COCONUT WARS

In a further sign that coconut water is maturing as a beverage category, ZICO LLC announced Tuesday that it received a minority investment from the Coca-Cola Co.’s Venturing and Emerging Brands Unit as part of a $15 million round of financing that also included brand-builders Suite 850 and other individual investors.

Despite an investment for the beverage giant the arrangement won’t alter ZICO’s immediate plans, according to Mark Rampolla, the company’s founder and CEO. He said the company will stick to its DSD network – which includes Polar, Big Geyser and Haralambos – and continue to target coastal markets through “influencers” while steering clear of traditional advertising.

In related news, The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with O.N.E. (One Natural Experience), the natural and functional beverages brand company, to distribute O.N.E. beverages in Southern California and South Florida. PBG will begin distribution in the fourth quarter.