Green Bee Craft Beverages is the recipient of Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program, an award to help small, independent companies grow their businesses. Whole Foods gives only a handful of companies this type of financial assistance. The award will directly allow Green Bee to increase its manufacturing capabilities.

“Being awarded this coveted loan further fortifies our strong relationship with Whole Foods Market,” said Green Bee’s founder, Christopher Kinkade. “We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunities this support affords us.”

Jenna Gelgand, a Local Producer Loan Program senior administrator, said, “We are very proud to support Green Bee Craft Beverages through our Local Producer Loan Program. Creating win-win partnerships with our suppliers is a core value of Whole Foods Market, and this loan to Green Bee will benefit all of our stakeholders.”

Brunswick-based Green Bee Craft Beverages handcrafts healthier alternatives to traditional sugar-sweetened beverages. Their passion for bees and healthy living has led to a line of unique craft beverages. By exclusively using honey for sweetness, Green Bee helps support a critical link in our food system, the honey bee. Green Bee uses whole ingredients for flavor and never uses extracts, preservatives or artificial colors.