Tio Gazpacho, the leader in the newly created drinkable soup category, is excited to announce its partnership with Michelin-starred chef José Andrés and his company, ThinkFoodGroup. The partnership entails consulting on new product development, joint efforts to expand the gazpacho brand in retail and foodservice, collaborative marketing across all platforms, and support with sourcing and distribution.

“Gazpacho is the best ‘salad’ in the history of mankind”, commented chef Andrés, one of America’s best-known Spaniards.  “I’ve always wanted to find a way to bring amazing gazpacho to the people of America outside of my restaurants, and when I tasted Tio Gazpacho, I knew this brand shared this same passion.”  Through his company ThinkFoodGroup, the creative team behind his renowned dining concepts across the U.S. and Mexico, Andrés hopes to help grow and expand the Tio line of products in the American market and beyond.

Tio Gazpacho hit shelves with three flavors in January 2015 and a fourth launched in June 2016. Earlier this year, Tio closed on a $1.25 million Series A funding round with 301 INC, General Mills’ business development and venture capital arm and other investors. ThinkFoodGroup’s interest in the brand is yet another indicator that proves the category is quickly growing in the U.S. marketplace.

“I’m so thrilled to be working with José Andrés, as I’ve admired him for years.” said Austin Allan, CEO and Founder of Tio Gazpacho.  “Like me, José understands that Tio is about translating an integral part of the Spanish diet into a product American consumers will understand and love.” Added John Haugen, VIce President, General Manager of General Mills’ 301 INC, “We are excited that a leading culinary chef sees the same potential and quality in Tio that we do and will help continue to build the energy and visibility behind a remarkable brand and product.”

Tio Gazpacho was founded by Austin Allan after spending four years living abroad in Spain.  Enamored with the country’s way of life and love of the chilled soup, Austin knew that gazpacho could be a great way to bring a little bit of Spain to the US while creating a product as delicious as it is healthy. Austin spent two years in Miami testing recipes and sampling products before moving the company to New York. He became hooked on the idea of revolutionizing the soup industry and ensuring Tio Gazpacho’s place as the front-runner in the newly created “drinkable soup” category in the U.S. In September 2014 Tio Gazpacho officially debuted at Natural Products Expo East. Tio’s first three flavors launched in stores in January 2015. The newest flavor, Gazpacho Rosado, launched in June 2016 and three more flavors are slated to launch in January 2017.  In 2016, the brand closed a $1.25 million Series A funding round with 301 Inc., General Mills’ business development and venture capital arm. Tio is currently the leader in the drinkable soup category and available throughout the Northeast and on the West Coast. Additionally, Tio Gazpacho is committed to giving back and donates 5 cents for every bottle sold to Development in Gardening Partnership (DIG), a non-profit whose mission is to ensure that people all over the world have access to quality, nutritious food.  For more information, visit www.tiogazpacho.com.

Founded by chef José Andrés and his partner Rob Wilder, ThinkFoodGroup is the creative team responsible for renowned dining concepts in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Puerto Rico and Mexico City, ranging in a variety of culinary experiences that span food trucks and world class tasting menus. These include award-winning minibar by José Andrés, Jaleo at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, J by José Andrés at W Mexico City, Bazaar Meat at the SLS Las Vegas and The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills and South Beach. For more information, visit www.thinkfoodgroup.com

Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded “Outstanding Chef” by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup.  He is regarded as a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States and an innovator of avant-garde cuisine.  His award-winning group of 25 restaurants spans the country and beyond, including minibar by José Andrés, earning two Michelin stars in 2016. Andrés’ work has earned awards and distinctions such as the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Outstanding American by Choice award, presented by President Obama.  For more information, visit www.JoseAndres.com.