The tech world is abuzz with incredible new inventions. Smartphones are more powerful than ever, you can experience a reality that is virtual, and … a high-tech juicer that has raised $120 million. The Juicero is expanding beyond the shelves of Whole Foods in California and coming to a state near you. Whereas the juicer was previously available on the West Coast you can find it in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
You can also find the Juicero and its healthy products at Williams-Sonoma in Beverly Hills, as well as in Au Fudge, Le Pain Quotidien, and Jean-Georges’ abcV locations.
So, what is special about a juicer that spits out eight ounces of juice? Well, it’s complicated. It is a combination of a juice app, a kitchen device, and a massive factory full of people cutting fruit into pieces that can be processed by the contraption.
As part of the juicer, you need to buy packets of fruit that cost between $4 and $10 each. You slip them into the Wi-Fi connected device, and the Juicero scans a QR (quick response) code on the packet to make sure the ingredients are still fresh. Assuming the fruits and vegetables are good to go, a few squeezes later, you get an eight-ounce cup of juice. As part of the app, you can even plan your own juicing regimens, complete with on-time deliveries.
The promise of a healthy lifestyle doesn’t come without its drawbacks. While it’s healthy to be drinking all these nutrients, it might not be so healthy for the planet considering the number of plastic packages go through. On top of that, there is the price. Initially offered for $700, this juicer wasn’t meant for the average consumer. But earlier in 2017, Juicero made a significant price cut on its juicer to $399.
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The price reduction was certainly a strategic move for the company, which saw sales of its home appliance skyrocket over Black Friday when the juicer was on sale for $350. Regardless of motivation, juice fanatics will no doubt be thrilled to see the device at a lower price point.
The idea for the Juicero came from Doug Evans. Despite the fact that he’s never been before been CEO of a tech company, he ended up getting funding from the likes of Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, and Campbell Soup Company.
“Inspired by your love for Juicero, and with our eyes on a mission to power the plant-based revolution, we decided to lower the price of our press,” Juicero wrote in a blog post. “Now more people can create healthy habits — at the push of a button. Join us in raising a glass to more fruits and veggies in your future.”
Article originally published in April 2016. Updated on 04-18-2017 by Lulu Chang: Added news of Juicero’s availability in 17 states.
