L.A. Libations and Once Upon a Coconut: A Game-Changing Partnership for Beverage Innovation

A New Era in Hydration

In a strategic move set to reshape the beverage landscape, Once Upon a Coconut (OUAC), a premier brand recognized for its high-quality coconut water, has officially partnered with L.A. Libations (LAL), an industry titan in beverage incubation and market expansion. This collaboration, announced on December 9, 2025, is poised to significantly enhance OUAC’s retail presence across the United States, commencing with an exciting nationwide launch in all 2,300+ Albertsons stores come March 2026.

L.A. Libations, known for its cutting-edge strategies and robust retail networks, is eager to harness its expertise to elevate the OUAC brand. By combining OUAC's innovative and socially-conscious approach with LAL’s strategic leadership in beverage distribution, the partnership seeks to not only increase shelf availability but also enrich the consumer's experience of healthier hydration options. As emphasized by John Chiorando, CEO of OUAC, this partnership represents a pivotal moment for the brand: "This partnership is about more than distribution; it's about unlocking the full potential of Once Upon a Coconut."

With the backing of L.A. Libations, OUAC plans to broaden its presence in key markets, including natural food chains like Sprouts Farmers Market. This strategic retail growth is designed to amplify the brand's direct store delivery (DSD) footprint, facilitating easier access for consumers eager for a refreshing and healthy hydrating option. Chiorando reiterates, "With L.A. Libations by our side, we’re taking the next big step toward making our brand a household name."

L.A. Libations has been instrumental in the success of several thriving beverage brands over the past decade, guiding them from fledgling startups to recognized market leaders. Their approach involves forging solid relationships with major grocery and convenience store chains, crucial for the success LAL has gained, and now they aim to apply this model to Once Upon a Coconut.

Danny Stepper, CEO and Co-Founder of L.A. Libations, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We've built our reputation on partnering with brands that have something truly special, and Once Upon a Coconut checks every box. From flavor innovation to social impact, they represent the future of hydration."

The essence of this partnership is not merely about bolstering retail presence, but rather about promoting a healthier lifestyle for consumers through accessible, better-for-you beverage options. Both OUAC and LAL share a visionary goal of elevating the profile of coconut water within the beverage industry, ensuring it becomes a staple choice for health-conscious consumers everywhere.

Once Upon a Coconut, established in 2020, prides itself on offering coconut water sourced from young green coconuts harvested in Vietnam. The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of eco-friendly aluminum packaging. Aiming to make hydration both enjoyable and responsible, OUAC has also pledged 10% of its profits to nonprofit organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back to communities.

Prominent investors backing Once Upon a Coconut include Daymond John of Shark Tank fame, NFL stars Rob Gronkowski and Ronnie Stanley, and notable figures like St. Louis Cardinals Manager Oliver Marmol. Their support underscores OUAC’s potential in the market.

As the partnership unfolds, consumers can look forward to a refreshing, health-driven experience as both brands strive to make coconut water an integral part of everyday hydration. The synergy between L.A. Libations’ distribution expertise and Once Upon a Coconut’s mission-driven approach is set to create waves in the market, redefining what consumers expect from their beverages, and ultimately transforming the future of hydration as we know it.

Stay tuned for updates as this dynamic partnership begins to change the way we drink and think about coconut water, reinforcing the belief that great taste and health can — and should — go hand in hand.