Flo Rida Launches Competing Energy Drink After Winning $82.6 Million Lawsuit Against Celsius
Flo Rida may have just won his lawsuit against Celsius, but he’s not done yet. The rapper says he is launching a rival beverage, JettSet1, which will be even healthier.
Rapper Flo Rida has been awarded $82.6 million after winning a lawsuit against Celsius, after suing the energy drink company for a contract violation in May 2021. He has now decided to launch a rival lightly-carbonated energy drink, JettSet1.
The entertainer, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, sued the beverage brand along with his production company, Strong Arm Productions, alleging that Celisus had violated the terms of a 2014-2018 endorsement deal he had with the energy drink maker.
According to the deal, Celsius would pay Dillard stock options and bonuses if hitting certain sales targets. In his lawsuit, the “Right Round” performer did not seek a specific dollar amount but rather the 1% ownership promised by Celsius.
A jury in South Florida found Celsius guilty of breaching the endorsement agreement and concealing information from the rapper.
Dillard thanked the jury, judge, and his attorneys in a statement, adding that he gained a “new respect for the judicial system,” according to a report by NBC News.
“This was a long journey, but we prevailed,” Dillard said. “From the start, I only wanted what I worked for, nothing more, nothing less,” he said, adding that he was “instrumental in the Celsius that you know and love today.”
Dillard spoke with reporters outside of the Broward County courthouse celebrating his win in court — while sipping a Celisus.
As for his new project, JettSet1, the energy drink will be created with all-natural ingredients.
He spoke to Insider, revealing that he was able to make Celsius grow worldwide, which is what he plans for JettSet1.
“I already know the field,” the rapper exclusively told Insider. “Celsius is great, but at the same time, we want to take something and make it even greater, even healthier.”
The new drink, which Flo Rida promises will taste better than every energy drink on the market, will be launched through JettSet1 Enterprises.
The beverage is expected to begin retailing in Q1 of 2024.
Last summer, PepsiCo announced a long-term distribution agreement with the fitness energy drink maker, in which PepsiCo invested $550 million and would become the energy beverage’s preferred global distribution partner. PepsiCo agreed to invest in Celsius to support its growth strategy and to appoint a director to Celsius’ Board of Directors as part of the deal.
According to Grand View Research, the global energy drinks market size was valued at $86.35 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow significantly due to consumer demand, especially for beverages that are free from sugar, glucose, and high fructose corn syrup.
