Veev was created by two investment bankers who wanted to combine their appreciation for the Amazon with a product that would bring their message to young, drinking-age Americans. While surfing in Brazil in 2003, Courtney and Carter Reum came across the acai berry, heard tales of its healthful benefits, and brought it back to the United States. These brothers created a liquor company to market the spirit, but maintained an environmental goal – to help continue the wild farming that produces the acai and protect the rainforest from demolition.
In addition to benefitting the environment, Veev claims this 60-proof spirit contains enough antioxidants to actually promote good health. Acerola cherry, prickly pear, and the acai provide 57% more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries, not to mention 30 times more anthocyanins than red wine.
The idea that an alcoholic beverage could be both environmentally friendly and healthy to drink is a new trend. Frank Coleman, a spokesman for the Distilled Spirits Council, claims this fad is akin to the organic food that has become so popular over the past decade. Fresh, environmentally-friendly ingredients have crossed over from the kitchen to the liquor cabinet.
