Walmart’s first Black-owned alkaline water gains global attention

Live Alkaline Water is making history as the first Black-owned water brand to line Walmart shelves. The 100 percent natural alkaline water brand is sourced from Robert McRae’s family-owned property in North Carolina. Lying 800 feet below the ground, it consists of a natural underground spring, an aquifer, and a mineral rock bed that has been in his family for over 100 years.

McRae told First Coast News that his aunt showed him the family-owned spring, saying it was his duty to make something of it. “The blood of your ancestors is crying out for you,” he recalled her saying. “You’re responsible for this.”

After tasting directly from the aquifer spring — ” pure, clean, fresh water” — McRae partnered with Dr. Chayla Creer to get the product on shelves. The business duo was initially turned down numerous times by the retail giant. But Dr. Creer and McRae eventually scored a meeting with a location that happened to include a regional store manager.

“I called… many Walmarts, and finally we got a hold of one who allowed us to do a presentation,” said Dr. Creer.

A few months later, Live Alkaline Water hit stores and demand soared. It sold out in its first month is now receiving requests from all over the world to house its health-touting water. The brand’s website states that its water is certified alkaline, touting such properties as 100 percent organic, natural minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants.

Of their newfound success, McRae said it was hard to keep his composure, but he’s excited for the impact the brand is already making.

“Healthy people make a healthy community. I say, eat right, drink right, and you begin to think right as a people,” he said.

The brand has since scaled up production and can now be found at three Walmart locations and select stores throughout northern Florida, as well as online.

For more information, visit live-alkalinewater.com.