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Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in plant-based milk brand Califia Farms.
The actor is one of a group of celebrity shareholders in the company, including Jared Leto, Karlie Kloss, Shaun White, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley.
Califia Farms recently closed a funding round which brought in more than $50 million, which will be used to expand manufacturing capabilities as well as promote the launch of its new line of Probiotic Dairy Free Yogurt Drinks.
Vision
Speaking about the investment round, which was led by Ambrosia Investments and existing investors, Sun Pacific and Stripes Group, Greg Steltenpohl, CEO and Co-Founder of Califia Farms, said: “This round of funding will allow us to further pursue our vision to be the leading plant-powered food and beverage company of the future by investing in our four brand pillars of sustainability, health and wellness, plant-based innovation and engaging consumer experiences.
“Serge Schoen and his partners at Ambrosia complement our current investors with global experience in optimizing plant-based supply chains and supporting the continued rapid growth of entrepreneurial companies like Califia Farms.”
Serge Schoen, Partner and Chairman of Ambrosia Investments, added: “Califia Farms has achieved remarkable growth in its six years of operation through a disruptive suite of plant-based products. We’re excited about our investment in Califia and are committed to the long-term growth of the company as the brand continues to innovate and introduce products that truly live up to their motto of ‘Something Different, Something Better’.”
Leonardo DiCaprio supports veganism – but is not yet vegan himself.Subscribe to PBN’s YouTube Channel here
Plant-based products
While DiCaprio is not believed to be vegan himself, he has supported a number of vegan enterprises, including the documentary Cowspiracy, which he executively produced, and food tech company Beyond Meat, which he invested in last year.
According to Beyond Meat Executive Chairman Seth Goldman, the actor was extremely excited about supporting the product. Goldman told Plant Based News: “We had a wonderful meeting with Leo (DiCaprio). He loved the product. He really loved it.
“He was blown away, and it’s been so fun, because it totally aligns with [his ideas]. He has an environmental consciousness about his work, and he just loved the ideas]. He said to a friend, ‘I’m going to blow that thing up’, – meaning he really wants to help us grow, which I really appreciate.”
