Vendor Says BetterBrand Social Media Claims Are False

Cold Chain 3PL, an ecommerce cold goods fulfillment service, stated it is not working with BetterBrand, an assertion that runs counter to the embattled low-carb bread company’s claims that the third-party logistics provider had “reached out and offered to help” amidst what BetterBrand claimed was an employee-led mutiny.

BetterBrand CEO Aimee Yang cited the company’s partnership with Cold Chain 3PL last week in an attempt to show stability in the face of ongoing turmoil and speculation about the company’s viability.

Today’s update from Cold Chain 3PL’s co-founder Judd Rosenberg, if true, would cast doubt on BetterBrand’s claims, including that it only shared details about the theft because its customers “deserve our full transparency, authenticity, and partnership.”

Early last week, customers and industry observers believed the company, which is known both for its products and its eye-popping $170 million valuation during a recent fundraising round, was in the process of shutting down. However, the brand insisted it remained operational and supplied a litany of reasons for the issues it was experiencing, which included delayed shipments and a temporary deactivation of its Shopify website. BetterBrand, initially claimed it was fighting off a hostile takeover from “numerous institutions,” but most recently, that storyline shifted to a narrative that a cohort of now-terminated employees conspired with its fulfillment partner to steal inventory and money.

Alongside that claim, BetterBrand said it is working to right the issues and get orders out as soon as possible. The company said it was working with a new fulfillment partner, Cold Chain 3PL, and called out co-founders Judd Rosenberg and Jamie Moriarty by name while providing both individuals’ email addresses. The company went on to claim that the team also offered to assist with communications.

“Judd and Jamie have assured us that they will start shipping in full force this coming week, after it becomes safe to do so following the passage of the hurricane advisories currently in effect,” BetterBrand said last week. “They have also graciously volunteered to help our team manage order inquiries and communications, so all questions re: order status, should be sent directly to them at the email addresses previously listed.”

Nosh reached out to the addresses provided and today received confirmation in an email from Rosenberg that ColdChain 3PL is not doing business with BetterBrand.. Nosh also contacted former employees of the company, and one stated BetterBrand had worked with ColdChain in the past and that it had not recently stepped in as a new partner, as BetterBrand’s post indicated.

“Unfortunately, the claims made by BetterBrand on social media are false. We are not fulfilling orders, and never agreed to do so, as the company has been on credit hold for 60+ days due to significant past due invoices,” the email from Rosenberg reads.

“While I wish we were able to issue refunds to you, we do not have access to BetterBrand’s online store to do so. Please direct your inquiries and refund requests directly to the company Aimee@EatBetter.com. We are sorry for the issues you are experiencing and wish we could help you further,” the email continues.

Another vendor that has previously worked with BetterBrand and agreed to speak to Nosh on the condition of anonymity said that it has heard directly from at least two other former BetterBrand-associated vendors that they are owed significant sums from the company.

That individual said it believes BetterBrand stopped paying its bills about nine months ago and called founder and CEO Aimee Yang’s credibility into question. They said that, having worked with BetterBrand employees as recently as the past two weeks, they did not believe there was any validity to the story the brand was sharing about the employee-led theft.

When contacted by Nosh regarding the email from Cold Chain, Yang said she “will be sharing a direct response as we have all proof including wire details, shipment and receipt records, that supports our statement.”