Sanzo produces Asian-inspired, clean-label sparkling waters made with real fruit and no added sugar or artificial flavors, with SKUs including Lychee, Calamansi Lime, Alphonso Mango and Yuzu Ginger. Launched in 2019 by Sandro Roco, the brand positions itself to bridge beloved Asian flavors and mainstream clean-label beverages. Sanzo has achieved distribution in 2,000+ strategic retailers and is rolling out all flavors to Whole Foods Market nationwide (500+ doors). The company reported 5x year-over-year growth in both 2020 and 2021 and a >30% repeat purchase rate in direct-to-consumer sales. Future plans highlighted in the articles include accelerating national retail rollout, limited-time collaborative SKUs tied to cultural moments (e.g., a Turning Red Lychee can), and continued strategic brand partnerships to amplify AAPI representation. Sanzo focuses on cultural resonance and targeted partnerships to expand share within the $10+ billion sparkling water category. Sanzo produces Asian-inspired sparkling water in three core flavors—lychee, alphonso mango, and calamansi—made with real fruit and no added sugars or artificial flavors. The brand sells direct-to-consumer, through food & beverage wholesale distributors, and has launched in retail including Whole Foods. Sanzo reported rapid COVID-era growth, citing a 400% increase in revenue and later reporting >600% growth in its DTC channel that has driven over 4x revenue. The company was self-funded at launch and is operated by a sole founder who remains the only full-time employee. Sanzo’s mission is to bridge cultures by introducing authentic Eastern flavors to a broader audience, and it plans additional retail rollouts in the near term while bolstering e-commerce and digital marketing efforts. The business targets the growing sparkling water market and leverages clean-label, Asian-inspired positioning to capture consumers seeking healthier alternatives.

Total raised

$11M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Feb 2022