Harmless Harvest

Product Type:Juice: Coconut Water and Juice; Container: 11.2 oz Pak
BevNET Review: While there’s a seemingly limitless supply of companies that are offering (or planning to offer) pure coconut water, Harmless Harvest has done something that, at least for now, gives it a marketable point of differentiation. Specifically, it’s USDA Organic, which makes it the only organic coconut water in Tetra Pak and only the second on the market in any package format (Nature Factor, in a steel can, was first). It’s also the first, that we know of, to label their product as 100 percent juice. Beyond that, they’ve sourced their coconut water in Mexico, which, as part of North America, might also give it the perception of being a bit more “local” than some of the other products out there. Inside the box, Harmless Harvest definitely has a nice-tasting product. If there’s anything that’s notable about it compared to other coconut waters that we’ve sampled, it’s in the sodium content, which, at 346mg per container, seems to give the product a more pronounced saltiness. As far as the container goes, we like that they’ve taken a different approach than what’s already out there, using a plain white box whose front panel is covered with hand drawn illustrations and lettering. This gives the product an artisanal feel that’s not found in any other product out there. Whether this will have appeal with a broad audience is hard to say, but it at least makes the brand memorable over some of the other upstarts that are joining the coconut water category. Overall, Harmless Harvest’s coconut water is a well executed product that can definitely hold its own.Reviewed on: 10/18/2010

Product Type:Juice: Coconut Water and Juice; Container: 11.2 oz Pak
BevNET Review: Unlike Harmless Harvest’s single ingredient Coconut Water product, “Mato” (aka “The Original Wild Nutrient Solution”) is a much more complex product, both in flavor and branding. Made with a 37 percent juice blend of water, coconut water, cupuacu, camu camu, wildflower honey, guarana, and natural flavor, Mato is definitely unlike anything we’ve ever sampled. The most dominant flavor is cupuacu, whose fragrant flavor is often described as having notes of pineapple and chocolate, but without the sweetness. Otherwise, there’s a light note of honey, but the level of sweetness in this drink is extremely light to the point where the sourness of the other flavors take over. Plus, the cloudy colored liquid has some light grit to the finish (presumably from the pulp), which is something that some consumers will undoubtedly not be so fond of. Nutritionally, the product has potassium, protein (1g), vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and magnesium, which, along with natural caffeine, antioxidants, and enzymes from honey, presumably justifies their “nutrient solution” tag line. Still, we think that there needs to be more to it with the flavor profile currently where it’s at – consumers will demand better flavor or more nutritional benefits. On the outside, this product lacks the clean and artisanal feeling of their coconut water product. Instead, it’s busy and cluttered, which isn’t helped by the esoteric name or the mention of what are likely to be unfamiliar fruits for most consumers. We think that they need to simplify and clarify the way the product is presented. As it stands, we don’t think this product will move overly well. Reviewed on: 10/18/2010