The News
ZZAI, founded by Zainob Fashola of Faaji LLC, has launched a West African sparkling beverage line with four products: Chapman, Zobo, TamTam, and Obì. The brand is launching alongside a Kickstarter campaign seeking $120,000 to fund its first production run. The Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 debut is scheduled for July 2026 in New York City.
The launch of ZZAI’s West‑African sparkling line is being propelled by a Kickstarter campaign that guarantees July 2026 delivery, even if the $120 k target isn’t met.
Its four flavors—Chapman, Zobo, TamTam and Obì—each come in 12‑oz cans with 50–72 calories, are gluten‑free, non‑GMO and sweetened with real cane sugar.
For buyers in New York and New Jersey, the rollout offers a low‑risk test of consumer demand before full retail distribution begins.
Pricing & packaging
$40 for a 12‑pack (≈$3.33 per can) sits below the typical premium sparkling beverage range of $4–$5 per can, positioning ZZAI as an affordable entry point in a niche category that prizes clean labels and cultural authenticity.
Production timeline
Kickstarter backers receive their packs in July 2026, regardless of whether the $120 k goal is met. Production has already begun with support from Rutgers’ Food Innovation Center, and the brand will be available only through Kickstarter until the first case shipments arrive.
Distribution strategy
ZZAI targets retailers, specialty food buyers and food‑service accounts in the New York–New Jersey corridor. The line will debut at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 held at the Javits Center in New York City, where wholesalers can place orders for the first case shipments.
Retailer guidance
Retailers can gauge consumer response by offering the launch price, but should monitor sales data from July 2026 to decide whether to order larger quantities. Because the product is still pre‑retail, shelf space and promotional commitments should remain flexible until demand is proven.
Bar & cocktail considerations
Bars interested in West‑African‑inspired cocktails may want to sample the line at the trade show before committing to inventory. The clean‑label profile and distinct flavor profiles lend themselves to creative, story‑driven recipes that could differentiate a venue’s beverage program.
Original Press Release
Passaic, NJ (April 2026) — ZZAI, a West African sparkling beverage brand founded by Zainob Fashola of Faaji LLC, today announced the launch of its debut product line alongside a live Kickstarter campaign seeking $120,000 to fund its first full production run. The brand makes its trade debut at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 at the Javits Center in New York City.
ZZAI launches with four sparkling beverages: Chapman, Zobo, TamTam, and Obì, each rooted in a distinct West African flavor tradition. Chapman is a sparkling spiced citrus drink drawn from Nigeria’s most beloved celebration beverage. Zobo is sparkling hibiscus and ginger, born in Nigerian kitchens and once the best-selling drink in Nigeria. TamTam blends mango and tamarind, two ingredients with deep cultural roots across West Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Obì is a sparkling African bitters built around the kola nut, one of the most culturally significant ingredients in West African tradition. All four are made with real cane sugar and contain no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. Each SKU is 12 fl oz, 50–72 calories, gluten free, and non-GMO.
The Kickstarter campaign is live now at kickstarter.com/projects/zzai/zzai-west-african-sparkling-beverages. Early backer pricing starts at $40 for a 12-pack — a launch-only rate ahead of retail pricing. Every reward ships July 2026 and is guaranteed to fulfill regardless of funding tier reached.
Fashola brings eighteen years of product development experience to ZZAI, having run one of Nigeria’s largest beauty operations before founding an organic skincare manufacturing company in Lagos. The brand is supported by the Rutgers Food Innovation Center and six months of dedicated product development. Production is already underway.
“I grew up with these flavors,” said Fashola. “Chapman at every celebration. Zobo from the kitchen. I came to the US and couldn’t find them anywhere. That became the mission: to bring West Africa’s most iconic drinks to shelves in a format that belongs anywhere in the world.”
ZZAI is positioned in the premium independent beverage space, targeting retailers, specialty food buyers, and foodservice accounts across the New York and New Jersey market at launch. Wholesale inquiries are welcome at the Fancy Food Show.
Back ZZAI on Kickstarter: kickstarter.com/projects/zzai/zzai-west-african-sparkling-beverages
Sources consulted (web research):
Source: BevNET