The company was started by Dr. Ali Lazem, who left his career as a lawyer and doctor, to create Flõ (Fun, loving, original) Drinks after spotting a need for a beverage brand that “benefits humanity.”
The UK company introduced four flavors: watermelon-mint, cucumber-lemon, blueberry-vanilla, and lychee-hibiscus for the retail price of £1.29 ($1.69) per 500ml bottles, which are 100% recyclable and made of 62% paper, producing approximately 61% less CO2 and 86% less water than a comparable plastic/PET bottle, the company said.
Flõ Essence Water is now available to UK retailers and can be purchased by consumers through the company’s website.
‘The best thing you can drink is water’
The company intends to reach a consumer audience looking for healthier options in the soft drinks category and believes that Flõ Essence Water answers the call with beverages which are free from additives, preservatives, sweeteners, and calories.
With flavors obtained from fruits and vegetables, Flõ Drinks says its line will also encourage people to drink more water.
“The best thing you can drink is water, but plain water is boring so we often don’t drink enough of it. The alternatives are too unhealthy (including typical flavored waters which are soft drinks in disguise) with all their sugar/sweeteners, preservatives and low pH levels,” Lazem said.
Its line of mineral waters contains under 0.12mg of nitrates and 3.6mg of sodium per bottle. Unlike the high acidity levels of soft drinks and juices which can wear away at tooth enamel, Flõ Essence Water’s pH level of 7 is gentler on teeth, according the company.
“Consumers have become more aware of sugar, sweetener and additive content in drinks which previously they perceived as healthy. They are increasingly looking for soft drinks made of natural ingredients and no hidden nasties, which don’t compromise on taste,” said Lazem.
In addition, 10% of its profits will be donated to clean water and clean planet projects around the world.