The Coca-Cola Company has signed a definitive agreement to own a minority stake in sports drink brand Bodyarmor.

Under the agreement, Bodyarmor will gain access to the Coca-Cola bottling system, which will allow the sports drink brand to meet growing consumer demand for its line of performance and hydration beverages.

This initial investment will also enable the Coca-Cola Company to expand its ownership stake under defined terms in the future.

Bodyarmor’s investment is claimed to be a part of Coca-Cola North America Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB) investment portfolio.

“We’re challenging the status quo and bringing innovative, boundary-less thinking to our strategic relationships.”

Coca-Cola North America president Jim Dinkins said: “In a fast-moving and dynamic industry, and during a time of unprecedented change at Coca-Cola, we’re challenging the status quo and bringing innovative, boundary-less thinking to our strategic relationships to ensure we are offering the products consumers want.

“Bodyarmor is one of the fastest growing beverage trademarks in America and competes in exciting categories. I have no doubt it will prove to be a strong offering to our system alongside our already powerful hydration portfolio as we accelerate our position as a total beverage company.”

The Bodyarmor trademark includes Bodyarmor Sports Drink, Bodyarmor LYTE Sports Drink and Bodyarmor SportWater.

Bodyarmor Sports Drink is available in 12 flavours and is claimed to be favoured by many athletes, including James Harden, Mike Trout, Dustin Johnson, Andrew Luck and Skylar Diggins-Smith.

Bodyarmor is said to not contain artificial colours or flavours, and features potassium, vitamins and coconut water.