US-based flavoured water producer Rethink Brands has secured $6.7 million in a funding round led by venture fund AccelFoods.
Founded in 2016 by Matt Swanson and Chris O’Donovan, Rethink aimed to take the children’s juice drink industry head on with the launch of Rethink Water, which was introduced last year.
The line is made with purified water and organic fruit essence, and comes in four flavours: apple, berry, fruit punch, and orange mango.
Rethink has widespread national distribution in more than 11,000 stores, including Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as on e-commerce retailers such as Amazon.
Capital from the funding round will support Rethink’s growth and distribution across the US, fund field teams in markets to execute on the expansion, and develop new product launches in the upcoming year.
Rethink co-founder Matt Swanson said that funding marks a pivotal moment for the brand: “We always knew we were on the right side of health trends and consumer priorities.
“By addressing the needs of children, we are able to make a real difference: creating a product that encourages healthy eating and drinking habits for our youth, while improving the buying and decision-making experience for parents.
“Giving our consumers more and better options, and continually innovating our approach is key to our success, and AccelFoods has been and will continue to be the right partner to help us get to the next level.”
AccelFoods managing partner Jordan Gaspar added: “As investors and working mothers, we are thrilled to have partnered with a brand that is bringing true innovation to the children’s beverage category.
“With young children of our own, we know firsthand the challenge of finding quality beverage products we feel good about giving our kids.
“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Rethink and bring both parents and kids an organic, zero-calorie, and zero-sugar beverage option.”
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