Agua frescas are a favorite warm-weather drink in Mexico. Califia Farms has launched a trio of its own aguas, to be sold exclusively at Whole Foods just in time to refresh consumers looking for relief from the sweltering summer heat.
Latin flavor
Kaitlin Walter, director of communications for Califia Farms, told FoodProductionDaily the product and its festive packaging is intended to capture the growing consumer interest in Latin-flavored beverages and foods, and in products on the lighter side.
“Califia’s take on the classic lightly-sweetened agua is cause for a fiesta, as the health-conscious brand’s Aguas use less sugar and clock in at 90 or fewer calories per serving,” she said. “The timely launch of the new line coincides with summer holiday and festivity planning, as the new drinks complement picnic and fiesta occasions.”
The aguas frescas bottle features the signature curvy shape used on Califia Farms almondmilks, cold-brew coffees, and other beverages, to carry the brand throughout all of its beverage categories. The BPA-free PET bottle is covered with a full-wrap label decorated to reflect the product’s heritage.
“The art on the label is celebrating the inspiration of the product: traditional Mexican aguas frescas and the fruit inside,” she said.
Environmental mission
Califia Farms management places emphasis on sustainability, starting with sourcing ingredients from growers at nearby California farms.
“Sustainable practices are important to us because we’re all in it together,” she said. “The food industry has to share its supply and resources, and unless every manufacturer prioritizes sustainability, we will continue to see environmental changes impact our agricultural yields and growing conditions.”
The company’s stated commitment to protecting the planet goes beyond the ingredients and permeates Califia Farms’ operation, Walter said.
“At our core, we want to make products that our consumers can truly feel good about drinking,” she told FPD. “In designing our plant, every effort was made to provide the equipment and manufacturing practices that not only supply the highest quality beverages, but also to have the most efficient and sustainable operations available.”
Led by Greg Steltenpohl (founder of natural food/beverage brand Odwalla), Califia Farms was established in 2010 with the goal to produce natural, sustainable product. The plant is designed to be energy efficient, clean-water responsible, and reportedly repurposes (rather than discards) more than 90% of its post-production byproduct.
The Califia Farms aguas frescas recently hit shelves in US Whole Foods in an exclusive launch. In October, the bottles will be distributed to additional retailers.