Cold brew coffee deal: Beliv expands US portfolio by acquiring 78% stake in High Brew

31 Jul 2023 --- Beliv, a fastest-growing better-for-you beverage company in Latin America, has acquired a 78% stake in High Brew, a cold brew coffee brand in the ready-to-drink (RTD) industry.

High Brew is increasingly popular in the US market, according to the company which notes that the remaining shares will continue to be held by its founder, David Smith, and current investors.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it’s pegged as a “milestone” for Beliv and part of the company’s global expansion strategy and consumer-centric vision.

It allows the company to increase its footprint in the US, where it is already present with OCA, Güitig, Petit and Big Easy, which were all added to the portfolio through a purchase in 2021. 

Cold brew coffee
Beliv operates in China, Europe and Latin America, offering a diverse range of products, including natural energy beverages, functional and carbonated waters, as well as juices and nectars. Notably, Citric Juices holds a prominent position in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the Asian market.

High Brew is a strongly positioned brand in the cold brew coffee RTD industry.

Due to the cold extraction process, it naturally contains a high level of antioxidants, enhancing its original flavor and significantly reducing the characteristic acidity of the traditional brewing method. 

High Brew has a premier 8oz can presentation available in 11 flavors, all of them 100% natural and low in sugar: Double Espresso, Mexican Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Mocha, Black Triple Shot, Black & Bold, Creamy Cappuccino + Protein, Nitro Caramel Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Nitro Sweet Cold Brew, Peppermint Mocha and Espresso Triple Shot.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is our point of connection, and we have a strong desire to build together our growth in the US, which is one of the strategic markets for the expansion of Beliv’s business. This acquisition is essential to continue developing a well-positioned and solid portfolio backed by a consumer-centric vision”, explains Carlos Sluman, founder, CEO and partner of Beliv. 

“With High Brew, we are adding a disruptive product in a booming category through its distribution to 15,000 sale points in the US and the collaboration with 54 strategic partners.”

Smith states that “sustainability will continue to be a differential value in the operation since High Brew needs the best beans to make the best coffee. This means supporting all those who participate in the value chain.

Edited by Gaynor Selby