In 2017, Hufnagel imagined a new beverage, Lemon Perfect flavored lemon water, to satisfy the preference for high-calorie, sugar-filled drinks. Lemon Perfect occurred to him while on vacation with his family in Paris while standing at a bustling intersection. He quickly saved the website domain. In an appearance on Bevnet’s “Taste Radio” podcast, Hufnagel shared the startling story of his extraordinary venture in the world of beverages.
When collaborating with a California beverage producer on Lemon Perfect, Yanni Hufnagel concentrated primarily on flavor. His must-haves were no sugar and low calorie. Having been a coach at premier universities for 10 years, Hufnagel had seen basketball players drink enhanced water Bai in the locker room. While his habit of starting his day with the juice of half a squeezed lemon mixed with pure water was established, he knew artificial flavors and plant-based sweeteners were needed to make an appealing nutrient-packed beverage.
Taking a flexible approach to the situation, Hufnagel made two major decisions. To begin with, he discarded the preexisting containers after they were produced. Additionally, he shifted Lemon Perfect’s initial recipe from fridge friendly to shelf-stable. As the battle for a dominant position in the enhanced water market is quite fierce, he was aware that any errors could have dire consequences for the brand. Taking a flexible approach to the situation, Hufnagel made two major decisions. He got rid of the original packaging once it was manufactured. Moreover, he adjusted Lemon Perfect’s initial formulation from refrigerated to long-lasting on shelves. Knowing just how competitive the enhanced water industry is, he understood there was no space for errors that might be damaging to the brand’s future.
Early on, Yanni Hufnagel made two big decisions that showcased his flexibility. Firstly, he eliminated the original containers after their generation (more to come later). Secondly, he converted Lemon Perfect’s initial mix from refrigerated to shelf-stable. Considering the intensely competitive space of a boosted water category, he knew he couldn’t take any risks that might affect the brand’s future.
Although the initial bottle design was unsatisfying, Lemon Perfect came encased in vibrant bottles with modern typography. When Hufnagel held the original version of the container, he discerned that it appeared much different in 3D.