Leah Kollross on Launching FRESH PRESS and Redefining Functional Beverage Innovation

In a rapidly evolving beverage industry where consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks, Minneapolis entrepreneur Leah Kollross has emerged as a visionary leader with the launch of FRESH PRESS, a revolutionary pear cider that represents a sophisticated new chapter in functional beverages. As founder of 23rd State, a forward-thinking beverage brand committed to wellness and functional formulations, Kollross has created what she describes as “nothing else like it on the market”—a crisp pear cider featuring an innovative blend of natural compounds that delivers both uplifting and calming effects within 5-10 minutes of consumption. The zero-alcohol, low-calorie beverage contains no artificial sweeteners and showcases complex flavor notes including crisp autumn pear, lemon citrus, vanilla bean, and floral undertones, designed to pair perfectly with sophisticated fare like brie cheese, prosciutto, and pasta. Available in convenient 4-packs of 12-ounce cans starting September 23, 2025, FRESH PRESS targets modern consumers seeking elevated social experiences without compromise, positioning itself as the ideal choice for creative sessions, relaxing evenings, or social gatherings where people want to “feel good on purpose.” Through 23rd State’s commitment to plant-powered alternatives and clearly labeled food pairing suggestions, Kollross has crafted a product that seamlessly fits into any occasion while redefining what functional beverages can achieve in terms of sophistication, taste, and social acceptability in the wellness-focused market.

1.You founded 23rd State with a mission to redefine the ritual of drinking through plant-powered alternatives, and FRESH PRESS represents your most ambitious product launch yet with its unique pear cider formulation. What specific market research or personal experiences led you to identify the need for a sophisticated functional beverage that bridges the gap between wellness and social enjoyment, and how did you develop the complex flavor profile featuring autumn pear, lemon citrus, vanilla bean, and floral notes?

Leah Kollross:When I started 23rd State, I noticed a real gap between the wellness movement and the social drinking experience. So many people, myself included, were looking for alternatives to alcohol that still felt elevated, celebratory, and indulgent. Through personal experience, especially navigating my own health journey, I realized that most options on the market either leaned too “functional” and medicinal, or too sweet and juvenile. I wanted something that could hold its own in a wine glass or at a dinner party.

The inspiration for FRESH PRESS came both from listening to consumers and from my own love of the ritual of sipping something beautiful at the end of the day. Market research showed us that people are increasingly choosing moderation but still want that sense of sophistication and discovery in their beverage choices. That’s why we leaned into a complex, layered flavor profile—autumn pear for warmth and seasonality, bright lemon citrus for freshness, vanilla bean for depth, and subtle floral notes to tie it together. The goal was to craft a drink that feels both luxurious and approachable, whether you’re toasting with friends or unwinding solo.

2.FRESH PRESS delivers fast-acting effects within 5-10 minutes while maintaining zero alcohol, low calories, and no artificial sweeteners, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. As someone creating products for the modern wellness market, how do you balance the technical challenges of natural compound formulation with consumer expectations for taste and consistency, and what role does your background play in understanding both the science and market appeal of functional beverages?

Leah Kollross:One of the biggest challenges in this space is that consumers want it all – they want a beverage that’s clean, natural, and effective, but also tastes incredible and feels consistent every time they reach for it. Balancing that takes a lot of intention. We work closely with formulators to ensure that the functional compounds we’re using are bioavailable and fast-acting, without compromising on flavor or stability. It’s really about marrying the science with the sensory experience.

My background in retail and brand building has taught me that consumers won’t compromise on taste or experience, no matter how good something is for them. That perspective drives every decision we make. I approach formulation with the understanding that wellness products need to be enjoyable and aspirational – something people look forward to, not just tolerate for the benefits. That’s why FRESH PRESS emphasizes flavor complexity, consistency, and presentation just as much as functionality.

3.Your product features clearly labeled food pairing suggestions including brie cheese, prosciutto, baguette, and pasta, positioning FRESH PRESS as a sophisticated beverage choice rather than just a functional drink. How important is elevating the entire consumption experience through food pairing and premium positioning, and what strategies do you use to educate consumers about integrating functional beverages into social and culinary settings traditionally dominated by wine and craft beer?

Leah Kollross:For me, it’s not just about creating a beverage, it’s about creating an experience. Pairing FRESH PRESS with foods like brie, prosciutto, or pasta immediately reframes it in the consumer’s mind as something to savor and share, much like a wine or craft beer. It elevates the drink beyond functionality and gives it a place at the table, literally.

Education is a big part of that. We’re intentional about labeling pairings directly on the product so consumers feel guided and inspired to experiment. At tastings and events, we also lean into storytelling, drawing parallels between the rituals of wine culture and what functional beverages can offer – sophistication, connection, and discovery. By positioning FRESH PRESS in these social and culinary contexts, we’re helping people see it as not just an alternative to alcohol, but a premium choice in its own right.

4.23rd State is launching FRESH PRESS in Minnesota with plans for broader distribution, entering a competitive functional beverage market that’s rapidly evolving as consumer preferences shift toward wellness-focused products. What operational and regulatory challenges have you navigated to bring this product to market, and how do you differentiate 23rd State’s approach to product development and brand positioning from other functional beverage companies competing for shelf space and consumer attention?

Leah Kollross:Launching FRESH PRESS in Minnesota has meant keeping pace with a rapidly shifting hemp landscape. With new rules from the Office of Cannabis Management, compliance has been top of mind – but for us, that’s just the baseline. We’ve focused on not only meeting the requirements around potency, labeling, and testing, but also making sure our consumers feel complete confidence in what they’re drinking.

Where we really differentiate is in how we approach product development. Instead of chasing trends, we’ve built FRESH PRESS as a beverage designed for real moments – something that pairs beautifully with food, stands up in a social setting, and feels like a sophisticated choice rather than a compromise. Our flavor complexity and premium positioning help us stand apart from functional beverages that lean too clinical or too casual.

At 23rd State, we see compliance as the foundation, and culture, experience, and taste as the true differentiators. That’s how we’re bringing wellness-forward beverages into the mainstream with both sophistication and staying power.

5.You’ve described FRESH PRESS as perfect for “tuning in for a creative session” or “toasting with friends,” suggesting versatility across different usage occasions and consumer needs. As you continue building 23rd State’s product line and market presence, what’s your vision for expanding the brand beyond FRESH PRESS, and how do you see functional beverages evolving to meet the diverse lifestyle and wellness needs of consumers who want innovative alternatives to both alcohol and traditional soft drinks?

Leah Kollross:At 23rd State, our vision has always been bigger than one product. FRESH PRESS is an exciting step forward, but it’s really part of a much broader movement we’re building – creating sophisticated, plant-powered alternatives that enhance the way people gather, celebrate, and connect. We see a real opportunity to reimagine social rituals that have traditionally revolved around alcohol by giving people elevated options that feel just as festive, intentional, and stylish.

As we grow, we’ll continue developing products that are as versatile as the people who enjoy them, whether that’s a beverage for creative focus, a sparkling toast at brunch, or a way to wind down at the end of the day. For us, the future of functional beverages is about more than flavor or formulation; it’s about designing experiences that fit seamlessly into diverse lifestyles and occasions. Our goal is to make 23rd State a brand people reach for not only because it tastes incredible, but because it adds meaning and celebration to everyday moments.

Leah Kollross’s launch of FRESH PRESS through 23rd State represents a significant advancement in functional beverage sophistication, demonstrating how entrepreneurs can successfully bridge wellness trends with social drinking culture. Her focus on complex flavor development, food pairing education, and premium positioning shows a deep understanding of how to elevate functional products beyond their traditional market boundaries into mainstream lifestyle categories. By prioritizing fast-acting formulations, zero artificial ingredients, and sophisticated taste profiles, Kollross has created a product that appeals to health-conscious consumers without sacrificing the social and sensory experiences they expect from premium beverages. As consumer preferences continue shifting toward wellness-focused products and people increasingly seek functional alternatives to alcohol, her approach to brand building and product development provides a compelling roadmap for how beverage companies can achieve mainstream acceptance and market success. The strategic timing of FRESH PRESS’s Minnesota launch positions 23rd State to capture significant market share as functional beverages transition from niche products to essential components of the modern wellness and social drinking landscape.

To explore FRESH PRESS pear cider and discover innovative functional beverages, visitwww.23state.com