Ocado signs deal with drinks producer as celebrities go nuts about coconuts
said. ‘We are developing new products, with oil and chips coming. You have to be different if you are fighting for shelf space.’
The firm also markets its eco-friendly credentials. Knight said: ‘Because we own our plantation in the Philippines we have control of the supply chain and responsibility at source.’
Sold in stylish glass bottles as well as Tetra Paks Jax Coco has partnered with Pacha nightclub in Ibiza to produce coconut water featuring Pacha’s COCONUT water brand Jax Coco, drunk by celebrities such as Cara Delevingne, Stella McCartney, Sienna Miller and David Walliams, has secured a deal with Ocado, marking its first UK-wide listing.
The company was founded by former hedge fund trader and mother-of-five Jane Gottschalk and her husband Max, with Hong Kong entrepreneur Alex Ing and his son Jason.
It was launched in Harvey Nichols and Hong Kong markets in 2012, having secured backing from highprofile investors such as Elton John. Jax products are now in 35 countries and it expects turnover of £1million in 2015.
Charlotte Knight joined the firm six months ago as managing director after selling a large piece of her previous venture, gourmet dips producer G’nosh.
‘Coconut is popular for cooking and beauty. It has amazing properties,’ she trademark cherries logo, and is also launching drinks for children and chocolate infused with coconut oil.
David Turner, global food and drink analyst at research firm Mintel, has said: ‘Coconut oil has the potential to be the star of its sector. There has been a change of view regarding the food’s healthiness.’
Coconut water was the UK’s fastest-growing soft drink last year.