Unilever announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Liquid I.V., a U.S-based health-science nutrition and wellness company.

Based in El Segundo, California, Liquid I.V. was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Brandin Cohen. Liquid I.V.’s electrolyte drink mixes utilise Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) which enhances the rapid absorption of water and other key nutrients into the bloodstream, helping people feel better, faster. Based on the World Health Organization’s guidelines for the clinically proven Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), that prevents and treats dehydration, one serving of Liquid I.V. can provide up to 2–3 times the hydration of water alone.

Liquid I.V. provides a 360-degree approach to wellness with a product range that includes Hydration, Energy and Sleep. Liquid I.V. is also non-GMO, vegan, gluten free, soy free and dairy free.

Fabian Garcia, President of Unilever North America, said: “Liquid I.V. is an impressive and innovative brand in the fast-growing health, wellness and personal nutrition space. Liquid I.V. shares Unilever’s purpose to improve people’s health and wellbeing, as well as our ambition to create sustainable products that have a positive social impact. We are delighted to welcome Liquid I.V. to Unilever’s portfolio of purpose-driven brands.”

Brandin Cohen, Liquid I.V. founder and CEO, stated: “We are excited to work together with Unilever to scale the brand and amplify Liquid I.V.’s mission to help people everywhere live better lives – to optimise the body, hydrate those in need, and better the planet.”

Liquid I.V. will continue to be based in El Segundo, California, and led by Brandin Cohen, who will remain as Chief Executive Officer and Founder.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

‘Hive’ will address major global food system challenges

Unilever has invested €85m in the new center, named ‘Hive’ for its location amidst leading academic research centres, start-ups and external partners. From Hive, Unilever will lead its global Foods innovation programs for brands like Knorr, Hellmann’s, The Vegetarian Butcher and Calvė. Areas of research will include: plant-based ingredients and meat alternatives, efficient crops, sustainable food packaging and nutritious foods.

Together with its partners, Unilever aims to transform the food industry into a healthy and sustainable system, driving innovations that are healthier for people and for the planet.

Alan Jope, Unilever CEO, said: “We need a fundamental transformation of the food system if we are to feed more than 9 billion people sustainably and nutritiously. Malnutrition, obesity, climate change and food waste are issues that can only be addressed if we work in partnership to accelerate technology and innovation. Having a global research and development centre in Wageningen will enable us to do exactly this.”

The Wageningen area in the Netherlands is often nicknamed “Food Valley” – a nod to Silicon Valley – in recognition of the breakthroughs in agri-food tech being generated by start-ups, science institutes, NGOs and companies located in the area.

Unilever’s Hive has the highest certification for sustainable buildings: ‘BREEAM-NL Outstanding’. Large parts of the fully circular interior are accessible to the public. Earlier this year, the building won two prestigious design awards: the Global Design Award for Commercial Projects and the Global Public Award.