Storytelling Standouts: Tales from the CTW Show Floor

CTW offered something special this year – genuine connections. Instead of the usual business card shuffle, we witnessed operators and exhibitors huddled together, diving deep into discussions about game-changing products and innovations. What truly caught our attention were the compelling stories behind many of the brands. Missed this year\’s show? Don\’t worry. We\’ve rounded up some standout exhibitors whose brand stories left us wanting more. These are the companies you\’ll definitely want on your radar for 2025.

&BACK COFFEE™: Every Cup Empowers

Roxanne Joyal’s mission goes beyond brewing exceptional coffee – it\’s about transforming lives through every bean. &Back sources 100% Arabica beans responsibly, investing in women coffee farmers and the future of coffee farming as a whole.   &BACK coffees are a blend of Fairtrade beans from East Africa and Latin America and tempt with notes ranging from citrus to chocolate to currant.  Based in Canada, &Back’s has now launched in the US with initial placements in the largest tech companies in Silicon Valley. &Back is a certified B Corp., woman owned, and climate neutral certified.

BLK & Bold: Brewing Community Impact 

What happens when two childhood friends decide to shake up the coffee industry? Ask Pernell and Ro, the dynamic duo behind BLK & Bold. Their formula is simple but powerful: exceptional coffee plus 5% of profits channeled directly into youth empowerment programs nationwide. From Oakland to Philadelphia, their impact is as bold as their brews. With NFL legend Deion Sanders as their champion and presence in over 11,000 retail locations, they\’re proving that great coffee can build stronger communities. And yes, they\’re in the tea game too!

Bodecker: Innovation Meets Responsibility

This family-owned Canadian business was determined to design its single-cup brewing system differently from the start.  Their 100% recyclable pods aren\’t just talk; the founders literally hit the road to collect used pods from customers, personally ensuring they make it back to recycling facilities. Bodecker Brewers are known for their reliability and low maintenance.  Their countertop brewers are smart and space-savvy, delivering consistently perfect drinks without flavor cross-contamination. 

Odyssey®: Energy Reimagined

In the crowded energy drink space, Odyssey is charting its own course with a secret weapon: mushrooms. But we\’re not talking about your average fungi – we\’re talking Lion\’s Mane and Cordyceps, nature\’s cognitive enhancers. Whether you\’re chasing peak performance or seeking focused calm, their three distinct lines (including a caffeine-free option) deliver more than just an energy boost – they\’re engineered for total mind-body optimization.

Clearly Canadian: The Stellar Comeback 

If you\’re wondering what genuine fan loyalty looks like, ask Clearly Canadian. When this \’80s brand staged its return in 2012, fans from 35 countries – spanning every U.S. state and Canadian province – rallied to make it happen. Sourced from genuine Canadian springs (rarer for sparkling water companies than you\’d expect), these sparkling beverages strike the perfect balance: bolder flavors than typical sparkling waters, but less sugary than traditional sodas. It\’s the perfect mid-calorie option for consumers seeking refuge from artificial sweeteners and sugar overload. No wonder the brand is outpacing category growth.

Java House®: Well Crafted Convenience

Java House is the first to introduce single-serve peel-and-pour beverage pods, making it even easier to enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hydration beverages, and more.  Simply pour and mix with hot (or cold) water at the ratio of your choice to customize your drink.  It\’s a game-changer for hospitality venues looking to offer premium beverages without the premium equipment investment. Plus, these 100% recyclable pods (yes, even the lids) make sustainability simple. Fun fact, Java House has partnered with Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) in the 2025 INDYCAR SERIES. Look for its logo on Car 20 next year!

Tractor Beverage Co.: Organic Refreshment

These certified organic, non-carbonated beverages are available at many well known eateries and are making a splash in the convenience service industry too. Tractor Beverages are crafted from roots, fruits, and blossoms, all responsibly sourced from certified organic farms.  Its goal is to make organic beverages accessible while championing regenerative farming practices globally. No wonder both Inc. 5000 and Fast Company have recognized them as beverage industry innovators. 

Copper Cow Coffee: The Pour Over Goes Portable 

Copper Cow Coffee has reimagined the away-from-home coffee experience with its single-serve pour-over coffee packets. The clever filters suspend right from the rim of your coffee cup! From Classic Black to adventurous Churro, Copper Cow’s Vietnamese coffee blends deliver delicious pour-over coffee without the fuss and allow founder Debbie Wei Mullin to share her culture and coffee love. The shelf-stable sweetened condensed milk creamers are crafted without artificial ingredients and are a yummy finishing touch.

Bruetta® Elevating Tea to an Art Form

Bruetta invites you to “ditch the tea bags and let loose” with its loose-leaf tea program. The packaging and counter display is downright beautiful. And, we will be honest, there was something about preparing our tea with quality whole tea leaves that felt extra special and flavorful (we think your customers will feel it too).   Bruetta also offers its unique BruLid® to filter loose leaf tea as you sip (also part of the counter display).   Sometimes, tea takes a backseat to coffee in the breakroom. With Bruetta, we think it will take center stage.

Bevi® The Future is More Compact

Just when you think you know Bevi, they are outdoing themselves again. At this year’s CTW Show, we got a sneak peek at its brand-new Countertop 1.5 model. It is 50% smaller and 40% more powerful than the existing countertop model! It also installs in half the time and is designed to fit in most existing countertop drill holes. Additional upgrades include improved ventilation, cellular connectivity, and auto shut-off for leak protection. Look for this new product to be available to operators in the coming months.

As an operator, you have countless options to choose from, but great story telling brands are more than just a nice-to-have in your product lineup—they’re a must. As we wrap up our look at some of the standout storytellers from the CTW Show, we also want to give a special shout-out to a few of our favorite snack exhibitors: Cooper Street Snacks, Everbar, and Field Trip Snacks. Your delicious offerings were the perfect complement to an event brimming with fresh ideas!