Unilever is investing $80m into a US facility to enhance the production capacity for the functional beverage brand Liquid IV. The expansion and automation of parts of the facility in Jefferson City will support the production of the powder mix brand. Upgrades to the plant include automated packaging lines, a blending room, and heating and cooling modifications to the building’s infrastructure.
The Liquid IV product range consists of powder mixes claimed to improve water absorption, provide energy, and aid in achieving good sleep cycles. Unilever acquired Liquid IV in 2020, a powder mix brand created in California by Brandin Cohen in 2012.
“Securing supply chain resiliency for Liquid IV is a key factor in continuing to drive growth for the brand,” stated Jostein Solheim, the CEO of Unilever’s Health & Wellbeing business unit. Unilever also plans to expand the brand’s presence internationally following a successful launch in Canada.
In Unilever’s annual results statement for 2023, it was noted that Liquid IV extended its presence outside the US. Unilever CFO Fernando Fernandez mentioned in an earnings call that Liquid IV experienced double-digit growth in the fourth quarter of the year. The company is optimizing through portfolio bolt-on acquisitions to increase exposure to fast-growing channels and premium segments.
In 2023, Unilever recorded a group turnover of €59.6bn ($64bn), with a net profit of €7.1bn. The company aims to further grow and expand its presence in the food and beverage industry trends, food and drink business, and food and drink consumer trends segments.
