Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio and investment firm Strand Equity Partners invested an undisclosed amount for a minority stake in vegan snack company HIPPEAS this week. “I’M TRULY EXCITED THAT STRAND EQUITY PARTNERS AND [DICAPRIO] HAVE JOINED THE HIPPEAS FAMILY,” HIPPEAS CEO LIVIO BISTERZO SAID.

“As the brand continues to grow with such momentum in the marketplace, it’s incredible to bring on board partners who align with our vision and values as a company.”

HIPPEAS makes vegan chickpea-based puff snacks in flavors such as Vegan White Cheddar, Sriracha Sunshine, and Far Out Fajita, which are available at 20,000 stores nationwide, including Starbucks. DiCaprio’s investment in chickpea-based products is a smart move, as a new report compiled by research firm Packaged Facts revealed that sales of chickpea snacks increased by 150 percent in 2016.

WE’RE AMAZED THAT WE’RE SEEING SO MANY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE STANDING UP FOR THE PLANET, OUR HEALTH, AND ANIMALS. 

For Hippeas, a celebrity activist like Leo, who has donated to environmental causes in the past, seems to be a perfect match for an investor.

 MANY PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE THE HUGE IMPACT THE DAIRY INDUSTRY HAS ON THE PLANET –

it uses more water than the entire population of California, produces a massive amount of waste and air pollution, just to give you an idea. So while grabbing crunchy snacks coated with cheese might seem innocuous, it all adds up to the larger environmental footprint. But thanks to this new investment, customers will now be able to pick up a bag of snacks that satisfy our craving for cheese while being dairy-free and healthier than conventionally packaged snacks.

In addition to producing delicious snacks, Hippeas has made a commitment to donate a portion of sales for each bag sold to farmers in east Africa. We’re looking forward to finding those Vegan White Cheddar and Sriracha Sunshine Hippeas.