Latest news with #1stPhorm
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
UFC's Dana White On His Latest Business Venture And Why He's Investing In Phorm Energy
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JANUARY 18: UFC CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 297 press ... More conference at The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre on January 18, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Dana White may be known as the CEO and president of UFC, but he's looking to make an impact in the energy drink business world. The 55-year-old is investing in the partnership between Anheuser-Busch and 1st Phorm. The two Missouri-based companies are releasing Phorm Energy, with the prominent alcohol brand (Anheuser-Busch) getting involved in the energy drink world. 1st Phorm is a nutrition and supplment company led by CEO Sal Frisella White details how talks began after Anheuser-Busch became the official beer sponsor of UFC in 2024. 'It began with our new beer sponsorship,' says White in a one-on-one interview. "With that, we started talking, I flew out here (to St. Louis), walked the halls, met a lot of people, and I'm at a point in my life and in my career where I only want to be with people that I'm aligned with and I'm very aligned with Anheuser-Busch. 'He – Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth – hit me up with this opportunity for the energy drink and I was like, 'I'm an energy drink guy, I drink it literally every day.' That was exciting for me and I love building brands. So perfect, perfect fit for me.' There are four flavors that are on shelves, which includes Screamin' Freedom, Orange Fury, Grape Smash and Blue Blitz. It's no secret that the energy drink marketplace is a packed one, with the United States being the largest market for the beverage. Red Bull has the largest global market share with Monster not far behind. Other energy drinks such as Rockstar Energy, Amp and NOS follow with much smaller shares. Frisella details what will make Phorm Energy stand out from the other energy drinks in the marketplace. 'It's a combination of the skill set, we have over 20 years of experience in the sports nutrition business and we combined with America's best brewer,' says Frisella of partnering with Anheuser-Busch. "The innovation and the ability for us to bring a tremendous product to the market -- a superior product -- to market was just a natural fit. 'It tastes fantastic, the innovation team put almost 400 different flavors of different renditions of this drink to the market,' Frisella continues to say. 'We all got the opportunity to taste it. We now have a tremendous formula, tremendous flavor lineup. We have a tremendous network being able to push things into the market.' Phorm Energy — the UFC's Dana White is an owner in the brand — has four different flavors. White details how there's more 'natural caffeine' in the drink, which is one of the big traits that makes Phorm Energy stand out from other drinks that they're competing with. Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth details how everything came together late last year when he reached out to Frisella and then a day after that, reached out to White about partnering up to release this energy drink. 'What we saw was an opportunity,' says Whitworth. "We had a much better chance of being successful by becoming partners. I reached out to Sal, who's the founder and CEO of 1st Phorm, the country's largest private sports nutrition company and talked to him about wanting to do this thing. 'That was 207 days ago and then a day after that, I called Dana and said, 'Hey man, this is what we're thinking about doing. You want to be a part of it?' And he said, 'Hell Yeah,'" Whitworth continues to say. "Then we just put it together over the last 207 days and here we are." Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth is partnering with UFC's Dana White and 1st Phorm's Sal ... More Frisella to release Phorm Energy. (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP) (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) Whitworth makes it clear that White , who is a prominent figure due to UFC's popularity, is not a brand ambassador and Phorm Energy is not sponsoring him. White is an owner and an investor in the brand. 'Dana and I first met around Anheuser-Busch and our beer brands and sponsoring his business with the UFC with Bud Light,' says Whitworth. 'That's how our relationship started and that's how our partnership started. This is different. Dana is an owner in Phorm Energy. We're not sponsoring Dana White. Dana White is a partner in our business as well as 1st Phorm.' Anheuser-Busch previously engaged in partnerships and distribution of energy drinks such as Hiball Energy and Alta Palla. Whitworth details how that previous experience has prepared them for the release of Phorm Energy as they fully dip into the energy drink market. 'We had a brand that we probably had since 2018 and good partners of ours, and it turned out it was a good opportunity for them to to exit that business,' says Whitworth. 'That was fine for us, and we were excited to kind of use what we learned. We made it here, we made spirits and that was the first foray. We learned a lot, and we're using those capabilities, that knowledge, that expertise for our team and pointed it towards what we think is a really cool opportunity for Phorm Energy.' UFC has a well-known partnership with Monster which began in 2015. They recently announced their third consecutive partnership renewal, with the latest agreement being the largest sponsorship deal in the history of both companies. White says Monster remains the energy drink sponsor of UFC and says they are "cool" with him becoming an owner in Phorm Energy. 'Monster is our sponsor with the UFC,' says White when asked if Phorm Energy will be involved with UFC. 'They've been an incredible sponsor to us for a very long time. They're great to do business with. To show you how great they are to do business with, they were cool with me owning my own energy drink.' The partnership between these three prominent figures will also include a multi-year deal with Hendrick Motorsports, which is considered the No. 1 team in NASCAR. William Byron – who won the Dayton 500 for the second consecutive year and is near the top of NASCAR Cup Series standings – will sport Phorm Energy for six races across the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Phorm Energy branding will be seen on fire suits, helmets and fueler gear across Hendrick's top teams and there will also be brand integration into Hendrick Motorsports' new 35,000 square foot facility, which will open next year. Hendrick Motorsports also features its former longtime driver and NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon as its vice chairman. Whitworth's connection with Gordon resulted in the partnership between Anheuser-Busch and NASCAR. 'We also wanted to make sure that we struck some pretty interesting sponsorships, ones that we thought would be relevant to our consumers, our future consumers, and that put us into the world of NASCAR,' details Whitowrth. 'They're an amazing team, one of the most winning teams in NASCAR is Hendrick Motorsports. Jeff Gordon is a friend of mine. Called him up, I said, 'What do you think about doing a sponsorship?' He said, 'Love to do it.' We kind of put the relationship together that way, and it will be with William Byron.' Whitworth further details that the partnership will showcase the pit crew of Hendrick Motorsports, which is an often overlooked component of the success of a NASCAR driver. 'What we think is a very interesting way in is also be very clear in telling the stories with the pit crew,' says Whitworth. 'One of the first-ever NASCAR races I went to was with Jeff and he introduced me to his pit crew. These guys are athletes and that's where the idea generation started. We're partnering across Hendrick Motorsports with William Byron, but also across all of their pit crews. They have an amazing athletic training facility down in Charlotte. We'll be a part of that, which really is a nice fit for Phorm Energy.' Whitworth says the long-term objective of Phorm Energy is to 'compete' in the energy drink marketplace. White says it's to 'get up every day and win.' 'Get out every day and win,' says White of the objective. 'That's what we all like to do. I'm not one of these guys that just looks at the brand and says, 'Oh, let's get this region.' I like to take things global. Everything that I'm involved in is global." White points towards the long history of Anheuser-Busch – it started in the 1850s – and how its emerged as one of the most iconic brands in American history. 'These are the type of business people that I like to be aligned with,' says White. 'When you think about the history of Anheuser-Busch and how big it is – this thing doesn't move like an old, stuffy company. These guys move like this, they get s*** done. Those are the kind of people that I like to be in business with. This is going to be fun. If you look at what has happened in 207 days, wait to see what happens in three years.'
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Anheuser-Busch's ‘Game-Changing' New Energy Drink Has Officially Arrived
Anheuser-Busch has a new energy on the market. Earlier this year, the iconic beverage company partnered with another Missouri-based brand, 1st Phorm, and Dana White. Now, six months into their agreement, the teams are ready to debut a "game-changing new energy drink," aptly named Phorm Energy. Phorm Energy was born in part from a "vision to take The Lou's best-kept secret and transform it into a national powerhouse in the energy drink category," according to a May 28 press release, which also explained the drinks feature only natural flavors and caffeine from green tea, which is blended with electrolytes for hydration and ingredients aimed at supporting mental focus. Related: New Alani Nu Energy Drink Flavor Declared 'the Best' by Fans Phorm Energy is debuting in four varieties–Blue Blitz, Orange Fury, Screamin' Freedom and Grape Smash–all available in 16-ounce cans. Its Screamin' Freedom is described as a "full of flavor" release with notes of blueberry, cherry and citrus. Blue Blitz is said to be a combination of blue raspberry and cotton candy, while Orange Fury mixes orange soda with candied orange flavors for "just the right tanginess." Finally, its Grape Smash is "grape candy and grape soda all in one." Related:PepsiCo Confirms Limited-Edition Releases to Come From 'Powerhouse' New Partnership "With the launch of Phorm Energy, we're bringing together two American companies based in St. Louis and Dana White – all united by a powerful commitment to brand-building, quality, innovation and meeting the evolving needs of consumers," Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth said in a statement. "This partnership is strengthened by our complementary capabilities and expertise, but it's also driven by the amazing people and cultures that make our companies special," Whitworth continued, "I couldn't be more excited to take on the energy category with this partnership and product, and alongside our world-class distribution network and team, I can't wait to bring Phorm Energy to consumers across the country." Phorm Energy is currently available online (must be 18+ to purchase) and will be heading to retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. Next: Major Supermarket Chain's Drivers Vote 'Overwhelmingly' to Authorize Strike Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Self-Awareness Unlocks The Best Business Partnerships
The best business partnerships start with self-awareness. Strategic business partnerships empower companies to unlock greater value than they could alone. Yet, forming a successful alliance can be difficult – it requires alignment on goals, values, and vision. Whether uniting companies for a chapter or a long journey, here's why having self-awareness creates the best business partnerships. Before embarking on a potential business partnership, it is important to recognize and clarify your organization's key strengths and long-term goals. A successful partnership develops a shared vision. This can only occur if both parties clearly delineate their skills and goals of their business. Sal Frisella, CEO of 1st Phorm, shared to me via email on his company's recent partnership with Anheuser-Busch for Phorm Energy, 'We need to believe in each other and have a common drive to build something that really matters. It's important that both sides bring their own strengths, but what really makes it work is a shared vision.' Home in and streamline your expertise. Companies that dabble in too many products or services may lose their long-term vision and value proposition. Subject matter expertise requires diligent focus and precise cultivation of specific skills. Being a strong player in your market will naturally attract equally successful potential collaborators. Being self-aware means not only identifying the strengths of your organization, but also being able to pinpoint company weaknesses. 'Weaknesses' should be viewed as a future area to develop or a cognizant choice to not allocate resources for a specific domain. Successful organizations are transparent. They understand that naming development areas opens up opportunities to collaborate with a partner that fills the gaps. Revealing your company's weaknesses sets the stage for a continued open and collaborative dialogue. Vulnerability generates reciprocal honesty and trust – the foundation of a successful partnership. Globally, trust is at an all-time low; 68% of people believe business leaders purposefully mislead people, an increase of 12 percentage points since 2021, according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report. It's important to lead with authenticity in potential partnership conversations. A business partnership is a merging of two ecosystems. Each company has their own unique culture, represented in communication styles and how they work. Frisella elaborates on this, recognizing 'Any real partnership is going to come with challenges, especially when you're building something from the ground up. You've got different teams, different cultures, and different ways of doing things. The key is being flexible without ever compromising who you are.' Embrace flexibility and choice while maintaining the big picture view. Being open to new ideas and approaches will help smooth the transition of multiple teams joining together. Frisella noted that he and Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth connected on a personal level, stemming from mutual respect and a shared vision. Continuously recognize and fulfill the unique needs of your company, the partnering organization, and the collective partnership for a successful collaboration. Knowing and demonstrating your company's values is imperative to finding an equal business that shares similar beliefs. Company values should be more than a catalog of corporate buzzwords. It must be felt in every interaction, email, and decision. An organization's values must be embedded in how you communicate, collaborate, and perform for your philosophies to be meaningful. When asked about advice for businesses looking to secure their first partnership, Frisella replied: 'My advice is simple: be willing to do the work, stay resilient, and only move forward with partners who share your values.' Understanding and expressing your own company values makes finding a business partner with similar values attainable. Building a successful business partnership begins with strong self-awareness. Knowing and communicating your company's strengths, weakness, work styles, and values enables solid business partnerships. Effective collaborations embrace authenticity, flexibility, and a shared vision. Taking this approach will create partnerships that are not only strategic, but also meaningful and resilient.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL WITH PHORM ENERGY: A GAME-CHANGING NEW ENERGY DRINK FROM ANHEUSER-BUSCH AND 1ST PHORM
Phorm Energy is a new-to-world energy drink line designed to help provide energy, hydration and focus, created by two American manufacturers with proud St. Louis roots ST. LOUIS, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world driven by ambition and tenacity, Phorm Energy emerges as more than just an energy drink—it's a powerful partner for those committed to unlocking their full potential. Launched nationally today, Phorm Energy celebrates and supports those who embrace grit, discipline, and resilience in their everyday lives. Available in four varieties – Screamin' Freedom, Blue Blitz, Orange Fury, and Grape Smash, Phorm Energy boasts natural flavors, natural caffeine from green tea, electrolytes for hydration, and a blend of ingredients aimed at supporting mental focus. From St. Louis' neighborhood roots to today's nationwide rollout: at Phorm Energy, We Do the Work together. Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch said: "With the launch of Phorm Energy, we're bringing together two American companies based in St. Louis and Dana White – all united by a powerful commitment to brand-building, quality, innovation and meeting the evolving needs of consumers. This partnership is strengthened by our complementary capabilities and expertise, but it's also driven by the amazing people and cultures that make our companies special. I couldn't be more excited to take on the energy category with this partnership and product, and alongside our world-class distribution network and team, I can't wait to bring Phorm Energy to consumers across the country." Phorm Energy is the first innovation launched from the recently announced partnership between Anheuser-Busch, 1st Phorm and Dana White – with a vision to take The Lou's best-kept secret and transform it into a national powerhouse in the energy drink category. Sal Frisella, CEO, 1st Phorm said: "We've always been proud of our St. Louis roots and the opportunity to partner with Anheuser-Busch -a true staple of this city- is a big moment for us and for St. Louis. Phorm Energy was built for the people who are committed to getting better by showing up and doing the work every day, no matter the circumstance. This partnership is about honoring that mindset and together we're going to build something disruptive, powerful, and uniquely special." Crafted with Purpose, Driven by CommitmentDerived from green tea extract, a natural source of caffeine, and crafted with zero sugar and zero artificial flavors, Phorm Energy uses high-quality ingredients designed to help provide the hydration and mental focus needed to reach even the most ambitious goals. Starting now, Phorm Energy is available in 16 oz., single cans in four invigorating flavors: Screamin' Freedom: Full of flavors including blueberry, cherry and citrus Blue Blitz: A flavor combination of blue raspberry and cotton candy Orange Fury: A flavor mixture of orange soda and candied orange for just the right tanginess Grape Smash: Sweet notes of grape candy and grape soda all in one Phorm Energy is available for consumers 18+ starting now on and will soon be available at retailers near you. To follow the latest on Phorm Energy, visit and follow Phorm Energy on Instagram and Facebook About Phorm Energy Phorm Energy is made for those who do the work in their everyday lives to unlock your full potential. With a unique blend of ingredients aimed to support mental focus, Phorm Energy has natural caffeine derived from green tea extract and electrolytes that support hydration. Phorm Energy is a collaboration between Anheuser-Busch, 1st Phorm, and Dana White. For more on Phorm Energy, you can visit and follow Phorm Energy on Instagram and Facebook. About Anheuser-BuschAt Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are committed to earning our place in the moments that matter to our consumers and making a meaningful impact in our communities across the country. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities, and packaging plants, and have a dedicated network of more than 65,000 hardworking Americans across the United States who bring our beer to life. We are home to several of America's most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Bud Light as well as regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From our industry-leading efforts to support American farmers and our nation's military, veterans, and first responders to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home – that's who we are. For more information, visit or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram. About 1st Phorm1st Phorm is a leading sports nutrition brand committed to delivering high-quality products made from premium ingredients sourced from across the world. Founded on Midwest values and strong work ethic, 1st Phorm ensures that each product is crafted to perfection and rigorously tested to meet our best-inclass standards. 1st Phorm's mission is to support individuals in achieving their fitness goals with the best supplements and sports nutrition products on the market. Our dedication to empowering people on their fitness journeys is matched only by our unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and unparalleled customer service. For more on 1st Phorm, you can visit and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for the latest news and announcements. Contact: Media at Anheuser Busch (media@ View original content: SOURCE Anheuser-Busch Sign in to access your portfolio
