Zico

The company was founded in 2004 by Mark Rampolla, who was inspired by the refreshing and electrolyte-rich properties of coconut water he encountered while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America. Rampolla, then an executive at International Paper, saw an opportunity to create a new health beverage category that was also environmentally sustainable by utilizing what was often a discarded waste product of the coconut industry. He launched the brand from his garage, initially targeting niche markets like yoga studios to build a following.

ZICO experienced significant growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing beverage brands globally. This success attracted the attention of The Coca-Cola Company, which acquired a minority stake in 2009 and purchased the company outright in 2013 for over $200 million. However, after a period of declining sales in the competitive plant water market, Coca-Cola announced it would discontinue the brand in 2020. In a remarkable turn of events, Rampolla, through his growth equity fund PowerPlant Ventures, reacquired the brand in January 2021. The new company was named ZICO Rising and is led by beverage industry veterans Thomas Hicks and Alan George.

The core product is 100% pasteurized coconut water, not from concentrate, which differentiates it from some competitors. The product line has also included flavored versions like Chocolate, Coconut Lime, Fruit Punch, and Tropical. Sourced primarily from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the company emphasizes its sustainable supply chain and partnerships with local farmers. ZICO offers its products in both recyclable plastic bottles and Tetra Pak cartons to cater to different consumer needs for on-the-go consumption.