Boisson – the largest non-alcoholic beverage retailer – recently announced the appointment of Sheetal Aiyer as CEO. In a parallel path, the brand has revealed that it has received funding in a $5 million bridge round from Convivialité Ventures, the VC arm of Pernod Ricard, and Connect Ventures, the investment partnership between entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and global venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates (NEA).
This investment will drive domestic and international expansion, strategic partnerships, and curated product collections and facilitate Boisson into its next era as a category disruptor and distinguished omnichannel platform for suppliers and customers.
Aiyer – a seasoned executive passionate about startups and growth phase companies – brings a sophisticated skillset to Boisson, having previously held titles such as President, COO, and General Counsel across multiple brands and organizations in the CPG space. As the Principal and Founder of Vik Charles Consulting, he has helped scale multiple companies, including Marie Veronique skincare, Cardinal Spirits, Eureka Heights Brewing Company, and Sixpoint Brewery.
The executive transition comes at a time of immense growth for the company. Sheetal’s requisite executive experience will lead the company to the next stage of development. As Founder and President, Nick Bodkins will continue overseeing the long-term vision for Boisson and explore new opportunities for the business internationally.
Launched in 2021 in NYC by Bodkins, Boisson was created to provide non-alcoholic spirits to consumers in a welcoming, judgment-free zone that sparks curiosity. The company has since then expanded to eight storefronts across NYC, LA, and San Francisco in addition to rapidly growing its e-commerce platform, executing strategic industry partnerships with brands like Drizly, and increasing its revenue by 300% from 2021 to 2022. Boisson is on track for triple-digit growth in 2023 over 2022 (year-over-year), cementing its firm position as the leader in the NA market.
KEY QUOTES:
“Since day one, Boisson’s mission has been to bring elevated NA offerings to the masses and we are excited to use this new investment to continue expanding our store footprint and product assortment. Further, I am thrilled to pass the CEO baton over to Sheetal at this pivotal time as we continue to lead the category forward and normalize NA drinking within our culture.”
— Nick Bodkins, Founder & President of Boisson
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead what is already the pre-eminent tastemaker and omni channel platform for the NA space, and believe the opportunities ahead for Boisson are profound. I’m thankful for Nick’s thought leadership and vision, and look forward to working alongside him and the rest of the team to continue evolving the way the world drinks.”
— Sheetal Aiyer
“Boisson plays a key role in the fast-growing non-alcoholic category, by discovering and curating the best NA brands for consumers. The company helps the leading NA brands expand their business across Boisson’s retail, ecommerce, and growing wholesale channels. We are thrilled to work closely with them on the next stage of their journey.”
— Brandon Yahn, Partner at Convivialité Ventures
