Coconut water, the next generation?
Last but not least, we couldn't end a piece on beverage trends without mentioning coconut water.
While the category is currently dominated by by big names (backed by even bigger corporate owners) such as Zico, O.N.E. and Vita Coco, Epicurex VP sales Paul Kilbride, a former Coca-Cola sales executive that knows a thing or two about how the beverage market works (pictured far right), reckons there is still room for another player.
Launched in summer 2013, COCOZIA is USDA Organic and Kosher certified, non-GMO project verified and Fairtrade certified, and has been steadily building up distribution in Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and California via deals with UNFI and KeHE, says Kilbride.
"We're the only 100% organic coconut water that's not from concentrate."
You can get Paul Kilbride's take on the state of the US coconut water market at the FoodNavigator-USA live online Beverage Entrepreneurs Forum on July 23.
Click HERE to register for FREE.