Owala (company)

Last updated
Owala
Product type Insulated water bottles
OwnerTrove Brands
CountryUnited States
Website owalalife.com

Owala is a brand that specializes in insulated stainless-steel water bottles. The Owala brand is a subsidiary of Trove Brands and is known for its patented lid design and unique aesthetics.

Contents

History

Owala was founded by parent company Trove Brands, releasing the Owala FreeSip as its first product in 2020. [1] [2] Six brands operate under Trove Brands. Trove Brands was founded by Kim and Steve Sorenson and their son, Michael Sorenson, is the current CEO. [3] [4]

Owala saw a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as water bottles became a trend. [5] [6] The company is known for using fear of missing out (FOMO) as a marketing strategy. [7] Owala bottles emerged as a competitor to Stanley and Hydro Flask bottles. [8] [9] Owala water bottles gained high demand with some limited edition bottles reselling for hundreds of dollars. [10] [11] [12] In 2024, Owala was recognized for its innovative approach to the hydration market, being named “Marketer of the Year” by BusinessQ Magazine. [13]

Design

Owala bottles are modular, allowing for consumers to mix and match the lid, handles, and other colors. The Owala FreeSip has a patented lid, [14] allowing users to drink from either a wide-mouth opening or the built-in straw. [1] [15] Owala bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to hand wash the bottle to retain the finish. While washing, remove the spout gasket from the lid by pulling the tab located by the hinges of the cap. [16]

Owala releases new colors which can only be purchased for a limited time in scheduled events called Color Drops. [17]

Recognition

In 2023, TIME recognized the Owala FreeSip bottle as one of the best inventions of 2023. [1] In 2024, Owala was recognized for its innovative approach to the hydration market, being named “Marketer of the Year” by BusinessQ Magazine. [18]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Marketer of the Year Owala, Trove Brands – BusinessQ Magazine". businessqmag.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  2. Forsyte, Sydney. "The new 'it' water bottle takes the stage: The Owala". The Griffin Gazette. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  3. Fore, Preston (22 March 2025). "How a Utah family made Owala water bottles to Gen Z what Stanley Cup is to millennials:'emotional support'". The Salt Lake Tribune.
  4. "'It's part of how you present to the world': Owala looks to become the next 'it' water bottle - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
  5. Contois, Emily J.H. (January 2, 2024). "Your New Year's Resolution to Drink More Water Has a History". TIME.
  6. Aranita, Kiki. "A Brief History of Humankind's Lust for Drinking Cups and Collecting". Food & Wine. Archived from the original on 14 February 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  7. Fore, Preston (22 March 2025). "How a Utah family made Owala water bottles to Gen Z what Stanley Cup is to millennials:'emotional support'". The Salt Lake Tribune.
  8. Dillon, Kit (5 December 2024). "How Owala Became an Official Water Bottle Pick". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 27 January 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  9. Reuter, Dominick (3 February 2024). "People are freaking out over Stanley tumblers containing lead — Owala and Hydro Flask are cleverly seizing the moment". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 20 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  10. Fore, Preston. "Water Bottle Owala is to Gen Z what Stanley Cup is to Millennials: 'emotional support.' Inside the rapidly growing family business' success story". Fortune. Archived from the original on 22 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  11. Cook, Kim (9 April 2025). "That Water Bottle You're Carrying Says a Lot More than 'hydration'". AP News. Retrieved 28 April 2025. Owala's FreeSip bottles usually go for about $25-$40, but limited-edition designs can sell in the $400 range.
  12. Klein, Jessica (24 October 2023). "Owala FreeSip: The 200 Best Inventions of 2023". Time. Archived from the original on 1 April 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  13. 2024 Q Awards: Owala. BusinessQ Magazine. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
  14. USpatent D863,877,issued 2019-10-22
  15. Alig, Lily. "Is the Owala water bottle worth the hype? Our kitchen editor is skeptical". Business Insider. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  16. "Frequently Asked Questions" . Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  17. Shopping, AL com (18 July 2025). "Owala's new Tropsicle color drops: Grab now before it sells out". al.
  18. 2024 Q Awards: Owala. BusinessQ Magazine. Retrieved September 24, 2025.