LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Education to Business (E2B) Program today announced a partnership with Califia Farms where MBA students will help bring fresh marketing ideas to the table for the plant-based food and beverage brand. Califia Farms offers a diverse assortment of premium plant-based products spanning milks, coffees, creamers, butters, and more.
Through the E2B program, Califia Farms will tap into the expertise of MBA students to develop fresh, out-of-the-box ideas to help Califia grow within the plant-based industry. Pepperdine Graziadio’s E2B program is part of the university’s robust portfolio of industry collaborative teaching approaches where industry projects, case studies, tours, competitions, placements, and simulations are integrated into the classroom for real-world learning. The MBA students, who are earning their MBA part-time, while working, and have years of full-time professional experience, will be charged with helping Califia increase their marketing presence and establish a brand-of-choice reputation.
“As consumers seek authentic brands representing their values and beliefs, and as plant-based foods receive more attention, it’s important for our students to experience hands-on learning with leading organizations like Califia Farms,” said Lynda Palmer, E2B Program Director, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. “Now more than ever people are supporting organizations that are socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible and this partnership will give our MBA students the real-world experience they need to become Best for the World Leaders.”
As an E2B partner, Pepperdine Graziadio students will engage with Califia Farms throughout their 14-week core marketing course in the Fully Employed MBA program. The course will be taught by professor John Buckingham, practitioner faculty of marketing. The course and meetings with Califia Farms will be conducted and taught online in order to conform to restrictions of COVID-19. The Califia Farms E2B partnership was introduced by Faisal Rangwala, senior director of digital marketing at Califia Farms and Pepperdine Graziadio alum who will serve as a client liaison on the project.
“The plant-based food market is growing at a rapid rate as nearly 40% of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods. The Califia Farms E2B project will provide 24 MBA students an opportunity to analyze and consult with Califia Farms on future marketing efforts and provide recommendations to grow the brand globally,” said Faisal.
Pepperdine Graziadio’s E2B Program connects MBA students with companies to conduct rigorous analysis and develop actionable recommendations, providing new thinking to organizations and addressing complex business issues. E2B case projects are assigned to relevant MBA courses and led by expert faculty. Fortune 500 brands such as Sony, Starbucks, Disney, Volvo, and more have tapped into Graziadio’s graduate student talent for input and recommendations.
About Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School
For more than 50 years, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has challenged individuals to think boldly and drive meaningful change within their industries and communities. Dedicated to developing Best for the World Leaders, the Graziadio School offers a comprehensive range of MBA, MS, executive, and doctoral degree programs grounded in integrity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Graziadio School advances experiential learning through small classes with distinguished faculty that stimulate critical thinking and meaningful connection, inspiring students and working professionals to realize their greatest potential as values-centered leaders. Follow Pepperdine Graziadio on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Califia Farms (pronounced "Cal-ih-FEE-ah" like California)
Inspired by the values of our mythical muse and California's namesake, Queen Califia, Califia Farms was founded in 2010 to bring food back to its original nourishing purpose. The Los Angeles-based company has since become one of the fastest-growing, independent, natural product companies in the U.S. Renowned for its plant-based beverages, packaged in an iconic curvy bottle, Califia continues to disrupt the dairy category with plant-based alternatives that make it easy for people to choose food that is delicious, nutritious and good for the planet. As it grows internationally, Califia is intent on tackling some of humanity's greatest challenges through plant-powered innovation and by embracing the power of multicultural and ecological interdependence – the very core values of the "once and future" Queen Califia. Learn more at califiafarms.com.