Drink in her Success!

By: Amanda Henry Photo credit: Laza Food & Beverage

Guelph is known for a lot of unique, small businesses, and Laza Food & Beverages Inc. is no different. Located in the heart of the Ward, founder and CEO Melku Gebrekristos is making delicious hibiscus teas and frozen treats. These 100% natural products are caffeine free, sweetened with organic cane sugar and honey, are high in antioxidants, and are guaranteed to be enjoyable for all ages.

After noticing that there was a lack of ethnic food being sold in Guelph, Melku started planning her business and in 2009, opened up Laza Food & Beverages. When she was ready to launch, she became a vendor at the Guelph Farmers Market (where she’s still a vendor today) to sell her products. Serving a hibiscus drink, she noticed the popularity and trendiness of the product and decided to develop her beverage line further.

Now with multiple flavours including hibiscus ginger, hibiscus mint, hibiscus honey, and the new hibiscus lemonana (lemon and mint combined), Melku is ready to take her business to the next level. Due to high customer demand, Melku is currently transitioning her beverages from glass bottles to cans and is also introducing carbonated beverages in the same well-loved flavours.

The hibiscus drinks aren’t the only specialty of Laza Food & Beverage. In 2017, Melku launched a new product, ice pops. Wanting a different product that is equally healthy and delicious, Laza ice pops come in 6 delicious flavours. Laza ice pops are gluten and dairy free, and are sweetened with maple syrup and honey. If you’ve been to Guelph Lake in the summer, any local music festivals, or local fundraising events, you’ve likely seen (and hopefully tasted) the refreshing Laza ice pops. Laza’s frozen treats are not limited for human only, many dogs from Guelph have also enjoyed Arki frozen dog treats which are made from human-grade ingredients.

There’s no doubt that Melku’s success is attributed to her hard work, but her ability to listen to her customers and adapt is truly what sets her apart. When asked what inspires her in her business, Melku noted that she likes a challenge, but more importantly, she firmly believes in her products. She appreciates Innovation Guelph for helping her address any business challenges and praises her mentors for helping her with business decisions when needed.

Moving into the spring, Melku is looking forward to re-launching her hibiscus tea products in cans and providing the option of carbonated drinks. “I want people to try the product, promote it, and give feedback. The Guelph community has been incredibly supportive, and I encourage residents to shop local and support local businesses” says Melku.

To order your hibiscus tea or ice pops, click here. q www.SeeitBeitSTEMit.com