Anthony Kiedis’ Jolene: The Canned Coffee Brand Redefining Your Festival Vibe

• Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers frontman, turned a 20-year coffee ritual into Jolene, a canned coffee brand shaking up the beverage market.
• Jolene’s commitment to Peruvian women farmers and her unique presence at Live Nation venues are poised to hit UK festivals.

Anthony Kiedis stood on a Brentwood sidewalk, the Los Angeles sun warming his shoulders. His friend Shane Powers yelled across the street, “Let’s start a business!” Kiedis, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers frontman, wasn’t sold on typical ventures. “How about coffee?” he shouted back. Powers grinned. “Done.” That exchange, over five years ago, ignited Jolene, a canned coffee brand now disrupting the global beverage market.

Kiedis and Powers had shared weekly coffee dates for 20 years. Those Thursday mornings became the soul of Jolene. A rock star brewing coffee might very well raise an eyebrow or two, but the journey has a brand deserving of your utmost attention.

Jolene’s Place in the Canned Coffee Brand Market

The global canned coffee market is thriving. Valued at $14.81 billion in 2024, it’s projected to reach $22.22 billion by 2032. In the UK, premium ready-to-drink coffee brands are growing at a 6.51% annual rate, as consumers demand quality on the go. Jolene enters this space with a unique edge: ethical coffee designed for live music fans.

Here’s what sets Jolene apart:

• Ethical Sourcing: Beans from an all-female co-op in Peru support women farmers directly.
• Live Music Connection: Available at 40 Live Nation venues across 23 U.S. states, with UK festivals planned.
• Two Flavours: Jolene Black (organic cold brew) and Jolene White (oat milk latte with coconut sugar).
• Festival-Ready: Slim 8.4 oz cans are perfect for concerts or commutes.

Jolene fills a gap for festival-goers seeking a premium canned coffee that matches the event’s energy.

From Sidewalk Shout to Store Shelves

Kiedis and Powers didn’t rush. They spent years perfecting Jolene. Their first step was partnering with John Terzian of h.wood Group, a hospitality expert who shared their vision. Terzian brought in Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino and James Morrissey of Global Brand Equities. Together, they tackled the challenge of canning a coffee that tasted fresh, not metallic.

The process wasn’t easy. Early batches failed during the retort process, which preserves canned drinks. “We tasted so many rounds,” Morrissey told Forbes, “until we nailed the blend.” They sourced beans from Peru’s all-female co-op, ensuring quality and community impact. Jolene launched at BottleRock 2025, a key milestone for the brand.

Does Jolene Taste as Good as It Sounds?

You’re at a gig, the crowd’s buzzing, and you need a boost. Jolene delivers with two distinct offerings. Jolene Black is a bold, organic cold brew for those who like it straight. Jolene White is a creamy oat milk latte, lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, and vegan-friendly. Unlike many canned coffees, Jolene avoids artificial flavours.

Pricing is straightforward. A 4-pack costs $17-$18, while 12-packs range from $33-$36. Compared to Starbucks’ 12-oz canned lattes, Jolene’s smaller size appeals to those prioritising quality. The oat milk latte aligns with the growing demand for plant-based options in the UK.

Pour Jolene White over ice for a festival-ready drink that rivals café quality.

Ethical Coffee Sourcing: Coffee with a Purpose

Kiedis and Powers wanted more than great taste. They chose beans from an all-female co-op in Peru, where farmers receive direct payment and resources. “It’s about connection,” Powers told Forbes. This hands-on approach ensures everyone can support a community. Jolene stands out from mass-market brands by prioritising transparency.

UK consumers value ethical sourcing. Choosing brands like Jolene supports farmers and delivers high-quality beans from high-altitude farms.

Check coffee labels for ethical sourcing. Choosing Jolene or similar brands supports farmers and enhances flavour.

Jolene and Live Music: A Match Made in Festivals

The Gorge Amphitheatre hums with energy. Fans sway to the music, now sipping Jolene. Live Nation’s partnership brings the canned coffee brand to 40 venues, from Jones Beach Theatre to Austin City Limits. Russell Wallach, Live Nation’s global president, said, “Fans want options that match live music’s pace. Jolene delivers.”

Jolene’s slim cans are built for concerts. They’re easy to carry, and four signature cocktails at select venues mix cold brew with spirits. Non-alcoholic options are gaining traction in the UK, and Jolene’s clean caffeine boost fits this trend.

Data Point:

• Venue Reach: Jolene is available at 40 Live Nation venues across 23 U.S. states, with potential expansion to UK festivals under consideration.
• Cocktail Offerings: Four Jolene-based cocktails at select venues, blending coffee and nightlife.

Grab a Jolene at your next festival for a caffeine boost that keeps you dancing without the crash.

Kiedis’ Coffee Journey

Kiedis and Powers avoided the celebrity brand trap. They focused on quality, not fame. Their partnership with Live Nation and h.wood Group ensures Jolene reaches music fans, not just Red Hot Chilli Peppers diehards. This focus on authenticity appeals to UK shoppers who value transparent brands.

How Jolene Competes in the UK Market

The UK ready-to-drink coffee market is growing at a 6.51% CAGR through 2030. Jolene faces giants like Starbucks and Costa, but it has an edge:

• Starbucks Canned Latte: Larger 12 oz cans, less focus on ethical sourcing.
• Costa Ready-to-Drink: Popular but lacks Jolene’s music culture tie-in.
• Nescafé Azera: Affordable, but not premium or ethically focused.

Jolene’s organic, vegan credentials and concert-friendly design appeal to younger UK drinkers. Its oat milk latte caters to the rising demand for plant-based options.

Try Jolene White over ice for a creamy, ethical alternative to sugary canned lattes.

Jolene’s UK Potential

Jolene launched online and in LA and New York retailers, with the UK next. Live Nation’s global reach could bring it to festivals like Glastonbury or Reading. The brand’s ethical sourcing and music connection align with UK trends—sustainability and live events are priorities here.

The brand’s slim cans and smooth flavours make it a contender for your festival go-to.

How to Experience Jolene

Ready to try Jolene? Here’s your plan:

• Shop Online: Grab a 4-pack ($17-$18) or 12-pack ($33-$36) at jolenecoffee.com.
• Hit Festivals: Look for Jolene at Live Nation events or check for UK availability.
• Vibe with Music: Pair Jolene Black with Blood Sugar Sex Magik for a rockstar moment.
• Try Cocktails: At select venues, order a Jolene cocktail for a coffee-infused twist.

The Future of Canned Coffee Brands

Jolene taps into a cultural shift: people want ethical, high-quality options that fit their lifestyle. With Live Nation, Jolene could redefine festival beverages. Other musicians, like Green Day with Punk Bunny Coffee, are entering the space, signalling a trend.

The brand plans to expand to more venues and retailers, with the UK in its sights. Its focus on ethical coffee sourcing and live music beverages sets a new standard.