Company Interview / From Fiji to fridge - Calmer goes mainstream

Key points:

Record 81% monthly revenue growth for Calmer Co (ASX:CCO) in Coles (ASX:COL) sales Expanded presence in Woolworths (ASX:WOW) and Amazon USA Kava positioned as an alcohol alternative, especially among Gen Z Strong FY25 revenue uplift with strategic channel focus

Calmer Co (ASX:CCO) is experiencing significant growth in the consumer packaged goods sector, with a particular focus on kava-based products. Zane Yoshida states that Calmer Co has seen an 81% month-on-month increase in revenue within the Coles (ASX:COL) retail channel for July, a record performance for the company. The business expanded its kava product range in Coles approximately 15 months ago and recently began supplying Woolworths (ASX:WOW) as well. Yoshida indicates that mainstream Australian consumers are turning to kava as a potential alternative to alcohol, with growing adoption for relaxation and end-of-day unwinding.

Yoshida highlights that Calmer Co produces most of its raw materials in Fiji, making finished kava products for export to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, alongside a CBD product line available in the US through the Dana Dent brand. The company is also active on Amazon USA, offering various kava formats, including ready-to-drink beverages, shots, and powders. Regulatory differences between Australia and the US provide greater flexibility for product development overseas.

Despite share price challenges for Calmer Co, Yoshida cites unaudited FY25 revenue up 86% year-on-year, driven by a four-pillar strategy: regional supply chain innovation, direct-to-consumer sales, profitable retail partnerships, and expanding wholesale offerings with higher potency kava products.