select stores, including a vending machine outside Alfred’s original coffee shop in Los Angeles.