Once Upon a Coconut (OUAC), the premium coconut water brand, announced a strategic partnership with L.A. Libations (LAL), the leading beverage incubator and accelerator for national growth to expand retail presence.

The partnership combines OUAC’s innovative and mission-driven brand with LAL’s proven expertise in beverage incubation, strategic retail leadership and distribution expansion. With LAL’s support, OUAC is strengthening its national footprint, including a national launch in all 2,300-plus Albertsons stores beginning March 1, 2026. The brand also is seeing continued growth in Sprouts Farmers Market, with LAL supporting its presence across the retailer. Together, the companies will strengthen retailer relationships, broaden OUAC’s direct store delivery (DSD) footprint and execute long-term investment strategies designed to scale the brand nationwide.

“This partnership is about more than distribution, it’s about unlocking the full potential of Once Upon a Coconut,” said John Chiorando, CEO of Once Upon a Coconut, in a statement. “With L.A. Libations by our side, we’re taking the next big step toward making our brand a household name, while staying true to our mission of offering better-for-you hydration and giving back to communities everywhere.”

For more than a decade, LAL has helped some of the most successful beverage brands grow from emerging players into market leaders. With strong ties to leading grocery and convenience retailers, LAL is uniquely positioned to bring OUAC to more shelves and more consumers across the country, the company says.

“We’ve built our reputation on partnering with brands that have something truly special, and Once Upon a Coconut checks every box,” said Danny Stepper, CEO and co-founder of L.A. Libations, in a statement. “From flavor innovation to social impact, Once Upon A Coconut represents the future of hydration, and with L.A. Libations’ expertise, this is only the beginning.”

This collaboration is built on a shared vision: helping consumers live healthier lives by making better-for-you beverages accessible everywhere. Together, OUAC and LAL are committed to making the brand a household name and a leader in the future of hydration.