Vicente Reyes (Mayawell)

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Overview

Vicente Reyes is an entrepreneur known for co-founding Mayawell, a company specializing in prebiotic sodas. Mayawell is celebrated for its use of Active Agave™, a proprietary ingredient developed by Vicente Reyes, which serves as both a sweetener and a source of dietary fiber aimed at promoting gut health. Before founding Mayawell, Reyes was a pioneer in the mezcal industry, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to leveraging traditional Mexican ingredients for modern wellness solutions.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Vicente Reyes and Mayawell have made significant strides:

  • 2024: Mayawell's new branding embraced Mexican heritage, showcased through designs inspired by Mayan and Aztec mythology, reflecting the company's cultural roots. The refresh featured new packaging that combines the cultural essence of Oaxaca, Mexico, and Austin, Texas, Mayawell's base.
  • 2024: Mayawell expanded its product lineup and retail presence. Its prebiotic sodas became available in The Fresh Market's 161 retail locations in the U.S., marking a strategic move to make gut-healthy beverages more accessible.
  • 2024: Vicente Reyes, alongside co-founder Oliver Shuttlesworth, promoted the benefits of prebiotic beverages through media, emphasizing the clinical research backing Mayawell’s Active Agave™ and its role in supporting gut health and broader wellness.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameVicente Reyes Cervantes
BornOaxaca, Mexico
NationalityMexican
OccupationEntrepreneur, Co-founder of Mayawell
Known ForMayawell Prebiotic Beverages, Mezcal Pioneer
Net WorthNot publicly disclosed
EducationUniversidad de las Américas, A.C.

Early Life and Education

Vicente Reyes was born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Growing up in a close-knit community, he was deeply influenced by his family’s emphasis on social impact and community service. This upbringing kindled his passion for entrepreneurship that supports and uplifts local communities. Reyes pursued education in Industrial Engineering at Universidad de las Américas, A.C., and later expanded his academic horizons at RMIT University. His business acumen was complemented by a profound respect for traditional Mexican ingredients, which eventually inspired his ventures in mezcal and health-oriented beverages.

Career and Notable Achievements

Vicente Reyes' career is marked by innovation and cultural advocacy:

  • 1999-2009: Founded Mezcal El Señorío, introducing the traditional spirit into international markets.
  • 2015: Established Hermano Maguey Spirits International, focusing on premium mezcal products.
  • 2020: Co-founded Mayawell, introducing a line of prebiotic sodas. The beverages, made with Active Agave™, enhance gut health and bring traditional Mexican flavors to an international audience.
  • Reyes’ leadership at Mayawell emphasizes sustainability and social impact, dedicating a portion of the company’s profits to supporting indigenous agave farmers in Oaxaca.
  • Mayawell received recognition as one of Whole Foods Market’s "Next Big Things" for 2024, underscoring its innovative contribution to the beverage industry.

Current Work and Impact

Today, Vicente Reyes is focused on growing Mayawell’s brand and impact, with a continuous commitment to cultural preservation and health innovation. His efforts have not only positioned Mayawell as a frontrunner in the up-and-coming category of prebiotic sodas but have also shined a light on the possibilities within functional beverages that prioritize health without compromising flavor. Mayawell's success is a testament to Reyes' ability to blend cultural heritage with modern wellness trends, impacting both consumers' health and Oaxacan agricultural communities.

Mayawell Soda

Mayawell Soda is the flagship product of Vicente Reyes' company. It is renowned for:

  • Utilizing Active Agave™, a prebiotic ingredient developed after extensive research.
  • Offering low-sugar, high-fiber beverages that cater to health-conscious consumers.
  • Featuring unique flavor combinations inspired by Mexican heritage, such as Strawberry Ginger and Pineapple Mango.
  • Receiving acclaim for its vibrant packaging inspired by Mayan and Aztec iconography.

Poppi

Vicente Reyes' ventures in the beverage industry intersect with brands like Poppi, another leading player in the prebiotic soda market. Both brands are part of a broader movement to reintroduce sodas as health-forward drinks, focusing on gut health and vibrant flavors. While Mayawell emphasizes its Mexican heritage and uses of Active Agave™, Poppi has carved a niche with its own prebiotic fiber formulations, highlighting the burgeoning interest in functional beverages that support digestion.

Conclusion

Vicente Reyes has cemented his reputation as a pioneering entrepreneur in both the mezcal and beverage industries. Through Mayawell, he has successfully merged cultural heritage with modern health trends, creating products that appeal to consumers seeking both flavor and functionality. As Mayawell continues to grow, it not only enhances consumer wellness through prebiotic beverages but also uplifts indigenous communities in Mexico through sustainable practices and reinvestment. Reyes' work stands as a significant contributor to the conversations around food and beverage innovation and cultural preservation.

References

  1. Fortune Interview with Vicente Reyes
  2. Drink Mayawell Official Website
  3. Vicente Reyes LinkedIn Profile
  4. Well and Good Article on Mayawell
  5. Prnewswire on Mayawell's Retail Expansion
  6. Medium: Interview with Vicente Reyes
  7. The Austin Chronicle on Mayawell
  8. Beverage Industry News
  9. YouTube Interview with Vicente Reyes
  10. PRNewswire on Mayawell's Heritage