Nourishing Hydration: The Sum Good Story

Sum Good was born out of a mother’s concern for her children’s health and well-being. When April Glavine realized there were no suitable electrolyte replacement options for her active children that didn’t contain dyes and added sugars, she decided to take matters into her own hands. April recalls, “I was open to the idea of them replacing their electrolytes, but I really had a hard time fueling them with dyes and added sugars. Mainly, the dyes were the biggest concern.”

The journey began in late 2020 when April reached out to her friend and now business partner, Matt Pennell. April and Matt quickly realized a significant gap in the market for a clean, wholesome electrolyte product. They conducted a blind study and focus group across Canada and the US, further validating their concept.

Innovating with Local Ingredients

One of Sum Good’s core values is supporting local communities. They source pressed apple juice from Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, ensuring that the first ingredient in their freezies is wholesome and supports food security. April emphasizes, “If we can do our part by having pressed fruit from our local farmers as the first ingredient, we are giving back to our local communities and trying to help curb the challenges we have with food security by supporting locally.”

Sum Good also sources blueberries and cranberries from various local farmers in Atlantic Canada, ensuring a rich and diverse flavour profile in their products. April explains, “Our blueberries and cranberries can come from different farmers, which helps us maintain a consistent supply and support more local producers.” Additionally, Sum Good incorporates sea salt from Newfoundland as one of the essential electrolyte components. “Using sea salt from Newfoundland not only enhances our product’s electrolyte content but also supports another local industry,” April adds.

Navigating the Landscape of Product Development

Developing new flavours and expanding their product line is challenging due to the high costs associated with packaging and branding. Despite these challenges, Sum Good remains committed to quality over quantity. They have focused on creating a healthy, delicious, shelf-stable product that is convenient for consumers.

While April and Matt currently focus on their flagship freezies, they explore various new flavours and potential product lines. April shares, “We plenty of new ideas that we are really excited about.”

A significant milestone for Sum Good was its inclusion in Mohawk MedBuy. This platform allows healthcare facilities across Canada to purchase Sum Good products. April says, “Starting on June 1st, we are now part of Mohawk MedBuy, and healthcare facilities across Canada can purchase our products. This is a huge step for us!”

Sum Good’s impact on the community has been profound. April shared a touching story about receiving a handwritten Christmas card from a cancer patient and how Sum Good provided her relief during her treatments. “I never expected that piece,” April says. “Getting messages such as somebody coming out of chemotherapy and radiation and having Sum Good help them return to feeling good again is unbelievable.”

Sum Good’s Future Plans and Vision

Sum Good is focused on expanding into the Ontario market and increasing its sales velocity before going national. Their long-term goals include exporting outside of Canada and ensuring they continue to support local communities while growing their brand.

“Our biggest focus for the next year is doing well in the new market and getting sales velocity there before we go national with retail,” April explains. Supporting the growth of local companies is a core part of Sum Good’s mission. April states, “We believe that by supporting local businesses, we are helping our own company grow and contribute to our community's overall economic health. It’s all about creating a sustainable ecosystem where everyone benefits.”

Sum Good’s participation in Dragon’s Den was also a pivot for the company. April and Matt found the experience challenging and inspiring. “Going through Dragon’s Den allowed us to work on our business, look at our market opportunities, and work together more closely,” April shares. The feedback and validation from the Dragons provided a significant boost to their confidence and helped propel their business forward. This experience also influenced their future plans by highlighting the importance of thorough market analysis and strategic planning, which has been instrumental in their expansion efforts.

In conclusion, Sum Good's commitment to quality ingredients and local sourcing is not just about creating a product but about leading a movement towards healthier, more sustainable hydration solutions. As April aptly puts it, "Startups are hard, but when you get messages of gratitude from those you've helped, it drives you to keep going." With a variety of delicious and wholesome freezy flavours, such as Mixed Berry and Apple, crafted using pressed fruit and natural ingredients, Sum Good ensures that each freezy is both nutritious and refreshing. To learn more about their inspiring journey and products, visit sumgood.ca, follow them @sumgoodfreezies on Facebook or Instagram, and join the movement towards a healthier and more sustainable future.