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Q&A with Raul Anta of REFIX - Seawater Hydration

At the helm of REFIX, Lois and Raúl Anta have ushered in a revolutionary concept of "refreshing innovation in reconstituting beverages." Guided by a commitment to utmost naturalness, their process begins with extracting seawater from the depths of the Atlantic, just 70 meters off the coast of Costa da Morte in Galicia, renowned for its exceptional quality. Surprisingly palatable, their concoction cleverly blends a subtle percentage of this seawater with freshwater from a local spring, complemented by a touch of zesty lemon. With their remarkable ability to invigorate even after the most challenging moments, the duo has garnered global recognition, securing substantial international funding and attracting top talent from the likes of Inditex.


REFIX Organic Recovery Drink, Coconut and Pineapple
Image Courtesy of REFIX


What is your passion? Tell us about it.

A. Lois and Raúl Anta are the creators of Refix, this daring proposal they call "refreshing innovation in reconstituting beverages." Here, everything is as natural as it gets, starting with seawater extracted from a depth of 4 meters, 70 meters off the coast of Costa da Morte in Galicia. This water is said to have "superior quality compared to any other part of the European coast." We've tried it ourselves and must confess that at first, we imagined it would taste like a mouthful of seawater at the beach. However, that's not the case. The percentage of seawater is more like a shot, mixed with freshwater from a spring and a hint of lemon. They promise it's capable of refreshing your body even after a bad hangover, and once we confirmed that the taste is pleasant, we couldn't resist the temptation to ask them directly about the secret to their success. After all, they've managed to secure international funding and recruit a high-ranking executive from Inditex.


What inspired you to persue this passion? Tell us the story.

A. While in school, we are often told that our bodies are composed of 71% water, the reality is that our bodies are made up of 71% seawater, as they contain the same mineral salts as the ocean, albeit at a lower concentration.


What makes your creation unique?

A. REFIX is a disruptive product that has come to change the way we understand water. It all began when my brother Lois Anta and I, Raúl, were living together in Madrid around 2015. He was studying Design at IED Madrid, and I was pursuing a Master's degree in Protected Natural Areas at UAM. My Master's project was titled "Sustainable Utilization of Goods and Services from a Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest in Galicia," which involved extracting a natural resource (seawater) from a marine reserve (Natura 2000 network in Costa da Morte, Galicia) to produce a healthy and sustainable product (REFIX). The goal was to increase the economic value of this natural environment and raise awareness about the need for its protection. After sharing the idea with my brother, we spent six months developing homemade formulas while he built the brand and narrative. Subsequently, he led a communication effort that brought us closer to Nike than to Aquarius and made us stand out from all the other beverages on the market.


Tell us about your creative process.

A. Seawater Collection: Seawater is collected from the Atlantic Ocean, specifically from a depth of 4 meters, 70 meters off the coast of Costa da Morte in Galicia. This seawater is obtained using specialized vessels or boats equipped for seawater collection. Transportation by Boat: The collected seawater is transported by boat from the collection point to the production facility. The boats used are equipped to ensure the purity and quality of the seawater during transportation. Filtration and Purification: Upon arrival at the production facility, the seawater goes through a filtration and purification process to remove impurities. Blending with Freshwater: The purified seawater is mixed with freshwater from natural springs. This combination creates the desired mineral composition and salinity for the beverage. Addition of Flavor and Ingredients: Depending on the chosen flavor (Lemon, Orange, Coconut + Pineapple, or Coconut + Apple), organic ingredients are added to enhance taste and provide nutritional benefits. Bottling: The prepared beverage is then bottled either in glass bottles or Tetra Pak packaging, and these bottles are labeled and branded. Transportation by Truck: Once packaged, the bottles are transported by trucks from the production facility to distribution centers, retail locations, or other points of sale. Trucks are used for land transportation to reach the market. Quality Control: Stringent quality control measures are in place throughout the production process, including quality checks during transportation to ensure the product's integrity. Distribution: The beverages are distributed via trucks to various markets and retailers, where they are made available to consumers. Environmental Initiatives: As mentioned earlier, REFIX is involved in environmental initiatives such as reforesting Galician forests to mitigate deforestation. This demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment, which may also involve eco-friendly transportation practices. The use of both boats and trucks in the production and distribution process helps ensure that REFIX beverages can reach consumers while maintaining their quality and sustainability standards.


Who is your audience? How do you engage them?

A. The target audience for these products is health-conscious individuals who prioritize natural and organic options, sustainable living, and active lifestyles. This audience can be described as follows: Health Enthusiasts: Individuals who are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying physically active, and making informed dietary choices. Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: People who engage in regular exercise, including athletes, gym-goers, and fitness enthusiasts seeking a natural and effective way to recover after workouts. Eco-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who are environmentally aware and choose products that align with sustainable and ecological values. Vegans and Vegetarians: Those who follow plant-based diets and are looking for vegan-friendly beverage options. Diabetics and Low-Sugar Seekers: People with dietary restrictions, including diabetics, who appreciate low-sugar or sugar-free choices. Immune Health Advocates: Consumers interested in maintaining a strong immune system, especially those looking for products with natural sources of vitamins like vitamin C. Taste-Conscious Consumers: Individuals who enjoy unique and refreshing flavor combinations, seeking alternatives to traditional sugary drinks. Ethical and Organic Shoppers: Those who prioritize organic and ethical food and beverage choices, valuing the use of organic ingredients in products. Active and On-the-Go Individuals: People with active lifestyles who need convenient and nutritious beverages to support their energy and recovery needs. Individuals Seeking Novelty: Consumers open to trying innovative and unconventional products that offer health benefits beyond traditional beverages. The REFIX products cater to a diverse audience by offering a blend of health benefits, organic ingredients, and sustainability, making them suitable for a broad range of health-conscious consumers


What experience does your passion create? What can recipients expect?

A. REFIX is an organic recovery beverage made with 20% alkaline seawater (pH 8) sourced from the Atlantic Ocean. REFIX contains 78 oceanic mineral salts such as magnesium, calcium, silicon, potassium, and more. REFIX is 100% natural, sustainable, vegan, Kosher, and NSF Sport certified. It is available in glass bottles or Tetra Pak packaging. There are four flavors: REFIX Lemon, with only 15 calories, is keto-friendly and suitable for diabetics because it contains no sugar. It has a pleasant salty taste with a hint of lemon. REFIX Orange, with only 48 calories, is a natural source of vitamin C that promotes a healthy immune system. It has a sweet and enjoyable taste thanks to organic Valencia oranges. REFIX Coconut + Pineapple, a new flavor from the organic fields of Costa Rica and the freshness of the Galician ocean, offers a refreshing journey with every sip. It helps recover and revitalize after exercise with the natural power of organic coconut water, the mineral touch of seawater, and the sweetness of high-quality Golden Sweet pineapple. REFIX Coconut + Apple, the flavor of Spanish organic apples blends with the tropical freshness of coconut water and the revitalizing balance of seawater in our sweetest formula. This combination is perfect for conquering extreme heat.


Where can your creations be found?

A. AMAZON


What is next?

A. We aim to open up new markets and compete with brands like Aquarius, Gatorade, and Powerade, all while remaining committed to improving sustainable practices to ensure the stability of the production systems upon which we all depend. To achieve this, we are actively working on establishing a foundation to reforest the Galician forests. Currently, instead of forests, we have eucalyptus plantations. Trees capture CO2, which helps prevent ocean acidification and the loss of marine life

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