Pragmatic Beverage Co. is a beverage manufacturing and formulation company based in Fullerton, California, focused on scalable, shelf-stable coffee and tea products. Founded by Brant Curtis and Trey Malone, the company specializes in cold brew coffee concentrates, tea extracts, and custom co-packing services designed to meet the needs of foodservice operators, private-label brands, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage startups. Pragmatic Beverage Co. leverages advanced formulation and bag-in-box packaging technology to support sustainable, efficient beverage delivery at scale.
Core Business
Pragmatic Beverage Co. operates as a vertically integrated beverage development and manufacturing partner. Its core business is to produce high-quality, shelf-stable concentrates and RTD beverages in a variety of formats, including bulk bag-in-box, kegs, and cans. The company supports clients across retail, foodservice, and hospitality industries with both branded and white-label solutions.
Product and Service Offerings
Pragmatic Beverage Co.'s portfolio spans multiple beverage categories:
-
Coffee Concentrates:
- Cold brew coffee (bag-in-box, keg, and RTD)
- Espresso concentrates for commercial use
- Fully customizable strength and roast profiles
-
Tea Concentrates:
- Shelf-stable black, green, and herbal tea bases
- Designed for iced tea dispensing and RTD tea formulations
-
Ready-to-Drink Beverages:
- Canned cold brew coffee
- Sparkling and still functional teas
-
Private Label & Co-Packing Services:
- Beverage R&D and formulation
- Nutritional paneling, compliance, and label design
- Pilot runs and full-scale production for third-party brands
The company’s flexible packaging formats and formulation capabilities allow it to serve startups and national chains alike.
Specialization and USP
Pragmatic Beverage Co. differentiates itself through:
- Shelf-Stable Formulations: Engineered without refrigeration for extended shelf life
- B2B Focus: Supports hospitality, QSRs, and CPG companies with high-volume solutions
- Bag-in-Box Expertise: Efficient for foodservice operations and sustainability goals
- Custom R&D Services: Enables rapid prototyping and private-label innovation
Its ability to scale while offering customization makes it a valuable partner for businesses seeking fast go-to-market beverage solutions.
Financial Insights
While Pragmatic Beverage Co. is privately held and does not publicly disclose revenues:
- The U.S. cold brew market surpassed $1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at 20.2% CAGR through 2030.
- Pragmatic's cost-efficient bag-in-box and concentrate formats are well-aligned with the needs of institutional buyers and QSR chains.
- Estimated annual production is in the range of 250,000 to 500,000 gallons, depending on client volume and co-packing runs.
Shipment and Market Reach
The company serves clients primarily in the United States:
- Regional distribution in California and the West Coast
- Expansion into multi-unit restaurant groups and commissary kitchens
- Shipping of bag-in-box and palletized RTD beverages to distributors nationwide
Its co-packing services are increasingly in demand from emerging DTC and retail beverage startups.
Target Market
Pragmatic Beverage Co. targets:
- Foodservice operators (cafés, restaurants, hotels)
- Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage brands
- Retailers looking to launch private-label functional beverages
- Corporate catering and large office programs
- Specialty grocers and wholesalers
This positions the company well within the growing trend of premium, convenience-driven coffee and tea products.
Capabilities
- In-house beverage scientists and formulators
- Pilot lab for small-batch testing and product validation
- High-capacity co-packing line for concentrates and RTD products
- Bag-in-box, kegging, and canning formats
- Label compliance, quality assurance, and regulatory support
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA-registered manufacturing facility
- Products manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Compliant with state and federal labeling standards
- Shelf-stable products tested for microbial and pH stability
Customer Testimonials
Though reviews are not widely aggregated, client feedback in private-label forums and B2B networks include:
- “Incredible formulation team—nailed our flavor profile on the first run.”
- “Reliable co-packing partner with fast turnaround and responsive communication.”
- “The bag-in-box cold brew system has helped us reduce costs and eliminate waste.”
These reviews underscore Pragmatic’s role as a trusted B2B supplier and innovation partner.
Major Achievements
- Expanded product offerings to include both cold brew and functional teas
- Successfully co-developed products with emerging CPG brands sold in Whole Foods and Erewhon
- Supported beverage launches that have reached 6-figure annual sales in less than 12 months
- Developed proprietary concentrate formulas with extended shelf life and stable taste profiles
- Recognized for its eco-friendly packaging alternatives and operational efficiency
Pragmatic Beverage Co. continues to build its reputation as a reliable, innovative force in the functional beverage industry. Its adaptability, technical expertise, and focus on sustainable packaging solutions make it a preferred partner for brands seeking to scale quickly and responsibly.
