Bamboo water? It’s a thing and it’s going global

Health-conscious consumers are starting to call time on sugary soft drinks and overhyped wellness claims. They want drinks that are actually good for them and taste good too.

That’s where Juno Bamboo Water comes in. After discovering the antioxidant power of bamboo in a Hong Kong apothecary, Juno founder (and former finance professional) Guillaume Poncet decided to create something new: a refreshing, low-sugar drink made with natural bamboo extract.

Fast forward to today and Juno’s canned drinks are stocked in Selfridges, hundreds of indie retailers, and over 150 stores across the Middle East… with the US launch just around the corner.

In this founder interview with SeedLegals CEO Anthony Rose, Guillaume shares how he went from trading floors to wellness aisles, what it takes to launch a capital-intensive product on a lean budget and why bamboo water is catching the attention of retailers from London to Dubai.

Key takeaways

The problem with soft drinks today

• A lot of people are fed up with sugary soft drinks that lack real functional benefits.
• Wellness drinks like kombucha and CBD-infused beverages exist but there’s still a gap for something else better-tasting that’s refreshing, healthy and low in sugar.
• As a stressed-out finance professional in Hong Kong, Guillaume struggled to find a natural remedy that could support health without compromising on taste.

Juno’s bamboo-powered solution

• Inspired by traditional medicine, Guillaume discovered the antioxidant and detoxifying properties of bamboo and built the first soft drink made with ethical bamboo extract.
• The brand is creating a whole new beverage category, joining the ranks of coconut water and kombucha.
• Juno’s drinks are manufactured using premium processes and standout packaging, designed to appeal to both health-conscious and design-savvy consumers.

Traction and growth

• In the UK, Juno is stocked in Selfridges and hundreds of independent retailers, with B2B distribution as the primary sales channel.
• The brand has found strong traction in the Middle East (150+ stores) and is preparing to launch in the US through two major distributors.
• With new hires in sales and marketing, the team is now focusing on brand awareness through social media and influencer marketing.