It was an intensely competitive competition between entrepreneurs to be selected for the most innovative probiotic food concept, and after careful deliberation a winner has been chosen. A panel of industry experts named AVOKE as the top choice for the startup to win Ganeden's Probiotic Innovation Jumpstart program -- with entrant Daniel Karsevar taking home $25,000 for AVOKE to support the launch of the new vegan, avocado-based smoothie bowls with probiotics.

The first-of-its-kind program was launched by leaders at Ganeden to give back to the industry and help startups and entrepreneurs enter the probiotic market, which is expected to reach $36.7 billion over the next five years. After announcing it earlier this year, Ganeden evaluated many impressive entries to select three finalists for in-person presentations: AVOKE, simplyFUEL and Red Lotus Foods, LLC. Similar to Shark Tank, each finalist presented their probiotic food concept to a panel of industry experts, who then chose AVOKE as the winner.

"Our goal for Probiotic Innovation Jumpstart was to encourage startups with unique ideas for novelty foods and beverages to join the probiotic space -- an industry that has helped us grow exponentially throughout the years," said Andy Lefkowitz, CEO of Ganeden. "The line of AVOKE Spoonables is going to be a game-changer in the healthy snack category and we plan to put our full support behind this impressive company and launch."

AVOKE's spoonable smoothie bowls come in four varieties: Berry Mint, Greens & Ginger, Spicy Carrot, & Coconut Curry and include half an avocado, two servings of fruits and vegetables, a toasted quinoa topping and 1 billion CFU of Ganeden's patented strain of probiotic, GanedenBC30. Each smoothie bowl will come packaged and ready-to-eat in a half avocado-shaped stackable cup that includes a pop-out, eco-friendly spoon. The concept was created by two NY-based sisters as a fun and healthy alternative to yogurt and other plant-based beverages and snacks. It will be the first avocado-based, probiotic smoothie in the market.

"The use of avocados as a healthy snack is growing immensely in popularity, yet there continues to be a huge void in ready-to-go avocado products in retail," said Daniel Karsevar, consulting COO for AVOKE. "AVOKE Spoonables provide a solution by offering a healthy, vegan snack with a unique design that is convenient for on-the-go lifestyles, and we are proud that Ganeden and the industry experts see the value. Ganeden's additional financial support and expertise will be extremely beneficial for the launch."