Business Standard

DiCaprio joins advisory board of Ecuadorian Beverage Company

Image

Press Trust of India Los Angeles
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio has joined the advisory board of Runa after making an investment in the Ecuadorian beverage company.

DiCaprio, 41, participated in an investment round, which includes Marlon Wayans, Adam Rodriguez and professional tennis players John Isner and Steve Johnson.

Channing Tatum was an early investor.

Runa products are made from guayusa caffeinated tea leaf from the Ecuadorian Amazon, which is sustainably produced in the rainforest by 3,000 indigenous farming families.

"I am so proud to join with Runa in supporting the indigenous people of the Amazon," DiCaprio said.

"The future of these communities, and many like them across the world, are at risk as their native lands are exploited for natural resource and agricultural development. Sustainable farming practices are key to helping ensure a brighter future for so many local people."
 

DiCaprio has committed to donating his shares to indigenous community groups in the Amazon.

"We must all do everything we can to help indigenous and local people who too often suffer the worst environmental degradation, and are most at risk from climate change," he added.

"Empowering them to stand up and fight back against the outside interests that threaten their survival is a cause that must be championed."

DiCaprio joins World Wildlife Fund President Yolanda Kakabadse and Former US Secretary of Agriculture and Executive Director of UNICEF Ann Veneman on the company's advisory board.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: May 03 2016 | 3:28 PM IST

Explore News