Booster Juice - Corporate Social Responsibility

On their website, they said at Booster Juice they are committed to social responsibility and taking an active role in the communities they live in. In fact, Booster Juice was founded on the principals of family – that is why they are taking an active role in getting involved with causes they believe in, especially those involving their most important asset: children.

Following is a list of some of the charities and events they took part in to raise funds to help the community. They are:

1. Alberta Cancer Foundation and Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation: raised $90,000 from the longest softball game ever
2. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF): for every goal the Oilers scored in the Stanley Cup, they contribute $25 to the JDRF foundation
3. Easter Seals: in 2011, Booster Juice launched their inaugural campaign raising $35,894 for Easter Seals programs and services across the country
4. Booster Juice teamed up with Discovery Toys for the 2nd Annual TOY RAISER. Raised $20,000 to purchase toys, books and games for sick kids to brighten their hospital stay

Click on the links below to read more on some of the amazing events they have contributed to: 

• Alberta Cancer Foundation
• Easter Seals 
• Booster Juice Teams Up With Discovery Toys
• JDRF Foundation 

To contact them about getting involved in your charity or event, use the “contact” form in the Talk Section of their site, www.boosterjuice.com.  

So, its clear that Booster Juice is not just doing business for profit, they are also a good corporate citizen. On their website, they said that any charity or organisation can contact them so that they can help to raise money for the less fortunate, isn't that a wonderful gesture on their part? 

References:

1. boosterjuice.com/pdfs/HomeRunForLifePres.pdf
2. http://easterseals.ca/english/booster-juice
3. http://www.jdrf.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=1
4. http://www.canadian-opportunities.ca/nouvelles/?title=Booster+Juice+franchise+Teams+Up+With+Discovery+Toys+for+the+2nd+Annual+TOY+RAISER!

Booster Juice Jets Off to South America

Well, unlike our RIM counterparts, Booster Juice is not holding back. They are looking for potential markets everywhere around the globe and not surprisingly; their new target is two stores in Curitibia, Brazil. Moreover, they already have the Brazilian Thunder smoothies which are a blend of what the Brazilian should enjoy among the many varieties on offer.  

An interesting point to note is that they have strategically opened these stores ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics which will be hosted in Brazil. Mr. Wishewan’s dream is to increase brand awareness of Booster Juice globally, what a more opportune time to do it than before the FIFA World Cup and Olympics? 

All this is in addition to new franchise expansions in Mexico which I didn’t mention earlier. Mr. Wishewan hopes to expand his franchise to the United Kingdom and Qatar in the near future. He believes that global expansion will not hurt the company, but rather be beneficial in many ways. Furthermore, he said his goal was always to be an international company, yet being cautious; I suppose in the sense of maintaining control and ensuring the business is successful in each country before expanding in many countries and then realising a few of them aren’t doing so well.

Do you think that Booster Juice will gain worldwide brand recognition? They are already in four of the seven continents, viz.: North America, South America, Europe and Asia. What are their odds of being in every continent?

References:   

1. http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3442782#
2. http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120322-322boo_800.jpg

Booster Juice Freebies

Booster Juice offers a number of give-aways and “freebies”. Apparently, it seems to be getting better with each post I make. Booster Juice is not all about sales and profits as we have read earlier; they are focused on consumer, as well as, employee and franchisee satisfaction. Below I will attempt to name a few of the notable promotions and give-aways they offer consumers:

• Free booster juice on your birthday - all you have to do is fill out the information under the nation icon(orange) on their website and win yourself a coupon for a free smoothie on your birthday
• Free Christmas gift - if you purchase a $25 gift card or higher, you have a chance to win one of three free prizes
• Presently, there is a contest going on called Summer Send Off Music Festival, persons in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have a chance of winning a trip for two with a total package price worth CDN $4,000. The contest ends at midnight on August 12, 2012. For a chance to enter, follow this link www.boosterjuice.com. Good luck! 

In addition, there are many other promotions and give-aways offered by Booster Juice, but many of them are only for a specified period.  I am sure there will be lots more on offer in the future, so don't miss the opportunity to cash in. Wouldn't you love to receive a free smoothie from Booster Juice on your birthday?

References:

1. http://freestuffcanadaguide.ca/birthday-freebies-booster-juice/
2. www.boosterjuice.com

Booster Juice Fit Kids Foundation

Booster Juice Fit Kids Foundation is a new charitable organisation formed by Booster Juice. The organisation will primarily focus on obesity and awareness around the issue.

Dale Wishewan, CEO and President of Booster Juice said, “Right now there is no real charity or foundation across Canada that is doing anything with childhood obesity and it one of the greatest things happening right now in Canada.”

He also said, “We think it’s something that can be prevented more so than cancer or diabetes – which you have no means of controlling. We think obesity can be controlled, so if we can help through the form of education and funding through our foundation, it was just a natural tie-in for us.”

The organisation has plans to provide the following in the future:

• Lunch programs for schools
• Days where all proceeds from sales will go towards the foundation
• Educational information on healthy living and eating
• Celebrity association

Moreover, Booster Juice is hoping to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes for individuals at a very young age with the hope that they will lead a healthier life. I think personally it is a great initiative by Booster Juice to give back to the community by focusing on our kids. What do you think of the foundation and the initiative taken by Booster Juice?

Reference: http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1634854&archive=true  

Booster Juice Gift Cards

Booster Juice uses various promotions to further promote their business. Promotions such as Booster Juice gift cards are an excellent gift to present to friends and families. The card serves two main purposes:

1. It increases sales
2. It grows customer loyalty. 

With no expiry date, no extra costs and the option to be redeemed for cash are wonderful. Don't you think?

Booster Juice has come a long way in their gift card promotions. The availability of purchasing these cards and the convenience of using them at any store location; cross-country and cross-border, is an objective Booster Juice has met. These cards are available in the United States and Canada.

 

So, if you are thinking of getting your best friend or loved ones a gift, a healthy alternative would be a Booster Juice gift card. It is an amazing way to introduce them to one of the tastiest smoothies and juices available today. Would you buy a Booster Juice gift card for your family and friends?

Also, you can check your balances on their website anytime by following this link https://www.mercury-gift.com/GiftInquiry.aspx

References: 

1. http://www.themercurymessenger.com/mercurygiftbox/documents/booster_juice_case_study.pdf
2. https://www.mercury-gift.com/GiftInquiry.aspx
3. http://www.boosterjuice.com/

Dale Wishewan - Entrepreneur of the Year

Dale Wishewan, President and CEO of Booster Juice, received the Foodservice and Hospitality Industry’s prestigious award for Entrepreneur of the Year 2005. He was also presented with the highly-touted Prairie Region Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst and Young. Isn’t that amazing? Only six years after opening his first store, that marks an outstanding achievement for someone who believed in himself. It started in his garage when he was whipping up smoothie flavours and his family and friends called him crazy for quitting a stable, well-paying job to open a juice bar.

Moreover, we all know about his resounding success with over 200 stores worldwide. However, he describes himself as an optimist. He didn’t have a business plan when he opened his first store in November, 1999 in Edmonton, Canada. Being a Canadian himself, he knew Canadians are very much value-driven. His family were skeptical and told him that no one is going to pay four bucks for a drink. Nonetheless, it proved that customers are willing to pay that much for a healthy and tasty alternative.

His dream is to open 400 stores in Canada; do you think he will succeed? Why?

For more information on his success and a picture of himself and his award, please click on this link http://www.boosterjuice.com/pdfs/2SqueezeMore.pdf

References:  

1. http://www.boosterjuice.com
2. http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1634854&archive=true

Types of Booster Juice's Smoothies

I would like to share the names of the different types of smoothies being sold by Booster Juice. I recalled when I visited Booster Juice for the first time, I felt like I was in a different world. However, the courteous staff helped me in choosing a smoothie based on my fruit preference. As such, I would like to inform you of the many choices available. They are:

1. High Protein
• Bananas-A-Whey - bananas and vanilla frozen yogurt blended with pineapples, skim milk and whey protein powder
• Strawberry Storm - cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, vanilla frozen yogurt with whey protein
• Ripped Berry - blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, skim milk, vanilla frozen yogurt, honey and whey protein powder
2. Power
• Marathon - cranberries, strawberries, bananas, oranges and yogurt powered up with soy protein
• Terminator - oranges, strawberries, bananas, yogurt and 2X Warrior Booster
• Sonic Soy - blueberries, strawberries and vanilla soymilk go supersonic with Wilderness and Soy Protein Boosters.
3. Berry
• Strawberry Sunshine - sweet strawberries, passion fruit, guava, bananas and yogurt
• Very Berry - Bold berry flavour! Cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and yogurt
• The Original - The Classic! Double strawberries, oranges, bananas and yogurt
4. Tropical
• Mango Hurricane - thick and packed with mangoes, peaches, passion fruit, guava, strawberries and yogurt
• Tropical Tornado - pineapples, mangoes, bananas, strawberries and yogurt
• Pineapple Freeze - pineapples, bananas, strawberries and vanilla frozen yogurt
• Citrus swirl - pineapples, oranges, strawberries, bananas and yogurt
5. Spirit
• Orangesicle - oranges and vanilla frozen yogurt
• Funky Monkey - bananas, chocolate soymilk and vanilla frozen yogurt
• Canadian Colada - pineapples, coconut, bananas and vanilla frozen yogurt
• Berry Cream Sensation - blueberries, strawberries, passion fruit, guava and a touch of vanilla frozen yogurt
• Raspberry Rapture - pure raspberries, cranberries and vanilla frozen yogurt
6. Lifechoice
• Banana Beach - mangoes, passion fruit, bananas, guave and yogurt
• Soymilk Slam - vanilla soymilk, honey, strawberries and bananas
• Cranberry Crave - strawberries, bananas, yogurt and cranberries
7. High Protein Superfood 
• High Impact Acai - Acai, cranberries, raspberries, vanilla frozen yogurt, skim milk and whey protein powder
• Mind over Matcha - matcha green tea powder, vanilla soymilk, blueberries, vanilla frozen yogurt and whey protein power
• Pomegranate Punch - promegranate, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, vanilla frozen yogurt and whey protein powder
8. Superfood
• Brazilian Thunder - Acai, strawberries, raspberries, bananas and yogurt
• Pomegranate Passion - pomegranate, strawberries, raspberries and vanilla frozen yogurt
• Matcha Monsoon - pure matcha green tea powder, vanilla soymilk and vanilla frozen yogurt

References:  

1. http://www.boosterjuice.com/
2. http://assets.twongo.com/deals/2046/thumb.jpg?1322586821

Fresh Fruits as a Healthy Alternative

Interesting, I came across an article on the yahoo website that encourages us to eat more strawberries. According to the article published by Julie Daniluk, there are five reasons to eat more strawberries:

1. Reduces the risk of degenerative disease:  strawberries are high in folic acid which is great for pregnant mothers too. Certain medications deplete the folic acids in your body which can be replenish by eating strawberries. It will ensure you maintain your cognitive capabilities.
2. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease: 
• it suppresses the inflammatory responses of the body
• reduces our risks of hypertension by lowering LDL colesterol
3. Reduces stress: strawberries has 100% vitamin C of our recommended daily intake. Studies show when vitamin C is consumed during times of stress, it decreases our body's blood pressure back to normal.
4. Prevents bone loss: strawberries are high in potassium which is great for preserving calcium thereby preventing bone loss as we age.
5. High in antioxidants: strawberries contain anthrocyanin, which protects us from the damaging effects of our environment, especially the sun.

We are constantly bombarded by the media about the health benefits of fresh fruits. As such, all fruits give us different nutrients. Strawberry is only one of them which I thought I might share with you. For those of you who are not fruit lovers, there are alternative ways to get the required nutrients to preserve your body’s health. Why not try a smoothie? 

Smoothies are a healthy way to quench your thirst and give you a boost. When it is blended with other fruits and a touch of yogurt, you wouldn’t know if you are consuming a fruit that you would not eat otherwise. It tastes that great!  

References:

1. http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/five-health-reasons-eat-more-fresh-strawberries-160000639.html
2. http://www.inspiredfitstrong.com/2012/recepies/strawberry-smoothie/

Booster Juice's Competitors

Who are Booster Juice's competitors? Well not surprisingly, their competitors vary among different countries as follows: 

1.  Canada
• Jugo Juice
• Euphoria Smoothies
2. India
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe

  

  
  

• Euphoria Smoothies
3.  Saudi Arabia
• Maui Wowi Hawaiian
  
4. The Netherlands
•  Smoothie Company
  
5. United Arab Emirates
• Nu Smoothie
• Maui Wowi Hawaiian
  
6. United States of America
• Jamba Juice
• Smoothie King
• Freshens

How well do you think Booster Juice matches up to their competitors? Would you prefer to purchase your juice or smoothie at one of their competitors? Why? 

References:

1. http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/13600--smoothie-chain-booster-juice-finds-expanding-globally-is-not-always-smooth 
2. http://www.franchise.ae/news/MWH-expands-in-Saudi-Arabia-170/ 
3. http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/59480/ 
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Smoothie_Cafe 
5. http://www.nusmoothiesuae.com/
6. http://www.san.org/images/storefronts/T2---Jamba-Juice.jpg 
7. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqBBlwVP5szJQd2uprMA-GeFVLyk7D1knvM-HceMwPZx-DWNpS3rkDo5MS9WNZVrRGv_mtTVtnANwe_EQPN2KbXj3zdVnFD4igvix3-DtresyW8kakuPJ-Zezq7HSaW-Lq3CLobetoLM/s1600/Mall+Kiosk.jpg
8. http://thefranchisehound.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/smoothie-king3-300x224.jpg
9. http://www.toledoblade.com/image/2011/03/30/800x_b1_cCM_z/Tropical-smoothie-cafe.jpg
10. http://www.clickthecity.com/img2/articles/CTC-3206-image3.jpg 
11. http://sascharothchild.com/blog/category/froyo/

Facts Sheet about Booster Juice

Below I will attempt to share some valuable facts about this company that opened its first branch here in Edmonton, Canada in 1999. Some of the interesting facts I found are:

1. Booster Juice is in the Guinness World Records for making the world's largest smoothie? Follow this link for more information,  boosterjuice.com/pdfs/WorldLargestSmoothie.pdf  
2. The juice and smoothie bar sector is growing at an annual rate of 30%
3. Booster Juice operates in Canada, India, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and United Arab Emirates
4. There are more than three dozen varieties of beverages on their menu
5. They have over 170 locations in North America
6. Booster Juice is the fastest growing juice bar in Canada

So, there you have it my viewers, isn't it amazing how this company has change the way we enjoy a good tasting thirst quencher?

References:

1. Guffey, M. E., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2008). Business communication process and product (6^th edition). Toronto: Nelson. 
2. Canadian Cancer Society, boosterjuice.com/pdfs/WorldLargestSmoothie.pdf

How to become a Booster Juice Franchisee

The requirements to become a Booster Juice franchisee includes:

        1. Cost and Qualifications:                                                                    

• Minimum financial requirements: 
• Net worth - $350,000
• Liquid Assets - $100,000
• Experience : Customer Service background preferred
• Franchisee fee: $20,000
• Turnkey cost: $214,000 - $250,000
• Royalty fee: $6% of gross sales
• Unit size:
• 950 - 1200 sq. ft. (Traditional)
• 550 - 950 sq. ft. (Small format traditional)
• 120 - 400 sq.ft. (Kiosk)
• Terms of franshisee agreement: 10 years
• Training: 2 weeks

         2. Qualification process:

• Fill out application - if minimum requirement, you will be sent a franchisee package
• Initial meeting - reviewing of application and business plans
• Dicovery day - you will be giving a chance to meet the senior executives at the Booster Juice corporate headquarters in Edmonton.
• Signing - they will run a background and reference check, if there is no hiccups, you will sign an agreement.

Also, I found this informational video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-JYZv6WOII

There are also additional support offered and guidelines to help you settle in as a new franchisee owner. I think this is a great opportunity to invest into a growing company. Evidences are pointing to healty lifestyle changes as a key factor in helping our bodies to fight off obesity and heart diseases. Do you think that Booster Juice will become more lucrative in the 

future? If so, why?

For more information on becoming a franchisee, please visit the website at boosterjuice.com/franchise/page6.html

Reference:

boosterjuice.com/franchise/page6.html

Booster Juice: Who are they targeting?

The share natural fruit juices would cause the "common man" to think that Booster Juice’s target audience are exercise and bodybuilding fanatics. However, a list of FAQs which can we found by clicking on this link: boosterjuice.com/pdfs/faq.pdf, suggests that their target group is not only teenagers around the ages of 18 – 26 who are likely to enjoy a good tasting thirst quencher, but also includes: pregnant women, persons allergic to nuts (there is a minimal chance of their ingredients being exposed to nuts), vegetarians, diabetics, health conscious individuals, athletes, kids, and parents. 

Evidently, their target group consists of individuals from different demographics, cultures, sexes, lifestyles, and conditions. As such, they provide a variety of menu choices to cater for the needs of those individuals, some of which includes: 

• Smoothies (high protein, power, berry, tropical, life choice, spirit, high protein superfood and superfood 
• Juices (orange, apple, carrot; ginger hammer; red sunrise, green hornet; maui juice; Tahiti squeeze; custom creation)
• Food offerings (chicken Panini, tuna wrap, egg scrambler wrap, booster bakes, steak and egg scrambler wrap, Greek vegetarian wrap, etc.)
• Shakers (wheatgrass, acai NRG, macha)
• Other products (yogurt blenz, acai berry bowl, Zola acai)

Tuna Wrap

Wheatgrass shaker

So, it is clear that Booster Juice cater for the needs of everybody. It is natural, tasty, and healthy; and those are the ingredients you want to fuel your body with to make it last and be well. Don’t you want to preserve your body and reduce the likelihood of sickness?

References:

1. Guffey, M. E., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2008). Business communication process and product (6^th edition). Toronto: Nelson.
2. http://www.grainchain.com/recipes-1/tuna-wrap

My Booster Juice Experience

As I promised in my last blog post, it was quite gratifying to get some valuable insights and hands on experience of this "business in a blender". My first booster juice was an energy booster which was a blend of Korean ginseng and bee pollen. I have to admit it taste great. I love the natural flavour not to mention the health benefits. Also, a cold booster juice on a hot summer afternoon was quite gratifying to the taste buds. The layout of the business is fabulous with lots of educational pamphlets and brochures.

However, it was a sad scenario when I visited the business; there weren’t a lot of people buying or at least willing to try it. Why do you think there is hardly any line-up at Booster Juice franchises? Have you ever visited a Booster Juice location before and what was your experience?