Franklin’s Fruit Tea: From Local Favorite to National Recognition - A Story of Success and Community Engagement
Franklin’s Fruit Tea, a popular artisan beverage brand with Southern-inspired flavors, recently won $50,000 in a national pitch competition hosted by Pharrell Williams. The competition, held in Miami, Florida, featured Franklin’s Fruit Tea as one of the top six companies out of over 2,500 applicants. Co-founded by Mylikia and Germayle Franklin, the brand has expanded from local festivals to regional distribution in select Kroger stores, JR’s Foodland, Compton’s Foodland, and more.
The competition, supported by sponsors like Visa, Louis Vuitton, and Adidas, aims to support high-potential founders. The $50,000 prize will help Franklin’s Fruit Tea increase production, enhance cold-storage capacity, and expand retail distribution. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including Liquid Gold, Mango Peach, Strawberry, and Classic Southern Lemonade.
Co-Founder Mylikia Franklin expressed gratitude for the award, stating that it validates their hard work and enables them to reach more communities. Co-Founder Germayle Franklin originally created the fruit tea recipe as a student-athlete at Middle Tennessee State University, and it has since become a beloved Tennessee staple known for its taste and community connections.
As Franklin’s Fruit Tea experiences growing demand, the brand is seeking investors and partners who share their values of quality, community, and expansion. The company is open to collaborations to further its reach across the Southeast and beyond.
In conclusion, Franklin’s Fruit Tea’s success in the national pitch competition highlights its commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement. The brand’s unique flavors and dedication to growth position it as a rising star in the beverage industry.