By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Relatively new to the market but already sitting in supermarket chain Zona Sul, is the all-natural flavored drink, Eklo Water, which was the brain-child of an American expatriate in Rio, Richard Moxley. According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), global ‘flavored and functional water market’ is expected to reach US$36.7 billion by 2019, as increasing disposable incomes in developing regions channel consumers to healthier choices.
Richard Moxley, who moved to Rio eleven years ago, initially started to develop the product for his family, after his father was diagnosed with diabetes and needed to adopt a healthier diet. After three years of experimenting and testing different mixes and recipes, a product emerged that went from being enjoyed by friends and family, to a store brand set to expand.
Eklo Waters currently only has two flavors, but both contain the vitamins B2, B3, B5, B9 (folic acid) and B12. Both are also one hundred percent natural, zero calories, zero sodium and zero added sugar, according to Moxley.
The Citrus with White Tea flavor is made of 98 percent water, two percent of natural citrus juice, white tea and Stevia (a sweetener and sugar substitute). The Tangerine with Green Tea flavor is 97 percent water, three percent natural tangerine juice, green tea and Stevia.
Moxley explained in a press release how the recipe went from a medical necessity, to a flavorful favorite in the refrigerator. “My father loved it and has since lost 22kg. More than an appropriate water for his health and diet, [we] developed a drink that triggered a new lifestyle of all my family and friends.”
Adding “As we begin to drink Eklo Water, we stop, of course, drinking sodas, juices with preservatives and the like […]. We found a drink that satisfies us in terms of flavor and at the same time takes care of health. It was much easier to drink the required daily water with Eklo Water,” says Richard.
The company has already succeeded in getting the product on the shelves at Rio de Janeiro supermarket chain Zona Sul, and their 36 stores around the state. Now Eklo Water is excited to be looking for new distribution outlets across Brazil, including schools and other institutions.