5 New Beverages Backed by Celebrities
By Steve Holtz on Nov. 21, 20161. Justin Timberlake: Bai Brands
CHICAGO -- In October, pop star Justin Timberlake became an investor in Bai Brands, one of the “it” drinks stealing share from more established beverages with humorous advertising and a unique value proposition as an antioxidant, low-sugar, low-calorie thirst quencher.
“I’ve been a fan of Bai for a long time,” Timberlake said. “This partnership was created from a shared desire to help people put better ingredients in their bodies without sacrificing taste.”
The singer and actor will serve as “chief flavor officer” of Bai—one of Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s allied brands—to develop and launch new flavors and styles of the beverage, which will enter the carbonated-soft-drink world with Bai Black next year. (Dr Pepper Snapple Group has since purchased the entire company.)
Bai did not say how much Timberlake invested in the company. But using Timberlake’s move as a jumping-off point, CSP presents five beverage brands that have earned celebrity status in the past year.
2. Beyonce: Wtrmln Wtr
Beyonce has joined CAVU Venture Partners in throwing her monetary support behind this watermelon-water startup. "I invested in Wtrmln Wtr because it's the future of clean, natural hydration; as partners, we share a simple mission to deliver accessible wellness to the world," Beyonce said in a statement. "This is more than an investment in a brand, it's an investment in female leaders, fitness, American farmers and the health of people and our planet."
3. Mark Wahlberg & Sean (Diddy) Combs: Aquahydrate
Actors and rappers Mark Wahlberg and Sean (Diddy) Combs were such fans of Aquahydrate, a high pH electrolyte water, that they invested in the company. “We are here to make an impact and show the world we are serious about Aquahydrate," Combs said. “I have believed in this brand from day one," Wahlberg added.
4. Jaden Smith: Just Water
The famous son of actor and rapper Will Smith, Jaden Smith is behind an environmental initiative and business venture called Just Water, which sells spring water that is "responsibly sourced, produced and packaged for improved environmental and community impact," according to its website. Significantly, the bottles are all made out of paper and plant-based plastic.
5. Richard Rawlings: Gas Monkey Energy
Richard Rawlings, the star of the Discovery Channel's "Fast N' Loud," introduced Gas Monkey Energy drink in May with the promise of "a high-octane energy drink for true adrenaline junkies."