In 2020, during the pandemic, Bear Maple Farms founder and CEO Brian Bethke rediscovered nature while exploring the Catskills with his daughter. They came across maple trees and wild-growing ginseng, sparking the idea to blend these natural ingredients into a health-conscious beverage. Having lived in China, where ginseng is revered as the “royal root” for its immune-boosting and stress-relieving properties, Brian saw the potential to create something truly unique.
After learning from a local maple farmer how to tap trees for maple water, Brian realized the synergy between ginseng and this “liquid gold.” This inspired the creation of Bear Maple Farms’ adaptogenic sparkling tonics, crafted with high-quality ginseng and naturally sweetened with pure maple water. Today, Bear Maple Farms is the first beverage company to unite ginseng and maple water, offering a functional drink that nourishes both mind and body, while embracing sustainability and nature’s wisdom.
A Functional, Health-Driven Approach
Bear Maple Farms’ mission is to create innovative beverages that are “better for you” and rooted in nature. The company uses hydroponically grown ginseng—a method with a lower environmental impact than traditional farming—to ensure the quality and potency of its core ingredient. Each can of Bear Maple Farms is infused with brewed ginseng root, delivering rare ginsenosides (including the coveted Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1) known for their ability to support mental clarity and focus without the need for caffeine. In an increasingly fast-paced world, these functional benefits offer a natural way to enhance well-being and resilience against daily stress.
Moreover, Bear Maple Farms’ drinks are naturally sweetened with maple water, an ingredient harvested straight from the forests of the Northeastern United States. This “liquid gold” provides subtle sweetness and is packed with minerals and antioxidants, making it a clean and refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. With less than 10 calories and 2 grams of naturally derived sugar per serving, Bear Maple Farms is a conscious choice for health-minded consumers.
Sustainability at Its Core
For Bear Maple Farms, sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle. The company is committed to full traceability, ensuring that every ingredient is ethically sourced and free of pesticides and GMOs. From the forests where maple water is harvested to the hydroponic farms where ginseng is cultivated, Bear Maple Farms emphasizes transparency and sustainability throughout its supply chain.
As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, Bear Maple Farms donates 1% of its annual sales to vetted environmental partners, furthering its commitment to a healthier planet. The company’s official philanthropic partner, New York Sun Works, focuses on building hydroponic classrooms and teaching sustainability in K-12 schools. This partnership aligns with Bear Maple Farms’ vision of a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
A Team Committed to Goodness
The Bear Maple Farms team brings decades of experience in the entrepreneurial and natural foods industries, but more importantly, they are united by their principled, mission-driven approach. The brand’s commitment to goodness is reflected in the high-quality ingredients they use and in the way they move through the world. The team is passionate about making a positive impact on both consumers and the planet, ensuring that their beverages are clean, functional, and meticulously crafted.
Bear Maple Farms’s ethos—one of authenticity, intentionality, and uncompromising values—comes through in every can they produce. Their sparkling ginseng tonics are not just a product; they are an invitation to experience the powerful benefits of nature through a simple, refreshing drink.
A New Chapter in Functional Beverages
What started as a family’s exploration of nature during a global crisis has evolved into a groundbreaking brand that brings together the best of health, nature, and innovation. Bear Maple Farms is the first and only company to combine hydroponically grown ginseng and maple water, offering a functional, better-for-you beverage that supports mental clarity, boosts resilience, and reflects a deep respect for the environment.
With sustainability at its core and health-conscious values driving its innovation, Bear Maple Farms is poised to make a lasting impact in the beverage industry. Their functional sparkling ginseng tonics are not just a drink; they are a reflection of a journey—one rooted in nature, crafted with intention, and dedicated to fostering goodness in every sip.