Gregory Lowe II is revolutionizing the coconut water industry. With his brand 100 Coconuts, he is the first and only Black owner/founder in the industry. Originally from Cleveland, Lowe now calls New York City home. He traveled all the way to Vietnam to create the best-tasting coconut water and launched his company in 2018.
There was a time when Lowe hated the taste of coconut water. However, he loved its health benefits.
Health Benefits:
Coconut water provides a good source of several nutrients with antioxidant properties. It can lower blood sugar for people living with diabetes. The hydrating water can also prevent kidney stones and support heart health.
Recognizing the importance of these benefits, but unimpressed with the taste of the market’s offering of coconuts waters brands, Lowe decided to create his own. He believed hydration should not be at the cost of taste and desired to bring a product to market that had a better taste and sweeter profile.
The Journey:
“To source the best-tasting, naturally sweeter coconuts, I had to travel all the way to the Mekong Delta province of the Ben Tre region of Vietnam, through Ho Chi Minh and into the jungles where the best coconuts are found,” says Lowe.
“Lots of research was done before to make this an efficient process. Currently, Ben Tre has more than 200,000 families growing coconuts, accounting for about two-thirds of the total number of households in the province. Therefore, coconut groves can be found everywhere.”
The progression:
100 Coconuts sources and uses the Dua Xiem young green coconut, which prefers porous soil structure, and not too alkaline soil with a pH of 4.8 or higher. Their coconut water contains lots of potassium and minerals that help with refreshment, replenishing the body, treating dry mouth, swelling due to heart disease, and so much more.
The water tastes so good that Michael Strahan decided to invest in the company. Today, 100 Coconuts has positioned itself as a luxury brand that tells meaningful stories via its aspirational branding, design, messaging, and partnerships, and being fully accessible and affordable for the inquisitive modern independent.
Brand Growth:
The brand has grown to 15,000+ doors in just three years and is currently available at retailers like Go Puff, Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods, HEB, Publix, Sprouts, The Vitamin Shoppe, Nugget Markets, and Erewhon, among others.
100 Coconuts is packaged in an aluminum can, which maintains the flavor and integrity of the water better than a Tetra Pak. With only 50 calories per serving and no added sugar, the brand is the best alternative to soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, and water. And Lowe feels good knowing that he has made a healthier option available to the community.
What’s Next:
“Diabetes is a real killer in our community, I’ve had many family members pass and that continue to suffer from this disease. It feels great to bring a ‘better-for-you’ product to the market for my people to substitute for high fructose sugar options.”
Lowe is excited to be launching 100 Coconuts at various new locations over the next few months, including Target, Kroger, and multiple new states. For more information, visit www.100coconuts.com and connect with the brand on social media.
Related: Maryland’s Black-Owned Greenbar Is Bringing Healthy Meals To Underserved Communities