Mark Rampolla, CEO and Founder, ZICO Coconut Water
- Mark is the founder of ZICO coconut water, pioneering the $8 billion global coconut water market.
- He is the co-founder of Power-Plant Partners, investing in plant-based food companies like Beyond Meat.
Podcast
Overview
In this episode of the Brand Called You, Mark Rampolla, founder of ZICO coconut water and co-founder of Power-Plant Partners, discusses his entrepreneurial journey. He shares insights on creating the coconut water category in the US, building and selling ZICO to Coca-Cola, and then repurchasing it. Mark explores identifying market opportunities, scaling consumer brands, and investing in food trends. He discusses his vision for ZICO’s future, investment strategies, and building businesses with positive cultures. Mark also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in consumer goods.
00:35- About Mark Rampolla
- Mark is the founder of ZICO coconut water, pioneering the $8 billion global coconut water market.
- He is the co-founder of Power-Plant Partners, investing in plant-based food companies like Beyond Meat.
- He repurchased ZICO from Coca-Cola in 2020 with high-profile investors, including Naomi Osaka.
08:09- What led you to sell ZICO to Coca-Cola in 2013 and what were some of the lessons from selling ZICO?
- I started out with four goals, which were: build a brand that would stand for healthy, natural, active living and encourage that among especially kids that were moving towards more sugary drinks; build a global industry that brought value into the countries that grow it; build a team and organization that was an incredible place to work; and sell to Coca Cola company.
- I know myself well enough to do about 10 years is about as long as I think I could do anything, and so I figured it might take that long and part of The Big Vision.
- What if I could convince Coca-Cola, that they can make billions selling something healthy, right? They’ve got one of the best distribution systems in the world.
21:28- What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs to make an impact in consumer goods?
- If you have a deep passion and see a problem or opportunity, you’re ready to commit to for the next decade, regardless of making money, you have a shot.
- I’ve invested in dozens of entrepreneurs and spoken to hundreds; those who view this as a get-rich-quick scheme usually drop out.
- The ones who say, “I’m passionate about this, and I’m going for it no matter what,” are the ones who at least have a shot.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Mark Rampolla: LinkedIn
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Profile
- Mark is the founder of ZICO coconut water, pioneering the $8 billion global coconut water market.
- He is the co-founder of Power-Plant Partners, investing in plant-based food companies like Beyond Meat.
- He repurchased ZICO from Coca-Cola in 2020 with high-profile investors, including Naomi Osaka.
