Brand Building Pioneer Enters the Burgeoning Plant-Based Industry FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kite Hill, the leading California-based company and innovator in artisan plant-based cheeses and plant-based yogurts, announced today that Shannon Toyos has joined the company as Vice President of Marketing. In her new role, she will be responsible for the strategic expansion of the brand’s presence in the market while aligning with the company’s core objectives of continuous growth and innovation to fit consumer demand.
“Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge on how to successfully drive new and emerging brands towards rapid growth and best-in-class innovation,” said Rob Leibowitz, CEO of Kite Hill. “We are confident that with her exceptional insight, innovative mindset, and strategic business acumen, Shannon will further solidify our brand, Kite Hill, as a leader and innovator within the plant-based market as consumer and retailer demand rapidly expands.”
Toyos carries more than 16 years of innovation and brand and business building experience. Prior to joining Kite Hill, Toyos was Vice President of Marketing for The J.M. Smucker Company where she led the marketing strategy, innovation agenda and business operations for the on-trend pet business unit. During her tenure, she launched many platforms including one of the largest new brand entries in the history of the pet snacks category, “Milo’s Kitchen”. Additionally, she was part of the core team to develop the growth strategy to expand into the pet premium space that resulted in a $1.9 billion increase within the brand’s portfolio through focused M&A.
“I’m thrilled to be working alongside a team of talented and dedicated individuals who are making a difference in the plant-based industry,” said Toyos. “My family and I have been loyal fans of Kite Hill and big believers in the move towards a dairy-free lifestyle for better health and environment, so this is an exciting opportunity to work with a brand that is on-trend and a fit with my lifestyle and beliefs.”
Up first on Toyos's agenda will be to take an active role driving awareness and trial for Kite Hill's new Almond Milk Yogurt Tubes and Almond Milk Drinkable yogurts - all joining the market in late July 2018. She plans to use her experience and skills to ensure that the brand continues to lead the market with great tasting, better-for-you innovation while continuing to expand on its rapidly growing distribution footprint.
Kite Hill has differentiated itself in the plant-based category by creating delicious dairy alternatives that marry traditional cheese making craft with modern innovation. Kite Hill sources the highest-quality, non-GMO almonds from California’s San Joaquin Valley to make its almond milk fresh daily. This almond milk is then used as a base for a wide range of products under the Kite Hill umbrella, including cream cheese style spreads, traditionally cultured yogurts and artisanal cheeses. Most recently, Kite Hill announced the addition of a Greek-style, protein-packed yogurt and a fan-favorite Jalapeño flavor to their popular lines of yogurts and cream cheese style spreads.
For more information about Kite Hill, please visit www.kite-hill.com (http://www.kite-hill.com/).
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About Kite Hill
Kite Hill is the creator of delicious plant-based alternatives to beloved traditional dairy products that lead with great taste and a feel-good clean label. This award-winning combination offers a satisfying experience to all consumers interested in plant-based dairy alternatives. The full product line, consisting of Greek and European style yogurts, cream cheese style spreads, soft cheeses and ravioli continues to receive praise and build a strong following among today's health conscious consumers. The Kite Hill line is sold through Whole Foods Markets, Publix Super Markets, Target, and leading natural and specialty grocery retailers nationwide. For more information on Kite Hill, please visit: _www.kite-hill.com_ (http://www.kite-hill.com/) | 
