Inspired by the homemade agua frescas of her childhood, Kayla Castañeda transformed her longing for a taste of home into a thriving business. Agua Bonita, her company based in Hanford, California, specializes in traditional Mexican drinks made with fresh fruits and natural ingredients. What started as a passion project quickly gained popularity, leading to nationwide recognition for Castañeda and her brand.
For Castañeda, Agua Bonita was founded on the principle that food should never be wasted. That value was instilled in her at a young age when her grandfather, a migrant farmworker, taught her the importance of cherishing every ingredient and honoring the land that provides for us. This ethos of sustainability and respect for the earth is at the core of Agua Bonita's mission.
A Central Valley native and Latina, Kayla Castañeda is proud to showcase her Mexican roots and culture through aguas frescas. Her commitment to authenticity and quality has set Agua Bonita apart in the competitive beverage industry. While the traditional Mexican drink agua fresca may not have a large mass-market presence in the U.S., Castañeda's company is changing that narrative one delicious drink at a time.
The United Nations Security Council continued its visit to Colombia today, stopping at the former Territorial Area for Agua Bonita. The council members were treated to a tasting of Agua Bonita's signature flavors, highlighting the company's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable sourcing practices. Castañeda's dedication to supporting local farmers and communities has not gone unnoticed on the global stage.
The two Latine-owned brands Remezcla + Target recently spotlighted during the Driven campaign were Chillhouse and Agua Bonita. Both companies, led by strong Latinas, exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural pride that define the modern business landscape. Castañeda's story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates for diversity in the marketplace.
Kayla Castañeda incorporates her family's roots as migrant farmworkers into her company, Agua Bonita. By honoring her heritage and paying tribute to the sacrifices of those who came before her, Castañeda is creating a legacy of resilience and innovation. Agua Bonita's success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of authentic flavors.
HANFORD, CALIF. — Beverage startup Agua Bonita has raised more than $1 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed round. Investors are eager to support Castañeda's vision for expanding Agua Bonita's reach and introducing more consumers to the joys of aguas frescas. With this infusion of capital, Agua Bonita is poised for rapid growth and increased brand visibility.
A Coca-Cola Company spokeswoman said that the company was aware of Castañeda's claims. The company says it “has a high value for intellectual property rights and takes any allegations of infringement seriously.” While Agua Bonita's success has attracted attention from industry giants, Castañeda remains focused on staying true to her roots and preserving the essence of her brand.
