Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Education to Business (E2B) Program has 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. Los Angeles-based 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 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 its 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 at the 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 percent 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.
