PERKii

About

PERKii produces low‑calorie water‑based probiotic beverages containing 1 billion CFU Lactobacillus casei 431 per bottle, using UQ‑derived ProGel® microgels to enhance shelf and gastric stability, sold in ANZ stores.

Mission

PERKii makes low‑calorie, non‑fermented water and juice drinks that contain 1 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus casei 431® per bottle, with each drink at 37 calories. Its ProGel® microgel encapsulation, developed from University of Queensland research, protects probiotics on shelf and through the acidic stomach environment to improve gut delivery. The PERKii range launched in mid‑2016 and is sold in over 2,000 stores across Australia and New Zealand, including Coles, Woolworths, Caltex, Zambreros and Countdown, and the company appointed Manassen Foods Australia as national distributor. The product line includes multiple natural fruit flavours and seasonal editions. PERKii plans to use recent funding to establish production in the US and pursue expansion into a combined ANZ, US and Asia market it values at US$21.8 billion. The company was initially supported by Uniseed, Brisbane Angels and UniQuest during early commercialisation. PERKii produces a low‑calorie (26 calories) water‑based beverage that delivers 1 billion live Lactobacillus casei 431 per bottle using the patented ProGel® microgel technology to protect probiotics in drinks and the acidic stomach. The ProGel® microgels were developed at the University of Queensland and are designed to improve probiotic stability and consumer health benefits. The company positions the drink to help consumers control weight, improve gut health and boost immunity. PERKii has attracted national attention and was invited to participate in Woolworths’ Wstart program; Woolworths will stock PERKii at Caltex Woolworths convenience sites nationally from April. The product is already with existing stockists and the company is focused on scaling sales and distribution. PERKii is led by CEO Randy Milne, who joined in September 2015 after ten years of beverage experience at Coca‑Cola Amatil.

Quick Facts