Which bottled-water brand did Starbucks acquire in 2005?

Starbucks acquired Ethos Water in 2005. Ethos Water is a bottled-water brand associated with charitable support for clean-water initiatives, and Starbucks used the acquisition to expand its bottled-water business and social-impact messaging.

Ethos was founded in 2001 by Peter Thum and Jonathan White. The founders created the brand around the idea that bottled-water sales could help fund water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in developing communities.

After the acquisition, Ethos Water became part of Starbucks’ retail portfolio. The brand is not the same as Starbucks’ brewed coffee, packaged coffee, or ready-to-drink tea businesses. Its charitable positioning also distinguishes it from ordinary private-label bottled water sold through cafés and supermarkets.