Zico (drink)

For other uses, see Zico (disambiguation).
Zico Rising
IndustryBeverages
Founded2004; 20 years ago (2004)
New York City, New York, U.S.
FounderMark Rampolla
HeadquartersEl Segundo, California, U.S.
ParentPowerPlant Ventures
Websitezico.com Edit this on Wikidata

Zico is a brand of coconut water and other drinks containing coconut water. The drinks are produced by Zico Rising,[1] originally founded as Zico Beverages in 2004.

In 2013, the business was acquired by the Coca-Cola Company, which then owned it for the next seven years. In January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and after years of declining sales, the company was sold back to its founder, Mark Rampolla, through PowerPlant Ventures.

History

Zico Beverages was founded in 2004 by Mark Rampolla after being introduced to coconut water as a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America.[2]

In 2009, the Coca-Cola Company purchased a minority stake in the company[3] and increased that to a majority stake in 2012.[4]

In 2013, Coca-Cola purchased the outstanding stake, thus acquiring the entire Zico business and brand.[5]

In 2020, Coca-Cola announced it would discontinue the Zico products by the end of the year, citing a sales decline of more than 20% for coconut water products in the preceding five years, an inability to catch up to the market segment leader Vita Coco, and the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]

In January 2021, PowerPlant Ventures announced its acquisition of the Zico brand from the Coca-Cola Company. The brand's ownership thus came full circle, as PowerPlant Ventures was co-founded and is co-led by Mark Rampolla, who was behind Zico's initial 2004 launch.[1] The business was renamed to Zico Rising.[1]

Ingredients and flavors

Three basic variants of Zico drinks are currently offered as of late 2023. The company website's "buy now" buttons link to Amazon.com for purchasing.[7][8]

  • Zico Natural contains only pasteurized coconut water (not from concentrate).
  • Zico Chocolate contains 70% coconut water, water, cane sugar, cocoa powder, and other ingredients, and is marketed as a "dairy-free alternative to chocolate milk with only 1/3 of the sugar".[8]
  • Zico Hydrate is available in Coconut Lime flavor and contains 30% coconut water, flavorings, and other ingredients. Two other flavors of Zico Hydrate, namely Fruit Punch and Tropical, are also described on the official website, but are not currently available on Amazon.com as of late 2023.

In 2017, the available flavors were natural, chocolate, jalapeño mango, and watermelon raspberry.[9][10]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Founder of ZICO Coconut Water Re-Acquires Brand from The Coca-Cola Company" (Press release). January 14, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021 – via BusinessWire.
  2. ^ Murphy, Kate (November 2, 2013). "Opinion | Mark Rampolla". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  3. ^ Zmuda, Natalie (November 16, 2009). "Zico: an America's Hottest Brands Case Study". AdAge. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  4. ^ "US: Coca-cola Co takes control of Zico coconut water". Just Drinks. April 23, 2012. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  5. ^ "Coca-Cola North Acquires Coconut Water Maker Zico Beverages". Vending Times. November 29, 2013. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  6. ^ Pomranz, Mike (October 6, 2020). "Zico to Be Discontinued as Coca-Cola Gives Up on Coconut Water". Food & Wine.
  7. ^ "The Lineup". Zico.com. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "ZICO 100% Coconut Water Drink". Amazon.com. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  9. ^ "Jet.com - Prices Drop As You Shop". Jet.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  10. ^ "Zico Pure Pineapple Premium Coconut Water 16.9 oz Plastic Bottles – Pack of 12". taldepot.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.