Calypso Lemonades, owned by KJ Holding, has acquired the watermelon water brand Mela Water for an undisclosed sum.
In a statement, Calypso said the deal unites two “complementary, high-performing brands, disrupting their respective categories”.
Mela produces “premium” watermelon waters and caters to the “rapidly growing” segment of plant-based functional hydration.
According to US-based Calypso, Mela brings an “incremental consumer” to its portfolio, while also engaging the “already broad” customer base behind the Calypso brand.
Mela’s range includes flavours such as original, passionfruit, pineapple, and ginger.
Products are available online at melawater.com, on Amazon, and in retailers including 7-Eleven, Target, and Wegmans.
Calypso CEO David Klavsons said: “Mela is a great brand with strong consumer appeal that is delivering outstanding growth. Mela’s exceptional taste, unique flavours, tropical vibe, and functional hydration make it a strong complement to our Calypso brand.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the launch, Mela Water CEO Dom Purpura said he acquired the brand from its original founders in September 2021, with the official launch following in March 2022.
Purpura added in the joint statement with Calypso: “We are excited to join the Calypso platform as we enter the next phase of our growth. Our team has done a fantastic job building the brand over the last several years gaining significant distribution with leading retailers while sustaining strong unit velocities.
“It’s now the perfect time to join the Calypso platform and leverage their infrastructure to scale the brand nationally and internationally.”
Calypso’s range includes lemonade, limeade, and zero-sugar varieties.
Its products are available in over 20 countries.
