OUR STORY
Built together.
One can at a time.
VYV began in a Madison restaurant kitchen, where early flavors were tested with athletes from University of Wisconsin sports teams.
Read our story
DOUG'S STARTING POINT
Doug's path back.
Before VYV, Doug spent over a decade in food and beverage, scaling a canned kombucha brand to over 1,000 retail doors and building a multi-location restaurant concept. From the outside, it looked like he had it figured out.
But a few years ago, everything stopped. Doug hit a wall. He lost his confidence and direction, and for a while he was not sure he could build again.
The birth of his daughter and his path to sobriety slowly brought back his drive to build.
DEVELOPED IN MADISON
Athletes at the tasting table.
VYV took shape in a Madison restaurant kitchen. The restaurant catered to University of Wisconsin athletics, so athletes from different sports teams had the chance to try early flavors.
The first batches were bottled, with no bubbles and no prebiotics. Doug then called his uncle, Dr. Bruce Hamaker, Distinguished Professor of Food Science at Purdue University. He has spent decades studying dietary fibers, prebiotics, and their relationship to human health.
The goal was to bring a two-fiber prebiotic blend into a lightly sparkling drink. Dr. Hamaker's research into different fibers and how they work together helped guide the blend.
The first canning run followed the formula development and production work. VYV became what it is today: real fruit juice, electrolytes, and a two-fiber prebiotic blend in a lightly sparkling refresher.
What's in the canTHE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
A family effort.
VYV is a family business founded by Doug Hamaker and his wife. Doug's parents and Pat Christopher helped bring it to life. Pat was Doug's dad's best friend and someone he looked up to growing up.
The founders continue to build VYV, one can at a time.
Find your VYV.
Three flavors. One place to start.