Eric Hoang: Saving The Dance Floor With YATÉ

If you're looking for an alternative to traditional energy drinks that are loaded with sugar and questionable ingredients, you're not alone. Many people are in search of a healthier and more effective way to keep going during a night out without experiencing a hard crash or jitters.

Many people enjoy socializing and partying with friends after a long day at work or on weekends. However, finding beverage options to stay energized throughout the night can be difficult. The available options may not always be suitable for a night out, and healthier alternatives to energy drinks and caffeine are scarce. Recognizing this gap in the market, Eric Hoang, a seasoned strategy and transformation executive, founded YATÉ Yerba Mate to create a clean energy drink that provides a natural and delicious twist on tea. Starting a beverage brand is hard, but despite its challenges, Eric shaped and grew YATÉ through a social media presence, brand partnerships, and influencer marketing to target its ideal demographic.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney and Arnelle Mitchell talk with Eric Hoang, Co-founder of YATÉ Yerba Mate, about growing a beverage brand for social occasions. Eric talks about the inspiration for creating an alternative energy drink with unique benefits, how YATÉ differentiates itself in the market, the role of social media, customer feedback, collaborations, and partnerships in its growth, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the beverage industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • Eric Hoang introduces YATÉ Yerba Mate and how it came to be

  • What’s the impetus for creating an alternative energy drink with unique benefits?

  • How YATÉ differentiates itself in the market

  • Eric talks about the role of social media and customer feedback on YATÉ’s growth

  • How to expand your brand through collaborations and partnerships

  • How founders can achieve a work-life balance 

  • What’s next for YATÉ? 

  • Eric’s advice for budding entrepreneurs in the beverage industry

About Eric Hoang

Eric Hoang is the Co-founder of YATÉ Yerba Mate, a sparkling, naturally delicious twist on tea that gives you a clean boost of energy. YATÉ is made from 100% organic yerba mate and offers plant-based benefits without adverse effects such as crashes or jitters.

Eric has founded two businesses and has an intimate understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. Working across more than 30 countries, he is a seasoned strategy and transformation executive with extensive experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Eric possesses a wealth of experience in corporate strategy, sales, international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational design. His career has spanned working with startups as well as Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate complex problems and facilitate change.

Duncan Alney