This story is available as part of Wild Blood's Press Kit, which can be downloaded here and includes additional coverage resources such as high resolution brand images.

A 2025 Gallup poll found that only 54% of Americans now say they drink alcohol - the lowest in 90 years. While many brands are scrambling to cash in with “healthy” concoctions that are actually loaded with dubious extracts, processed additives, and artificial flavors, Austin-based start-up Wild Blood is taking a different path.

Wild Blood is elevating a natural drink that’s been enjoyed for thousands of years - coconut water - by giving it a striking new look and feel. Instead of beachy cartons, Wild Blood comes in large-format cans wrapped in intricate, hand-drawn art that wouldn’t look out of place on a craft beer - forget palm trees: these cans feature tangled roots, watchful creatures, and dark, otherworldly landscapes.

Inside the can is premium coconut water sourced exclusively from the Ben Tre region of Vietnam, prized for its sweeter, smoother taste. And Wild Blood adds one more twist: a sparkling variety alongside the still. Because if people love anything right now, it’s bubbles.

Who’s Behind the Company

Wild Blood was founded in Austin, Texas in late 2024 by a group of industry outsiders, which is notable in a space dominated by massive beverage conglomerates. Before launching the brand, the founding team worked as accountants, software engineers, and analysts - but more importantly, they are outdoor adventurers, music lovers, and festival regulars, looking to cut back on alcohol like so many others.

At the music venues around Austin this crew saw a gap: in a sea of options claiming to be healthy, there simply aren’t that many alcohol-free options that are truly natural. Coconut water could fit the bill, but it’s usually not available in places that serve alcohol - beachy cartons just don’t match the vibe in bars, music venues, and festivals.

So the team set out to change this. And since they wanted to create a product that they’d enjoy themselves and be proud to stand behind - not just one that would catch eyes - they were adamant that what came in the can would be the best-tasting coconut water on the market. After months of supplier calls, taste tests, and fine-tuning, they found their perfect match: the sweeter, smoother coconuts of Ben Tre. With the product secured, the brand identity locked in, and cans rolling off the line, Wild Blood officially hit the market in July 2025.

The Wild Blood Journey (So Far)

With its dark, arresting visuals and delightful taste, Wild Blood made an immediate splash. It’s now available online via their website and Amazon, stocked in multiple Austin retailers and gyms, and is set to expand nationally in late 2025 and early 2026. Wild Blood is currently engaged in conversations and tastings with dozens of distributors and retailers across the country.

The brand hosted its official launch party on September 20, 2025, at the Virgin Hotel’s Kassi Beach Club in Las Vegas. Planning is underway for their hometown celebration in Austin on November 15, 2025.

Vision & Commitment

Wild Blood genuinely cares about giving back, particularly when it comes to protecting the wilds that inspired the company name. Within a month of launching, Wild Blood had already joined 1% for the Planet, and committed to giving a portion of their sales to Save Barton Creek Association. The company has also donated product to Round Rock ISD, helping teachers stay hydrated while preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. Wild Blood also supports Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS) both financially and with free product. And for this young company, it’s only the beginning.

A Ripe Market

The timing for Wild Blood’s entry could not be better. Consumer preferences are shifting rapidly, creating a powerful tailwind for alternatives like coconut water.

• The U.S. coconut water market is projected to grow from $1.89 billion in 2023 to $5.12 billion in 2029.
• Fitness retail outlets are a particularly strong growth channel, with coconut water sales rising 29% year over year.
• 61% of U.S. consumers now view coconut water as a healthier alternative to sports drinks.

At the same time, alcohol consumption among younger adults is declining:

• 38% of adults under 35 don’t drink at all, up from 28% in 2003.
• Weekly drinking in this group has dropped from 49% to 38%, and the average number of drinks per week has fallen from 5.2 to 3.6.
• 52% now say even moderate drinking feels unhealthy, up from 34% just five years ago.

Music and live events also remain a cultural anchor for this demographic:

• Around 38 million people attend at least one music festival each year in the U.S.
• The average North American adult goes to 4.2 concerts annually.
• 60% of festival-goers and 62% of concert attendees are aged 18–34.

Together, these trends point to a massive, growing audience ready for natural, exciting alternatives like Wild Blood.

What’s Next

Wild Blood’s team is beyond excited to continue scaling up, making a natural option available to people looking to improve their health and avoid products overloaded with additives. Even with national distribution, the team will remain focused on promoting Wild Blood around Austin. Keep an eye out for them at your local bike race, frisbee tournament, climbing competition, or any event where clean hydration matters.

Leadership Team

Taylor Ellison

Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Taylor leads Wild Blood, with responsibility for vision, strategy, and overall performance. He has two decades of experience in software engineering, focused on cryptography and network security, artificial intelligence, and advertising technology. He’s an avid rock climber who enjoys playing guitar and cherishes a well-crafted cup of espresso.

Meredith Hearn

VP of Marketing & Creative, Co-Founder

Meredith has a creative eye, leading design, marketing, social media, and event planning. A CPA specializing in SEC reporting, she brings a unique blend of financial expertise and creative vision to her work. Outside of work, Meredith is passionate about rock climbing, creating art, live music, building connections, and spending time with her dog, Toby.

Austin Brubaker

VP of Finance & Operations, Co-Founder

Austin oversees financial, legal, and logistical operations for Wild Blood. He brings experience in private-equity accounting, corporate finance, and operational execution within high-growth companies. He’s a lifelong outdoorsman and tinkerer who channels his energy into music, photography, and hands-on creative projects.

Andrea Ellison

VP of Sales & Revenue, Co-Founder

Andrea leads sales and revenue operations for the company. With a background in finance and sales operations, she has extensive experience working with sales organizations across multiple industries. She shares the team's love of the outdoors, will never turn down cheese, and, ever the analyst, enjoys planning a trip as much as taking it.

Samuel Holmes

Brand Ambassador

Samuel is a notable athlete in the boxing world, serving as an ambassador for the brand and helping ensure the company continues to live up to the ideals it promotes.

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