Two recent Kent State University alumni, Spencer Forrest and Marius Karl, are celebrating the launch of their new adult beverage brand, Jungle Juice, which is said to be the first non-carbonated alcoholic fruit punch on the market.
Forrest, who hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, met Karl, originally from Austria, through an international students program at Kent State. Forrest graduated from Kent State in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and a minor in business. Karl earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2021.
The two Golden Flashes founded the company in 2021 but just launched the product this year during Kent State’s 2023 Homecoming Weekend. Co-founder Forrest told Mahoning Matters the business hit a milestone selling 300 12-packs in the matter of three weeks.
According to the Jungle Juice website, the entrepreneurial duo was intentional about taking the launch process slow. “We took our time, instead of moving as fast as possible, to make sure Jungle Juice is EXACTLY like you want it. Smooth, crisp, refreshing and delicious,” the website states.
The drink, which is said to be made with all-natural ingredients, is vegan, gluten-free, non-carbonated and boasts a 6% alcohol by volume (ABV).
In comments made to Mahoning Matters, Forrest illustrated that their time at Kent State had an impact, focusing on some of the core values the university works to instill in its students, such as excellence, innovation and a bright vision for the future.
“As Jungle Juice grows, our company embraces a future that is rich with promise and opportunity,” Forrest said. “Through innovation, dedication and a commitment to excellence, we’ve set unprecedented standards within our industry. With our foundation of resilience, and an unwavering vision, we eagerly anticipate a bright and successful future for Jungle Juice.”
The product is currently available across a number of Northeast Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga, Portage, Summit, Stark, Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana. The company hopes to expand into southeast Ohio during the first quarter of 2024, according to the article.
Top image caption:
Kent State University alumni Marius Karl (left) and Spencer Forrest (right) hold Jungle Juice, a new adult beverage brand that the two friends founded. (Photo courtesy of Jungle Juice)