Metromint Blog

creating the new

5/7/08
by Rio Miura, Founder of Metromint

When my eyes start opening wide and I start grinning after 10:00 pm, my husband Scott knows what is happening to me. "New ideas!” I don’t know why but I am always thinking about new products which are mostly related to food or beverage. I started to take notes of these ideas with my sketches for years and Metromint was one of them.

When I tried making the first Metromint, it was so funny. It happened at our kitchen one night….all of sudden I decided to put an Altoid in a glass of water, and then a big light hit! It was a moment that I will never forget. I am so excited about creating things— making a sand castle on the beach with my kids ( 6yr and 5yr) or new kinds of beverages for our business. Of course, the beverage making has more risk than the sandcastle making, but I have Scott. He covers various hurdles, letting me walk without having to worry about the challenges along the way— so I can still grin at 10:00pm. Scott and I are great team!

We recently became parents of #3. Baby Eri was born on March 14th at 4:44 am. It was such a fun time delivering Eri. I absolutely enjoyed every moment of the labor. And I am still thrilled doing all the work involved with having a new born in my life, and not enough sleep! Babies are a miracle & fascinating….I am so lucky to have one more chance to raise a person. Is this something to do with “creating?” Then yes, I love being a mom!

employee wellness initiative

4/1/08
by Joe Villafuerte, Director of Human Resources

This year we are implementing a new health incentive for all Metromint employees, a Wellness Program. The program is aimed at assisting our local and remote employees in maintaining a healthier balance when it comes to their own wellness. The company’s goal is to help boost employee satisfaction, increase productivity, reduce healthcare costs and cut absenteeism. We are working toward the Partnership for Prevention's "Healthy Workforce 2010”, helping America achieve its health objectives for the year 2010.

Our SF based employees have the opportunity to partake in a local health club, offerings from area yoga and dance studios, and a weekly organic fruit delivery. Our Valencia and remote employees may also take advantage of reduced fitness memberships. More wellness initiatives are in the works.

cherry on top at expo west

3/24/08
by Adam Hertel, West Coast Regional Chain Accounts Manager

We have been busy catching our breath following the 2008 Natural Products Expo West show held March 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Expo West is the top natural food and beverage tradeshow in the country. This year’s event attracted a record attendance of 52,000 attendees and 3400 exhibitors. Metromint used this opportunity to launch our new Cherrymint variety, the sixth addition to the Metromint line-up.

We were thrilled by the positive response from retailers, distributors, and industry professionals. Combined sampling of our recent Chocolatemint release alongside Cherrymint turned out to be a hit with an Expo fan base already familiar with our other lines. Thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth to say hello!

valentine's day recap

2/25/2008
by Moselle Hindle, Marketing Manager

When was the last time a stranger wished you “Happy Valentine’s Day?” On Thursday February 14th, more than 250 people got a Happy Valentine’s Day wish from me, and I was amazed at the happiness my random act of Metromint kindness generated! The smiles. The laughs. Maybe it was the bottle of Chocolatemint I was offering them. Maybe it was the idea that a stranger would be wishing them Happy Valentines Day. Or maybe it was my bright red wig.

Whatever it was, the entire San Francisco-based Metromint staff was out spreading Metromint love— from King Street Cal Train station to Union Square. We handed out over 2500 bottles of our new Chocolatemint Metromint and in return, received smiles, thanks, laughs and, yes, even a romantic offer or two for dates!

The feedback we received was mostly positive. Our newest variety, Chocolatemint, may seem a little unusual but, believe me, it’s just as delicious and refreshing as our other varieties. Of course, some people do not want to mix their water with chocolate and will not try it at all. Maybe they don’t like chocolate, or maybe they assume it is sweetened. I think they would be surprised if they did taste it. If you haven’t tried it already, you’ll have to see for yourself.

We’re looking forward to getting a lot of feedback from the natural food stores, cafes, and restaurants on both Chocolatemint and a new soon-to-be-released variety which, as Scott mentioned last week, will feature red dots. We’ll be at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA from March 14 – 16th. If you’re planning on going there, stop by our booth, #2572.

some things never change

2/11/2008
by Scott Lowe, President/CEO

It’s funny to think back just a couple years ago. There was just one product
(Peppermint!) and five employees. We did everything ourselves; from
designing the bottle and label, to selling it into individual stores, to
paying the bills, to doing handouts around the city (see above).

Now in the fourth year of our business, 2008 is already flying by as
January is a month of the past, and February is off to a solid start. This
month, we’re releasing our fifth variety, Chocolatemint, so keep your eyes
out for it. It will be arriving in select stores around the country, just in
time for Valentine’s Day. I have to say, Rio did it again, creating what I
believe is the most innovative beverage to hit the market in years.
Definitely give it a try. In fact, if you happen to be in San Francisco on
Valentine’s Day, be on the lookout for the Metromint van and the Metromint
staff doing a handout around the city...just like the old days.

What else is on the horizon at Soma? Much more, of course. First, Howard and
the crew at the plant have nearly perfected the commercial production of the
sixth variety in the Metromint family – you should expect to see its red
dots show up in early summer. Also, for over a year now, we’ve been working
on another cutting edge creation, and if we can get it just right, we may
offer a sneak preview before the end of 2008. Of course, I need to leave out
the specifics, but it goes without saying that this new release will be one
of a kind and will work for all of you who maintain a healthy, active
lifestyle.

I also want to be sure and say a sincere thank you to our supportive
community, from those of you who send your resumes looking to work
with us, to those of you who proudly show your bottle of Metromint to our
sales team in the field – keep it coming!