UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant  ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

The Vita Coco Company, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

The Vita Coco Company, Inc.

NOTICE & PROXY

STATEMENT

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

June 1, 2022

9:00 a.m. (Eastern time)

THE VITA COCO COMPANY, INC.

250 PARK AVENUE SOUTH, 7^TH FLOOR

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003

April 21, 2022

To Our Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of The Vita Coco Company, Inc. at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting conducted via live webcast.

The Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement on the following pages describes the matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. Please see the section called “Who can attend the Annual Meeting?” on page 3 of the proxy statement for more information about how to attend the meeting online.

Whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting online, it is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Therefore, we urge you to promptly vote and submit your proxy by phone, via the Internet, or, if you received paper copies of these materials, by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States. If you have previously received our Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, then instructions regarding how you can vote are contained in that notice. If you have received a proxy card, then instructions regarding how you can vote are contained on the proxy card. If you decide to virtually attend the Annual Meeting, you will be able to vote online, even if you have previously submitted your proxy.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Michael Kirban

Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

Table of Contents

THE VITA COCO COMPANY, INC.

250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor

New York, New York 10003

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of The Vita Coco Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/COCO2022 and entering your 16-digit control number included in your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

You are receiving this Proxy Statement because you were a shareholder of record of our common stock as of the close of business on April 4, 2022 and are entitled to notice and to vote at the Annual Meeting, or any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. A complete list of such stockholders will be open to the examination of any stockholder for a period of ten days prior to the Annual Meeting for a purpose germane to the meeting by sending an email to Yolanda Goettsch, General Counsel and Secretary, at ygoettsch@vitacoco.com, stating the purpose of the request and providing proof of ownership of Company stock. The list of these stockholders will also be available on the bottom of your screen during the Annual Meeting after entering the 16-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. The Annual Meeting may be continued or adjourned from time to time without notice other than by announcement at the Annual Meeting.

It is important that your shares be represented regardless of the number of shares you may hold. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, we urge you to vote your shares via the toll-free telephone number or over the Internet, as described in the enclosed materials. If you received a copy of the proxy card by mail, you may sign, date and mail the proxy card in the enclosed return envelope. Promptly voting your shares will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will save us the expense of further solicitation. Submitting your proxy now will not prevent you from voting your shares at the Annual Meeting if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option.

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/ Yolanda Goettsch

Yolanda Goettsch

General Counsel and Secretary

New York, New York

April 21, 2022

THE VITA COCO COMPANY, INC.

250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor

New York, New York 10003

PROXY STATEMENT

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of The Vita Coco Company, Inc. of proxies to be voted at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (the “Annual Meeting”), and at any continuation, postponement, or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online and submit your questions during the meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/COCO2022 and entering your 16-digit control number included in your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

Holders of record of shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share, as of the close of business on April 4, 2022 (the “Record Date”) will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 55,555,276 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on any matter presented to stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

This proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “2021 Annual Report”) will be provided on or about April 21, 2022 to our stockholders as of the Record Date.

In this proxy statement, “Vita Coco”, “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to The Vita Coco Company, Inc.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022

This Proxy Statement and our 2021 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at http://www.proxyvote.com/

Proposals

At the Annual Meeting, our stockholders will be asked:

We know of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the stockholders for a vote at the Annual Meeting, however, the proxy holders named on the Company’s proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment.

Recommendations of the Board

The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) recommends that you vote your shares as indicated below. If you return a properly completed proxy card, or vote your shares by telephone or Internet, your shares of

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common stock will be voted on your behalf as you direct. If not otherwise specified, the shares of common stock represented by the proxies will be voted, and the Board recommends that you vote:

If any other matter properly comes before the stockholders for a vote at the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders named on the Company’s proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment.

Information About This Proxy Statement

Why you received this proxy statement. You are viewing or have received these proxy materials because Vita Coco’s Board is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement includes information that we are required to provide to you under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and that is designed to assist you in voting your shares.

Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. As permitted by SEC rules, Vita Coco is making this proxy statement and its 2021 Annual Report available to its stockholders electronically via the Internet. On or about April 21, 2022, we commenced mailing to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Internet Notice”) containing instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our 2021 Annual Report and vote online. If you received an Internet Notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials in the mail unless you specifically request them. Instead, the Internet Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and 2021 Annual Report. The Internet Notice also instructs you on how you may submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received an Internet Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials contained on the Internet Notice.

Printed Copies of Our Proxy Materials. If you received printed copies of our proxy materials, then instructions regarding how you can vote are contained on the proxy card included in the materials.

Householding. The SEC’s rules permit us to deliver a single set of proxy materials to one address shared by two or more of our stockholders. This delivery method is referred to as “householding” and can result in significant cost savings. To take advantage of this opportunity, we have delivered only one set of proxy materials to multiple stockholders who share an address, unless we received contrary instructions from the impacted stockholders prior to the mailing date. We agree to deliver promptly, upon written or oral request, a separate copy of the proxy materials, as requested, to any stockholder at the shared address to which a single copy of those documents was delivered. If you prefer to receive separate copies of the proxy materials, contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at 1-800-690-6903 or in writing at Broadridge, Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

If you are currently a stockholder sharing an address with another stockholder and wish to receive only one copy of future proxy materials for your household, please contact Broadridge at the above phone number or address.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

The Record Date for the Annual Meeting is April 4, 2022. You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting only if you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on that date, or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote for all matters before the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on the Record Date, there were 55,555,276 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

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What is the difference between being a “record holder” and holding shares in “street name”?

A record holder holds shares in his or her name. Shares held in “street name” means shares that are held in the name of a bank or broker on a person’s behalf.

Am I entitled to vote if my shares are held in “street name”?

Yes. If your shares are held by a bank or a brokerage firm, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, these proxy materials are being provided to you by your bank or brokerage firm, along with a voting instruction card if you received printed copies of our proxy materials. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank or brokerage firm how to vote your shares, and the bank or brokerage firm is required to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions. If your shares are held in street name and you would like to vote your shares online at the Annual Meeting, you should contact your bank or brokerage firm to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through the bank or brokerage firm.

How many shares must be present to hold the Annual Meeting?

A quorum must be present at the Annual Meeting for any business to be conducted. The presence at the Annual Meeting online or by proxy, of the holders of a majority in voting power of the common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the Record Date will constitute a quorum.

Who can attend the Annual Meeting?

As part of our effort to increase accessibility and provide an efficient way for our stockholders to attend the Annual Meeting, Vita Coco has decided to hold the Annual Meeting entirely online this year. You may attend the Annual Meeting online only if you are a Vita Coco stockholder who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. You may attend and participate in the Annual Meeting by visiting the following website: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/COCO2022. To attend and participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number included in your Internet Notice, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If your shares are held in “street name,” you should contact your bank or broker to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through the bank or broker. If you lose your 16-digit control number, you may join the Annual Meeting as a “Guest” but you will not be able to vote, ask questions or access the list of stockholders as of the Record Date. The meeting webcast will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. Online check-in will begin at 8:45 a.m., Eastern Time, and you should allow ample time for the check-in procedures.

What if a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting?

If a quorum is not present at the scheduled time of the Annual Meeting, the Chairperson of the Annual Meeting is authorized by our Amended and Restated Bylaws to adjourn the meeting, without the vote of stockholders.

What does it mean if I receive more than one Internet Notice or more than one set of proxy materials?

It means that your shares are held in more than one account at the transfer agent and/or with banks or brokers. Please vote all of your shares. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, for each Internet Notice or set of proxy materials, please submit your proxy by phone, via the Internet, or, if you received printed copies of the proxy materials, by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope.

How do I vote?

Stockholders of Record. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote:

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Internet and telephone voting facilities for stockholders of record will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on May 31, 2022. To participate in the Annual Meeting, including to vote via the Internet or telephone, you will need the 16-digit control number included on your Internet Notice, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting online, we urge you to vote your shares as promptly as possible to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. If you submit your proxy, you may still decide to attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares electronically.

Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in “Street Name.” If your shares are held in “street name” through a bank or broker, you will receive instructions on how to vote from the bank or broker. You must follow their instructions in order for your shares to be voted. Internet and telephone voting also may be offered to stockholders owning shares through certain banks and brokers. If your shares are not registered in your own name and you would like to vote your shares online at the Annual Meeting, you should contact your bank or broker to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through the bank or broker. If you lose your 16-digit control number, you may join the Annual Meeting as a “Guest,” but you will not be able to vote, ask questions or access the list of stockholders as of the Record Date. You will need to obtain your own Internet access if you choose to attend the Annual Meeting online and/or vote over the Internet.

Can I change my vote after I submit my proxy?

Yes.

If you are a registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote:

Your most recent proxy card or Internet or telephone proxy is the one that is counted. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting by itself will not revoke your proxy unless you give written notice of revocation to the Secretary before your proxy is voted or you vote online at the Annual Meeting.

If your shares are held in street name, you may change or revoke your voting instructions by following the specific directions provided to you by your bank or broker, or you may vote online at the Annual Meeting by obtaining your 16-digit control number or otherwise voting through the bank or broker.

Who will count the votes?

A representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., our inspector of election, will tabulate and certify the votes.

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What if I do not specify how my shares are to be voted?

If you submit a proxy but do not indicate any voting instructions, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. The Board’s recommendations are indicated on page 2 of this proxy statement, as well as with the description of each proposal in this proxy statement.

Will any other business be conducted at the Annual Meeting?

We know of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the stockholders for a vote at the Annual Meeting, however, the proxy holders named on the Company’s proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with their best judgment.

Why hold a virtual meeting?

As part of our effort to increase accessibility and provide an efficient way for our stockholders to attend the Annual Meeting, we believe that hosting a virtual meeting this year is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. A virtual meeting also enables increased stockholder attendance and participation because stockholders can participate from any location around the world. You will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online and submit your questions by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/COCO2022. You also will be able to vote your shares electronically at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions above.

What if during the check-in time or during the Annual Meeting I have technical difficulties or trouble accessing the virtual meeting website?

We will have technicians ready to assist you with any technical difficulties you may have accessing the virtual meeting website, and the information for assistance will be located on

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/COCO2022.

Will there be a question and answer session during the Annual Meeting?

As part of the Annual Meeting, we will hold a live Q&A session, during which we intend to answer questions submitted online during the meeting that are pertinent to the Company and the meeting matters, as time permits. Only stockholders that have accessed the Annual Meeting as a stockholder (rather than a “Guest”) by following the procedures outlined above in “Who can attend the Annual Meeting?” will be permitted to submit questions during the Annual Meeting. Each stockholder is limited to no more than two questions. Questions should be succinct and only cover a single topic. We will not address questions that are, among other things:

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Additional information regarding the Q&A session will be available in the “Rules of Conduct” available on the Annual Meeting webpage for stockholders that have accessed the Annual Meeting as a stockholder (rather than a “Guest”) by following the procedures outlined above in “Who can attend the Annual Meeting?”.

How many votes are required for the approval of the proposals to be voted upon and how will abstentions and broker non-votes be treated?

What is a “vote withheld” and an “abstention” and how will votes withheld and abstentions be treated?

A “vote withheld,” in the case of the proposal regarding the election of directors, or an “abstention,” in the case of the proposal regarding the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, represents a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. Votes withheld and abstentions are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. Votes withheld have no effect on the election of directors. Abstentions have no effect on the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

What are broker non-votes and do they count for determining a quorum?

Generally, broker non-votes occur when shares held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a particular proposal because the broker (1) has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner; and (2) lacks discretionary voting power to vote those shares. A broker is entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on routine matters, such as the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, without instructions from the beneficial owner of those shares. On the other hand, absent instructions from the beneficial owner of such shares, a broker is not entitled to vote shares held for a beneficial owner on non-routine matters, such as the election of directors. Broker non-votes count for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.

Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

We plan to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and we will report the final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which we intend to file with the SEC after the Annual Meeting.

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PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

At the Annual Meeting, three Class I Directors are to be elected to hold office until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2025 and until each such director’s respective successor is elected and qualified or until each such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

We currently have nine directors on our Board. Our current Class I Directors are Axelle Henry, Martin Roper and John Zupo, who have served on our Board since October 2021, January 2021 and January 2020, respectively. Ms. Henry is stepping down from our Board and will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated Aishetu Fatima Dozie to fill the vacancy that will be created by Ms. Henry’s decision not to stand for re-election. As a result, the Board has nominated Ms. Dozie, Mr. Roper and Mr. Zupo for election as Class I Directors at the Annual Meeting.

The proposal regarding the election of directors requires the approval of a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the three nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative “FOR” votes will be elected as Class I Directors. Votes withheld and broker non-votes are not considered to be votes cast and, accordingly, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal.

As set forth in our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is currently divided into three classes with staggered, three-year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. The current class structure is as follows: Class I, whose term will expire at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and, if elected at the Annual Meeting, whose subsequent term will expire at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; Class II, whose current term will expire at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and Class III, whose term will expire at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The current Class I Directors are Axelle Henry, Martin Roper and John Zupo; the current Class II Directors are Michael Kirban, John Leahy and Kenneth Sadowsky; and the current Class III Directors are Ira Liran, Eric Melloul and Jane Morreau.

Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed from time to time by the Board, subject to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. The division of our Board into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control of our Company. Subject to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement (as described below), our directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing at least two-thirds of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, each of Verlinvest, Michael Kirban and Ira Liran shall have the sole right to request that one or more of their respective designated directors, as applicable, tender their resignations as directors of the Board, in each case, with or without cause at any time, by sending a written notice to such director and the Company’s Secretary stating the name of the director or directors whose resignation from the Board is requested.

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into an Investor Rights Agreement pursuant to which certain of our stockholders have the right to nominate directors for election to our Board for so long as such stockholder beneficially owns a specified percentage of our outstanding capital stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement and in connection with the initial public offering, Verlinvest initially designated Eric Melloul as a Class III Director, John Leahy as a Class II Director, and Axelle Henry as a Class I Director. Mr. Kirban designated himself as a Class II Director and John Zupo as a Class I Director. Mr. Liran designated himself as a Class III director. See “Corporate Governance—Investor Rights Agreement”. Following Ms. Henry’s decision not to stand for re-election, Verlinvest designated Aishetu Fatima Dozie as its nominee for election as a Class I Director at the Annual Meeting.

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If you submit a proxy but do not indicate any voting instructions, the persons named as proxies will vote the shares of common stock represented thereby for the election as Class I Directors of the persons whose names and biographies appear below. In the event that any of Ms. Dozie, Mr. Roper or Mr. Zupo should become unable to serve, or for good cause will not serve, as a director, it is intended that votes will be cast for a substitute nominee designated by the Board or the Board may elect to reduce its size. The Board has no reason to believe that each of Ms. Dozie, Mr. Roper or Mr. Zupo will be unable to serve if elected. Each of Ms. Dozie, Mr. Roper or Mr. Zupo has consented to being named in this proxy statement and to serve if elected.

Vote required

The proposal regarding the election of directors requires the approval of a plurality of the votes cast. This means that the three nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative “FOR” votes will be elected as Class I Directors.

Votes withheld and broker non-votes are not considered to be votes cast and, accordingly, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors

Nominees For Class I Director (terms to expire at the 2025 Annual Meeting)

The nominees for election to the Board as Class I Directors are as follows:

The principal occupations and business experience for at least the past five years of each Class I Director nominee for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting are as follows:

Aishetu Fatima Dozie

Aishetu Fatima Dozie is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bossy Cosmetics, Inc., a mission-driven cruelty-free and vegan beauty company. Prior to founding Bossy Cosmetics in 2018, Ms. Dozie served as a Fellow at the Distinguished Careers Institute at Stanford University. Previously, Ms. Dozie served as General Manager and Head of Investment Banking, West Africa at Rand Merchant Bank from 2015 until 2017. Prior to Rand Merchant Bank, Ms. Dozie worked for Lehman Brothers, Morgan Stanley, and Standard Chartered Bank as a senior investment banking executive working on transactions in the US, UK, and Sub-Saharan Africa exceeding deal value of $100 billion. Ms. Dozie has also worked at the World Bank in Washington, DC, where she focused on financing businesses in the manufacturing, infrastructure, and service sectors in regions such as Central and South America, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Africa. In addition, Ms. Dozie founded a first-of-its-kind children’s play and activity center in Lagos, Nigeria and authored a children’s picture book entitled “Paloo & Friends in Imaginaria.” Ms. Dozie recently executive produced an online television series named “African HERstory,” where she interviewed successful female African executives to highlight their impact on the continent’s development. Ms. Dozie holds a B.A. in Economics from Cornell University and an

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M.B.A from Harvard Business School and participated in the Leaders in Development Program at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. She previously served on the board of directors of Altimeter Growth Corp., including as Chair of its compensation committee and a member of the audit committee. Ms. Dozie has significant investment experience as well as executive and entrepreneurial experience.

Martin Roper

Martin Roper has served as co-Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board since January 2021. Mr. Roper previously served as our President from September 2019 to December 2020. Prior to his time at the Company, Mr. Roper served as Chief Executive Officer of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM), an alcoholic beverage company, from 2001 to 2018, where he oversaw the net revenue growth and diversification of brand portfolio. Mr. Roper also served as the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Manufacturing and Business Development of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. from 1994 to 2001. In addition to his service on our Board, Mr. Roper has served as a member of the board of directors of LL Flooring Holdings, Inc. (formerly Lumber Liquidators Inc.), a flooring retail company, since 2006, and served on the board of directors of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. from 2000 to 2018. Since November 2018, Mr. Roper has served on the board of Financial Information Technologies, LLC (Fintech), a private company providing solutions to alcohol beverage distributors and retailers. Since September 2019, Mr. Roper has served on the board of directors of Bio-Nutritional Research Group, Inc., the producer and marketer of Power Crunch energy bars. Mr. Roper holds a BA, MA and MEng from Trinity Hall, Cambridge and a MBA from Harvard University. We believe Mr. Roper’s experience and reputation for growth and innovation of beverage companies, and his knowledge of strategy, finance, public company corporate governance, and general management makes him qualified to serve on our Board.

John Zupo

John Zupo has served as a member of our Board since January 2020 and was employed by the Company in various roles to advise on strategy from 2018 to 2021. Since 2019, Mr. Zupo has served as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of SABX, Inc., a two-sided e-commerce platform by which buyers and sellers can directly communicate and transact with one another. Mr. Zupo has served on the SABX, Inc. board of directors since July 2020. Prior to his time at SABX, Inc., Mr. Zupo served as President of BlueTriton Brands, Inc., formerly known as Nestle Waters North America, Inc., a beverage distributor, from 2013 to 2018. Mr. Zupo holds a BA and MBA from Westminster College. We believe Mr. Zupo’s experience advising the Company on strategy since 2018, and his extensive knowledge of the consumer-packaged goods industry makes him qualified to serve on our Board.

Continuing members of the Board of Directors:

Class II Directors (terms to expire at the 2023 Annual Meeting)

The current members of the Board who are Class II Directors are as follows:

The principal occupations and business experience for at least the past five years of each Class II Director are as follows:

Michael Kirban

Michael Kirban is one of our Co-Founders and has served as Chief Executive Officer and as Executive Chairman of our Board since our inception in 2004. Mr. Kirban is co-founder and currently serves on the board of directors

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of Software Answers Inc., a technology service provider, a position he has held since 1995, and previously served as a member of the board of directors of Runa LLC from 2014 to 2017 before it was acquired by us in 2018. We believe Mr. Kirban’s perspective and experience as our co-founder and co-Chief Executive Officer, as well as his general knowledge of the food and beverage industry, makes him qualified to serve on our Board.

John Leahy

John Leahy has served as a member of our Board since June 2019. Mr. Leahy served as President and Chief Operating Officer of KIND, LLC, a snack food company, from February 2009 to June 2019, and President of Nature’s Bounty Co., a vitamin and nutritional supplement manufacturer, from June 2006 to February 2009. Mr. Leahy also served as a Senior Advisor for Blacksmith Applications, Inc., formerly known as TABS Group Inc., an analytics firm that services the consumer-packaged goods industry, from August 2009 to April 2010. In addition to his service on our Board, Mr. Leahy has served as a strategic advisor for Beckon LLC, an ice cream manufacturer, since January 2018, I Won Nutrition, Co., a packaged food manufacturer, since January 2019, and Allibelle Foods, Inc., a packaged food manufacturer, since January 2020. Prior to his time at Nature’s Bounty Co., Mr. Leahy held various positions at numerous consumer packaged goods companies, including Nestlé S.A. (SIX: NESN), Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. (NYSE: JNJ) and Edgewell Personal Care Company (NYSE: EPC). Mr. Leahy holds a BS in Business Administration from Villanova University. We believe Mr. Leahy’s extensive experience related to the consumer industry, as well as his experience serving on other company boards, makes him qualified to serve on our Board.

Kenneth Sadowsky

Kenneth Sadowsky has served as a member of our Board since 2006. Mr. Sadowsky has served as US Beverages Advisor for Verlinvest since 2009 and as the Executive Director of the Northeast Independent Distributors Association, a group of independent beverage distributors in the Northeast United States, since 2008. Mr. Sadowsky has served on the boards of directors of Lifeaid Beverage and Hint. Inc., both health beverage companies, since December 2019 and May 2008, respectively and previously served on the board of directors of Energy Brands Inc. (d/b/a Glacéau), a beverage company and the makers of vitaminwater, smartwater and fruitwater, from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Sadowsky holds a BA from Tulane University. We believe Mr. Sadowsky’s decades of experience advising beverage companies on sales, distribution and operational strategies makes him qualified to serve on our Board.

Class III Directors (terms to expire at the 2024 Annual Meeting)

The current members of the Board who are Class III Directors are as follows:

The principal occupations and business experience for at least the past five years of each Class III Director are as follows:

Ira Liran

Ira Liran is one of our Co-Founders and has served as a member of our Board since 2006. He previously served as our Director of Sourcing, a position he held with the Company from February 2007 until October 2021. Mr. Liran holds a BA from Columbia University. Mr. Liran was chosen to serve on our Board for his perspective and knowledge of the Company as our co-founder, including his familiarity with the Company’s supply chain and sourcing strategies.

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Eric Melloul

Eric Melloul has served as a member of our Board since 2008. Mr. Melloul has served as Managing Director for Verlinvest since August 2008. He currently serves as Chairman of the board of directors of Oatly Group AB, a food and beverage company, since September 2016, and has served on its remuneration committee since May 2021. Prior to Verlinvest, Mr. Melloul served as Global Marketing VP and China Commercial Head for Anheuser-Busch InBev from 2003 to 2008, and as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company from 1999 to 2003. Mr. Melloul has served on the board of directors for Hint Inc., a beverage company, since August 2011 and Mutti S.p.A, a food company, since September 2016. Mr. Melloul holds a MPA from the Kennedy School at Harvard University and a Post Graduate Diploma from the London School of Economics and Political Science. We believe Mr. Melloul is qualified to serve on our Board due to his significant business, financial and investment experience related to the consumer industry and his experience serving on other public and private company boards.

Jane Morreau

Jane Morreau has served as a member of our Board since July 2021. From 2014 to July 2021, Ms. Morreau served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Brown-Forman Corporation. Prior to becoming Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Morreau served multiple positions at Brown-Forman Corporation, including Senior Vice President, Chief Production Officer and Head of Information Technology from 2013 to 2014, and Senior Vice President of Accounting and Director of Finance, Accounting and Technology from 2008 to 2013, where she directed the financial management of the company’s sales, marketing, production, and technology functions. Before joining Brown-Forman Corporation, Ms. Morreau worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation (now known as Yum! Brands) in various financial roles. Ms. Morreau also has served as a member of the board of directors and audit committee of Trulieve Cannabis Corp. since 2021. Ms. Morreau holds a BS in Commerce with an emphasis in accounting and an MBA from the University of Louisville. Ms. Morreau is a Certified Public Accountant. We believe Ms. Morreau’s extensive leadership experience as well as her particular knowledge and experience in finance and accounting as well as extensive beverage industry experience makes her qualified to serve on our Board.

Board Diversity Matrix

The table below reports the diversity of our Class I directors and nominee and the current Class II and III directors.

Proposal 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. Our Board has directed that this appointment be submitted to

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our stockholders for ratification at the Annual Meeting. Although ratification of our appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP is not required, we value the opinions of our stockholders and believe that stockholder ratification of our appointment is a good corporate governance practice.

Deloitte & Touche LLP also served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Neither the accounting firm nor any of its members has any direct or indirect financial interest in or any connection with us in any capacity other than as our auditors, providing audit and non-audit services. A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP is expected to attend the 2022 Annual Meeting and to have an opportunity to make a statement and be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

In the event that the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP is not ratified by the stockholders, the Audit Committee will consider this fact when it appoints the independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Even if the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP is ratified, the Audit Committee retains the discretion to appoint a different independent auditor at any time if it determines that such a change is in the interest of the Company.

Vote Required

This proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes). Abstentions are not considered to be votes cast and, accordingly, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal. Because brokers have discretionary authority to vote on the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, we do not expect any broker non-votes in connection with this proposal.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Audit Committee has reviewed the audited consolidated financial statements of The Vita Coco Company, Inc. (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and has discussed these financial statements with management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has also received from, and discussed with, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm various communications that such independent registered public accounting firm is required to provide to the Audit Committee, including the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm also provided the Audit Committee with a formal written statement required by PCAOB Rule 3526 (Communications with Audit Committees Concerning Independence) describing all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, including the disclosures required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence from the Company.

Based on its discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, and its review of the representations and information provided by management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Jane Morreau (Chair)

Axelle Henry

John Leahy

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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND OTHER MATTERS

The following table summarizes the fees of Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, billed to us for each of the last two fiscal years for audit services and billed to us in each of the last two fiscal years for other services:

Audit Fees

Audit fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 relate primarily to the audit and quarterly reviews of our consolidated financial statements, services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, comfort letter consents and reviews of registration statements. The 2021 fees for the registration statements and related comfort letter consents were $950,000. Audit fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 relate primarily to the audit of our consolidated financial statements and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

Audit Related Fees

Audit related fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 include fees reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, which are not already reported under Audit Fees.

Tax Fees

Tax fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 include professional services rendered for tax advice and tax planning.

All Other Fees

All other fees for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 reflect a public readiness assessment in conjunction with the initial public offering.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy, or Pre-Approval Policy, that sets forth the procedures and conditions pursuant to which audit and non-audit services proposed to be performed by the independent auditor may be pre-approved. The Pre-Approval Policy generally provides that we will not engage Deloitte & Touche LLP to render any audit, audit-related, tax or permissible non-audit service unless the service is either (i) explicitly approved by the Audit Committee (“specific pre-approval”) or (ii) entered into pursuant to the pre-approval policies and procedures described in the Pre-Approval Policy (“general pre-approval”). Unless a type of service to be provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP has received general pre-approval under the Pre-Approval Policy, it requires specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee or by a designated member of the Audit Committee to whom the committee has delegated the authority to grant pre-approvals. Any proposed services exceeding pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also require specific pre-approval. For both types of pre-approval, the Audit Committee will consider whether such services are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence. The Audit Committee will also consider whether the independent auditor is best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service, for reasons such as its familiarity with the Company’s business, people, culture, accounting systems, risk profile and other factors, and whether the service might

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enhance the Company’s ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality. All such factors will be considered as a whole, and no one factor should necessarily be determinative. The Audit Committee may review and pre-approve the services (and related fee levels or budgeted amounts) that may be provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP without first obtaining specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee may revise the list of general pre-approved services from time to time, based on subsequent determinations. The Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed since the pre-approval policy was adopted.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table identifies our current executive officers:

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

General

Our Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and charters for our Nominating, Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Committee (“Nominating and ESG Committee”), Audit Committee and Compensation Committee to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities and to serve as a framework for the effective governance of the Company. You can access our current committee charters, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in the “Corporate Governance” section of the “Investors” page of our website located at www.thevitacococompany.com, or by writing to our Corporate Secretary at our office at 250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10003.

Board Composition

Our Board currently consists of nine members: Axelle Henry, Michael Kirban, John Leahy, Ira Liran, Eric Melloul, Jane Morreau, Martin Roper, Kenneth Sadowsky and John Zupo. Ms. Henry is stepping down from our Board and will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated Aishetu Fatima Dozie to fill the vacancy that will be created by Ms. Henry’s decision not to stand for re-election.

As set forth in our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is currently divided into three classes with staggered, three-year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expiring will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the Board, subject to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. The division of our Board into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control of our Company. Subject to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement, our directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors.

Investor Rights Agreement

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into an Investor Rights Agreement pursuant to which certain of our stockholders have the right to nominate directors for election to our Board for so long as such stockholder beneficially owns a specified percentage of our outstanding capital stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement, (i) Verlinvest is entitled to nominate (a) three directors for election to our Board for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of our outstanding common stock, (b) two directors for election to our Board for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, less than 35% but at least 25% of outstanding common stock, and (c) one director for election to our Board for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, less than 25% but at least 15% of our outstanding common stock; (ii) Michael Kirban, our co-founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, is entitled to nominate (a) two directors for election to our Board for so long as he holds, directly or indirectly, together with his affiliates and certain permitted transferees, at least 2.5% or more of our outstanding common stock, and (b) one director for election to our Board until the later of such time as Mr. Kirban (a) ceases to be employed by the Company and (b) together with his affiliates and certain permitted transferees, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of our outstanding common stock; and (iii) Ira Liran, our co-founder and member of our Board, is entitled to nominate one director for election to our Board from time to time and until the later of such time as Mr. Liran (a) ceases to be employed by the Company and (b) together with his affiliates and certain of his permitted transferees, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.

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Furthermore, each of Verlinvest, Michael Kirban and Ira Liran shall have the sole right to request that one or more of their respective designated directors, as applicable, tender their resignations as directors of the Board, in each case, with or without cause at any time, by sending a written notice to such director and the Company’s Secretary stating the name of the director or directors whose resignation from the Board is requested (the “Removal Notice”). If the director subject to such Removal Notice does not resign within thirty days from receipt thereof by such director, Verlinvest, Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, as holder of Common Stock, the Company and the Board, to the fullest extent permitted by law and, with respect to the Board, subject to its fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders, shall thereafter take all necessary action, including voting in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement to cause the removal of such director from the Board (and such director shall only be removed by the parties to the Investor Rights Agreement in such manner as provided).

Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement and in connection with the initial public offering, Verlinvest designated Eric Melloul as a Class III Director, John Leahy as a Class II Director, and Axelle Henry as a Class I Director. Ms. Henry is not seeking re-election as a director and Verlinvest has designated Ms. Dozie as its nominee for election as a Class I director at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Kirban designated himself as a Class II Director and John Zupo as a Class I Director. Mr. Liran designated himself as a Class III director.

Director Independence

Aishetu Fatima Dozie (director nominee), Axelle Henry, John Leahy, Eric Melloul, Jane Morreau and Kenneth Sadowsky each qualify as “independent” in accordance with the listing requirements of Nasdaq. The Nasdaq independence definition includes a series of objective tests, including that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of our employees and that neither the director nor any of their family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as required by Nasdaq rules, our Board has made a subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist, which, in the opinion of our Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, our Board reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regards to each director’s business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management, including that each of Axelle Henry and Eric Melloul is affiliated with one of our significant stockholders. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Director Candidates

Subject to the contractual rights under the Investor Rights Agreement, the Nominating and ESG Committee is primarily responsible for searching for qualified director candidates for election to the Board and filling vacancies on the Board. To facilitate the search process, the Nominating and ESG Committee may solicit current directors and executives of the Company for the names of potentially qualified candidates or ask directors and executives to pursue their own business contacts for the names of potentially qualified candidates. The Nominating and ESG Committee may also consult with outside advisors or retain search firms to assist in the search for qualified candidates or consider director candidates recommended by our stockholders. Once potential candidates are identified, the Nominating and ESG Committee reviews the backgrounds of those candidates, evaluates candidates’ independence from the Company and potential conflicts of interest and determines if candidates meet the qualifications desired by the Nominating and ESG Committee for candidates for election as a director. Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement and in connection with the initial public offering, Verlinvest designated Ms. Dozie as a Class I Director and Mr. Kirban designated Mr. Zupo as a Class I Director.

In evaluating the suitability of individual candidates (both new candidates and current Board members), the Nominating and ESG Committee, in recommending candidates for election, and the Board, in approving (and, in the case of vacancies, appointing) such candidates, may take into account many factors, including: personal and professional integrity, ethics and values; experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly held company; strong finance experience; relevant social policy concerns; experience

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relevant to the Company’s industry; experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly held company; relevant academic expertise or other proficiency in an area of the Company’s operations; diversity of expertise and experience in substantive matters pertaining to the Company’s business relative to other board members; diversity of background and perspective, including, but not limited to, with respect to age, gender, race, place of residence and specialized experience; practical and mature business judgment, including, but not limited to, the ability to make independent analytical inquiries; and any other relevant qualifications, attributes or skills. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of assembling a group that can best perpetuate the success of the business and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its diversity of experience in these various areas. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and ESG Committee may also consider the director’s past attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board.

Stockholders may recommend individuals to the Nominating and ESG Committee for consideration as potential director candidates by submitting the names of the recommended individuals, together with appropriate biographical information and background materials, to the Nominating and ESG Committee, c/o Secretary, The Vita Coco Company, Inc., 250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10003. In the event there is a vacancy, and assuming that appropriate biographical and background material has been provided on a timely basis, the Nominating and ESG Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as it follows for candidates submitted by others.

Communications from Stockholders

The Board will give appropriate attention to written communications that are submitted by stockholders, and will respond if and as appropriate. Our Secretary is primarily responsible for monitoring communications from stockholders and for providing copies or summaries to the directors as she considers appropriate.

Communications are forwarded to all directors if they relate to important substantive matters and include suggestions or comments that our Secretary and Chairman of the Board consider to be important for the directors to know. In general, communications relating to corporate governance and long-term corporate strategy are more likely to be forwarded than communications relating to ordinary business affairs, personal grievances and matters as to which we tend to receive repetitive or duplicative communications. Stockholders who wish to send communications on any topic to the Board should address such communications to the Board in writing: c/o Secretary, The Vita Coco Company, Inc., 250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10003.

Board Leadership Structure

Our Board is currently chaired by Michael Kirban, our co-Chief Executive Officer. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that, if the chairperson of the Board is a member of management or does not otherwise qualify as independent, the independent directors of the Board may elect an independent lead director. Eric Melloul currently serves as our lead director. The lead director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to: presiding over all meetings of the Board at which the chairperson is not present, including any executive sessions of the independent directors; approving Board meeting schedules and agendas; and acting as the liaison between the independent directors and the co-chief executive officers and chairperson of the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines further provide flexibility for our Board to modify our leadership structure in the future as it deems appropriate. Our Board has determined that combining the roles of Chair of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer is in the best interests of our Company and its stockholders at this time because it promotes unified leadership by Mr. Kirban and allows for a single, clear focus for management to execute the Company’s strategy and business plans. For these reasons and because of the strong leadership of Mr. Kirban, our Board has concluded that our current leadership structure is appropriate at this time. However, our Board will continue to periodically review our leadership structure and may make such changes in the future as it deems appropriate.

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Role in Risk Oversight

Risk assessment and oversight are an integral part of our governance and management processes. Our Board encourages management to promote a culture that incorporates risk management into our corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations. Management discusses strategic and operational risks at regular management meetings. Throughout the year, senior management reviews these risks with the Board at regular Board meetings as part of management presentations that focus on particular business functions, operations or strategies, and presents the steps taken by management to mitigate or eliminate such risks. Our Board does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole. In particular, our Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and our Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our major financial and cybersecurity risk exposures, monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and also considering, approving, disapproving or ratifying any related person transactions. Our Nominating and ESG Committee monitors the effectiveness of the Corporate Governance Guidelines. Our Compensation Committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking. The Board does not believe that its role in the oversight of our risks affects the Board’s leadership structure.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our directors, officers, employees, contractors and consultants, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. We have posted a current copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website, www.thevitacococompany.com, in the “Investors” section under “Corporate Governance.” In addition, we intend to post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or the rules of Nasdaq concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Anti-Hedging Policy

Our Board has adopted an Insider Trading Compliance Policy, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. The policy prohibits our directors, officers and employees and any entities they control from purchasing financial instruments such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds, or otherwise engaging in transactions that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of the Company’s equity securities, or that may cause an officer, director, or employee to no longer have the same objectives as the Company’s other stockholders.

Attendance by Members of the Board of Directors at Meetings

There were six meetings of the Board during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, each current director attended over 75% of the aggregate of (i) all meetings of the Board during their service and (ii) all meetings of the committees on which the director served during the period in which he or she served as a director.

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which is available on our website at www.thevitacococompany.com, a director is expected to spend the time and effort necessary to properly discharge his or her responsibilities. Accordingly, a director is expected to regularly prepare for and attend meetings of the Board and all committees on which the director sits (including separate meetings of the independent directors), with the understanding that, on occasion, a director may be unable to attend a meeting. A director who is unable to attend a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board is expected to notify the Chairman of the Board or the Chair of the appropriate committee in advance of such meeting, and, whenever possible, participate in such meeting via teleconference in the case of an in-person meeting. We do not maintain a formal policy regarding director attendance at the Annual Meeting; however, it is expected that absent compelling circumstances directors will participate in the virtual meeting. In light of the timing of our initial public offering (“IPO”), we did not hold an Annual Meeting in 2021.

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COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Our Board has established three standing committees—Audit, Compensation and Nominating and ESG—each of which operates under a written charter that has been approved by our Board.

The current members of each of the Board committees and committee Chairs are set forth in the following chart.

Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee’s responsibilities include:

The Audit Committee charter is available on our website at www.thevitacococompany.com. The current members of the Audit Committee are Axelle Henry, John Leahy and Jane Morreau. Ms. Morreau serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee. If elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting, Aishetu Fatima Dozie will serve as a member of the Audit Committee. Our Board has affirmatively determined that each of Ms. Dozie, Mr. Leahy and Ms. Morreau is independent for purposes of serving on an audit committee under Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and the Nasdaq Rules, including those related to Audit Committee membership. We intend to comply with the independence requirements for all members of the audit committee within the time periods specified in the Nasdaq Stock Market rules.

Each current member of our Audit Committee and Ms. Dozie meets the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable Nasdaq rules. In addition, our Board has determined that Ms. Morreau qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, and under the similar Nasdaq Rules requirement that the Audit Committee have a financially sophisticated member.

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The Audit Committee, which was established in connection with our IPO, in October 2021, met one time during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Compensation Committee

Our Compensation Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to the compensation of our executive officers. In fulfilling its purpose, our Compensation Committee has the following principal duties:

Pursuant to the Compensation Committee’s charter, which is available on our website at www.thevitacococompany.com, the Compensation Committee has the authority to retain or obtain the advice of compensation consultants, legal counsel and other advisors to assist in carrying out its responsibilities. In 2021, the Compensation Committee engaged Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC, a compensation consulting firm (“Pearl Meyer”), to assist in making decisions regarding the amount and types of compensation to provide our executive officers and non-employee directors. Pearl Meyer reported directly to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has considered the adviser independence factors required under SEC rules as they relate to Pearl Meyer and has determined that Pearl Meyer’s work does not raise a conflict of interest.

The Compensation Committee may delegate its authority under its charter to one or more subcommittees as it deems appropriate from time to time. The Compensation Committee may also delegate to an officer the authority to grant equity awards to certain employees, as further described in its charter and subject to the terms of our equity plans.

The members of our Compensation Committee are John Leahy, Eric Melloul and Kenneth Sadowsky. In April 2022, Mr. Sadowsky replaced Mr. Zupo to serve on the Compensation Committee. Mr. Melloul serves as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. Messrs. Leahy, Melloul and Sadowsky each qualify as an independent director under Nasdaq’s heightened independence standards for members of a compensation committee and each of Messrs. Leahy and Sadowsky is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.

The Compensation Committee met three times in 2021.

Nominating & ESG Committee

Our Nominating and ESG Committee’s responsibilities include:

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The Nominating and ESG Committee charter is available on our website at www.thevitacococompany.com. The members of our Nominating and ESG Committee are Michael Kirban, Jane Morreau and Kenneth Sadowsky. Mr. Kirban serves as the Chair of the Nominating and ESG Committee. The Nominating and ESG Committee has the authority to consult with outside advisors or retain search firms to assist in the search for qualified candidates, or consider director candidates recommended by our stockholders. We intend to comply with the independence requirements for all members of the Nominating and ESG Committee within the time periods specified in the Nasdaq Stock Market rules.

The Nominating and ESG Committee, which was established in connection with our IPO in October 2021, met one time during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Executive Compensation

This section provides a summary of our executive compensation philosophy and the material components of the executive compensation program for our executive officers who are named in the “Summary Compensation Table” below. Our executive compensation program supports Vita Coco’s growth strategy and is aligned to create long-term shareholder value. In fiscal year 2021, our “named executive officers” and their positions were as follows:

Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents all of the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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Elements of Our Executive Compensation Program

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the compensation for our named executive officers generally consisted of a base salary, cash bonuses and equity awards. These elements (and the amounts of compensation and benefits under each element) were selected because we believe they are necessary to help us attract and retain executive talent which is fundamental to our success.

Below is a more detailed summary of the current executive compensation program as it relates to our named executive officers.

Base Salaries

Our named executive officers receive a base salary to compensate them for the services they provide to the Company. The base salary payable to each named executive officer is intended to provide a fixed component of compensation reflecting the executive’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. In February 2021, our Board and Compensation Committee approved 2021 base salaries for our named executive officers, in the amounts next to their name in the chart below, to be effective retroactively to January 1, 2021.

2021 Base Salaries

The actual salaries paid to each named executive officer for fiscal year 2021 are set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” above in the column titled “Salary.”

Bonus Compensation

Fiscal 2021 Bonus

For 2021, Mr. Kirban and Mr. Roper were eligible to earn an annual performance-based bonus in respect of the fiscal year 2021 equal to 80% and 65%of their annual base salary, respectively, and an additional stretch bonus equal to an additional 80% and 65% of their annual base salary, respectively, both based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals. The 2021 bonus performance goals for Mr. Kirban and Mr. Roper were 20% based on Net Revenue percentage growth, 40% based on Adjusted EBITDA and 40% based on Branded Net Revenue percentage growth.

Our other named executive officers are eligible to earn an annual performance-based bonus in respect of the fiscal year 2021 equal to 35% of their annual base salary, respectively, and an additional stretch bonus equal to an additional 35% of their annual base salary, respectively, both based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals. The performance goals for Mr. Burth and Mr. van Es were 50% based on Net Revenue growth and 50% based on Adjusted EBITDA. Mr. Burth also received an additional bonus of $34,000 for targeted supply chain related cost of goods, transportation and other cost savings opportunities achieved during

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2021. The actual bonuses paid to each named executive officer for fiscal year 2021 are set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” above in the column titled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”

Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus Incentive

Certain of our executives, including Mr. Burth and Mr. van Es but excluding Mr. Kirban and Mr. Roper, were eligible to participate in the Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus incentive program pursuant to their respective employment agreements, which was based on the Company’s 2021 net revenue, adjusted EBITDA and certain other performance metrics (including the Company’s branded net revenue CAGR for the 2021 year over the 2019 year for existing brands), and which rewarded Company performance through the 2021 year. Mr. Burth’s and Mr. van Es’ potential Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus incentive bonus amount ranged from $300,000 to $750,000, depending on the size of the Company’s branded net revenue CAGR for the 2021 year over the 2019 year. In February 2022, the Compensation Committee determined that the maximum payout for the bonus incentive program had been earned and a $750,000 payment was made to each eligible executive.

CEO Special Incentive Bonus

In connection with our IPO in 2021, we entered into an IPO bonus agreement with Mr. Kirban, which replaced and superseded a liquidity event bonus agreement previously entered into between Mr. Kirban and the Company in all respects. Pursuant to Mr. Kirban’s IPO bonus agreement, in the event an IPO was consummated on or prior to June 30, 2023, (i) each of Verlinvest, and RW VC S.a.r.l. (the “Bonus Stockholders”) agreed to pay Mr. Kirban a bonus equal to 1.4% of the total cash consideration received by the Bonus Stockholders through the sale by the Bonus Stockholders of the Company’s securities pursuant to the IPO (“Cash Bonus”), as of the closing date of the IPO (the “Bonus Stockholders Proceeds”); and (ii) the Company agreed to pay Mr. Kirban a bonus equal to 1.4% of the total cash consideration received by the Company through the sale of the Company’s securities pursuant to the IPO, as of the closing date of the IPO (the “Company Proceeds”). The forms of payment were (i) for the Bonus Stockholders’ portion, cash equal to 1.4% of the Bonus Stockholders Proceeds to be made on the closing date of the IPO; and (ii) for the Company’s portion, a number of restricted stock units pursuant to the 2021 Plan that was equal to the ratio of (x) an amount equal to 1.4% of the Company IPO Proceeds to (y) the fair market value per share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, which shall vest in full on the six (6) month anniversary of the date of grant subject to Mr. Kirban’s continued employment with the Company through such vesting date. Upon consummation of the IPO in October 2021, pursuant to the IPO bonus agreement, Mr. Kirban was paid the Cash Bonus by each of the Bonus Stockholders and was granted 36,307 restricted stock units by the Company.

Equity Compensation

Stock Plan and Option Grants

We maintain The Vita Coco Company, Inc. 2021 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“2021 Plan”), in order to advance the interests of the Company by providing to key employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company grants of restricted stock units and stock options. A total of 808,456 shares subject to stock options and 456,757 shares subject to restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2021 Plan were outstanding as of December 31, 2021.

In connection with our IPO, or the IPO, we granted stock options and restricted stock units to our executive officers and other employees, including our named executive officers, under the 2021 Plan. These stock options and restricted stock units vest over four years in equal installments subject to continued service.

Prior to our IPO, we historically granted stock options to our executives pursuant to the 2014 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (“2014 Plan”). These stock options generally vest over four years, subject to continued service (50% on or after the twenty-fourth month anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% on and

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after the forty-eighth month anniversary of the grant date). In some instances, the time vesting period may be shorter. Performance vesting criteria are also required for some grants to senior management.

The equity grants made in connection with the IPO and our historical outstanding grants are further described in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table and related footnotes below.

2021 Equity Grants

In January 2021, our executive officers, including our named executive officers, received grants of performance-based options. Mr. Kirban and Mr. Roper were each eligible to receive up to a total of 68,250 options to purchase shares if the Company achieves certain EBITDA, net revenue and branded net revenue goals in 2021. Upon satisfaction of the performance measures, such options would vest pursuant to the general time-vesting schedule described above. In February 2022, the Board and Compensation Committee determined that two of the three performance measures had been met and, therefore, Mr. Kirban and Mr. Roper earned 40,950 options that will vest over four years (50% vesting on or after the twenty-fourth month anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% vesting on and after the forty-eighth month anniversary of the grant date).

In January 2021, Mr. Burth and Mr. van Es were granted options to purchase 22,750 and 18,200 shares, respectively, subject to vesting based on continuous service with 50% of the shares vesting on or after the twenty-fourth month anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% vesting on or after the forty-eighth month anniversary of the grant date. Additionally, Mr. Burth and Mr. van Es were each eligible to receive performance-based options to purchase up to 22,750 and 18,200 shares, respectively, if the Company achieved certain EBITDA and net revenue goals in 2021. In February 2022, the Board and Compensation Committee agreed to amend the terms of the performance-based options to provide that, since one of the two performance measures has been met, Mr. Burth would receive options to purchase 11,375 shares and Mr. van Es would receive options to purchase 9,100 shares, each of which vest based on continuous service with 50% of the shares vesting on the twenty-fourth month anniversary of the grant date and remaining 50% vesting on or after the forty-eighth month anniversary of the grant date.

IPO Equity Grants

In connection with our IPO, Mr. Kirban and Mr. Roper were each granted options with a grant date value of $1.8 million and Mr. Burth and Mr. van Es were each granted options with a grant date value of $350,000, respectively. In addition, Mr. Burth and Mr. van Es were granted restricted stock units with a grant date value of $175,000 and $575,000, respectively, based on the IPO price. Each of the equity awards to our named executive officers described in this paragraph granted in connection to the offering will vest in equal installments of 25% each over four years. The number of shares underlying the options and restricted stock units granted to our named executive officers were as follows:

We maintain stock ownership guidelines that cover our named executive officers. For a description of these stock ownership guidelines, please see “Executive and Director Stock Ownership Guidelines” below.

Retirement Plans

We currently maintain a 401(k) retirement savings plan for our employees, including our named executive officers, who satisfy certain eligibility requirements. Eligible employees defer a portion of their compensation,

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within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax basis through contributions to the 401(k) plan. Currently, we provide matching contributions in the 401(k) plan up to a specified percentage of the employee’s contributions.

We do not maintain any defined benefit pension plans or deferred compensation plans for our named executive officers.

Employee Benefits and Perquisites

All of our full-time employees, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our health and welfare plans, which include medical, dental and vision benefits.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table presents information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2021.

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Executive Employment Agreements

Below are written descriptions of our employment arrangements with each of our named executive officers.

Michael Kirban

In connection with our IPO, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Kirban (“Kirban Agreement”). Many of the material terms of the Kirban Agreement remained the same as those in the employment agreement entered into between Mr. Kirban and the Company in 2014 that was amended in 2019 and 2020. Some key changes made to the Kirban Agreement included, without limitation, eliminating the restriction on the sale of his Company securities to any unrelated third party and subjecting his benefits and compensation, to the extent applicable, to any claw-back or similar policy and any amendments, policies and procedures with regards to Section 409A that the Company may adopt.

Pursuant to the Kirban Agreement, Mr. Kirban is entitled to a base salary of at least $472,000. The CEO Agreement also provides that Mr. Kirban is eligible to receive an annual bonus equal to 80% of his annual base salary, and an additional stretch bonus equal to an additional 80% of his annual base salary, both based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals.

In the event Mr. Kirban terminates his employment for good reason or without cause, or terminated due to death or disability, conditional on his signing a general release, the Company will pay Mr. Kirban: (a) any accrued but unpaid salary rendered to the date of termination; and (b) an amount equal to one year of salary at the time of such termination, payable over a one-year period beginning thirty days after the date of such termination. In the event Mr. Kirban is terminated by the Company for cause or voluntary terminates other than for good reason, the Company will pay Mr. Kirban any accrued but unpaid salary for services rendered prior to the date of termination.

The Company may not terminate the employee without cause prior to July 1, 2022. The Company may terminate the employee without cause after July 1, 2022, by providing sixty days written notice to the employee (provided

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that such notice may be provided prior to July 1, 2022). From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, any termination without cause will be determined by a supermajority vote of the Board; and from July 1, 2023 through the remainder of the employment period, any termination without cause will be determined by a simple majority vote of the Board. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in the Kirban Agreement will limit the Company’s right to terminate the employee for cause at any time in accordance with the Kirban Agreement.

The Kirban Agreement provides for a possibility of transitioning the employee to a part-time position at any time, at Mr. Kirban’s discretion, without such transition being deemed in breach of the Kirban Agreement. The Kirban Agreement also provides for a possibility of transitioning the employee to a part-time position from and after July 1, 2022, and through June 30, 2023, by a supermajority vote by the Board, and from July 1, 2023, through the remainder of the employment period, by a simple majority vote by the Board; and such a transition will not constitute good reason, or an effective termination of the employee’s position without Cause. In the event of the aforementioned transitions, the Board will proportionally adjust the salary and bonus and stretch bonus payable to the employee pursuant to the Kirban Agreement based on the new level of commitment from the Employee; provided that for the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the Kirban Agreement, such adjusted bonus and stretch bonus will be determined by the Board, and will be based upon the Company and the employee achieving certain performance goals to be established by the Board. For the avoidance of doubt, the employee, as a member of the Board, may participate in discussion by the Board, but shall be excluded from participating in vote of the Board related to his transition.

Martin Roper

In connection with the IPO, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Roper (“Roper Agreement”). Effective as of January 1, 2021, Mr. Roper was appointed to serve as our Co-Chief Executive Officer.

Pursuant to the Roper Agreement, Mr. Roper was entitled to a base salary of $425,000 per year for 2021, that automatically increased to at least $460,000 per year effective as of January 1, 2022. The Roper Agreement also provides that Mr. Roper is eligible to receive annual performance-based bonus equal to 65% of his annual base salary, and an additional stretch bonus equal to an additional 65% of his annual base salary, both based on the Company’s achievement of performance goals. Effective as of January 1, 2022, the annual performance-based bonus and the additional stretch bonus was each increased to 75%, respectively.

In the event Mr. Roper terminates his employment for good reason or by the Company without cause, conditional on his signing a general release, the Company will pay Mr. Roper: (i) any accrued but unpaid salary rendered to the date of termination; (ii) a severance payment amount equal to the employee’s salary and bonus at the time of such termination, payable in substantially equal installments over a one-year period beginning thirty days after the date of such termination; and (iii) in addition to the severance payment described above, a rent compensation amount equal to any employee obligations for non-cancelable New York apartment and furniture lease payments, not to exceed $65,000.

In the event Mr. Roper is terminated due to death or for disability, the Company will pay Mr. Roper any accrued but unpaid salary and earned bonus for a prior completed year for services rendered to the date of termination.

In the event Mr. Roper is terminated by the Company for cause or voluntary terminates other than for good reason, the Company will pay Mr. Roper any accrued but unpaid salary and earned bonus for a prior completed year for services rendered prior to the date of termination and nothing else.

Jonathan Burth

On February 10, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Burth, providing for his employment as our Chief Operating Officer (“COO Agreement”).

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Pursuant to the COO Agreement, Mr. Burth is entitled to an annual base salary of $322,500, which will be automatically adjusted on January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022, to at least $337,500 and $352,500, respectively, provided he continues to be employed in good standing. The COO Agreement also provides that Mr. Burth is eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to a 35% of his then applicable salary, and an additional stretch bonus equal to 35% of his then applicable salary, based upon the Company’s achievement of its annual performance goals. Mr. Burth also had an additional bonus opportunity of 10% of his salary tied to the completion of targeted supply chain related cost and efficiency measures that would improve costs in 2021.

Mr. Burth was also eligible to participate in the Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus incentive which is described in “Bonus Compensation—Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus Incentive” above and to receive stock options described in the “Equity Compensation—Stock Plan and Option Grants” above.

In the event Mr. Burth is terminated for good reason or by the Company without cause, conditional on his signing a general release, the Company will pay Mr. Burth: (i) any accrued but unpaid salary plus, any earned bonus for a prior completed year for services rendered prior to the date of termination (including but not limited to those amounts that are due during the applicable period of notice); (ii) a severance payment amount equal to six months of his salary and prorated target bonus at the time of such termination, payable in substantially equal installments over a six month period beginning thirty days after the date of such termination; (iii) an additional severance payment if Mr. Burth has six full years of service with the Company, reflecting an addition month of salary for each full year of service in excess of six years, capped at a maximum of six additional months of salary for twelve or more full years of service, payable in ongoing monthly installments of a month’s salary after the six month period in the preceding (ii) finishes until the additional severance payment is complete; and (iv) if the Company terminates his employment without cause, and the effective date of the cessation of employment is more than four months into the financial year, then provided that Mr. Burth has met all requests for transition support including agreeing to the termination employment date requested by the Company, then the Company will pay out a bonus for a partial year calculated based on the salary paid for those months of service that year, such payout being made within two months of the performance and bonus determination for other similar executives at the end of that year.

In the event Mr. Burth is terminated due to death or for disability, the Company will pay Mr. Burth any accrued but unpaid salary plus any earned bonus for a prior completed year for services rendered prior to the date of termination.

In the event Mr. Burth is terminated by the Company for cause or voluntary terminates other than for good reason, the Company will pay Mr. Burth any accrued but unpaid salary plus any earned bonus for a prior completed year for services rendered prior to the date of termination and nothing else.

Charles van Es

On February 10, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. van Es, providing for his employment as our Chief Sales Officer (“CSO Agreement”).

Pursuant to the CSO Agreement, Mr. van Es is entitled to an annual base salary of $300,000. The CSO Agreement also provides that Mr. van Es is eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 35% of his then applicable salary, and an additional stretch bonus equal to 35% of his then applicable salary, based upon the Company’s achievement of its annual performance goals.

Mr. van Es was also eligible to participate in the Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus incentive which is described in “Bonus Compensation—Two-Year Leadership Team Bonus Incentive” above and to receive stock options described in the “Equity Compensation—Stock Plan and Option Grants” above.

The CSO Agreement includes the same terms as the COO Agreement regarding payments upon termination.

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Director Compensation

Our Non-Employee Board Compensation Policy establishes the compensation of our non-employee directors.

The following table reflects the compensation elements for non-employee directors for 2021, beginning immediately following the Company’s IPO.

Compensation Policy for Non-Employee Directors

Each non-employee director receives an annual cash retainer and additional payments for serving as Committee Chairs and/or Committee members payable in cash quarterly in arrears. The annual equity award is awarded automatically to each director on the date of the Annual Meeting immediately following election and appointment to the Board. Any new directors that join the Board at any time other than the Annual Meeting receive annual retainer and additional payments and an equity grant that is pro-rated based on the number of days of service until the next Annual Meeting. A one-time special equity grant of $35,000 in RSUs was made to directors in October 2021 in connection with the Company’s IPO.

All equity paid to Board members consists of RSUs that vest in full on the earlier of: (i) the day immediately preceding the date of the first Annual Meeting following the date of grant; or (ii) the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the non-employee director continuing in service on the Board through the applicable vesting date. The amount of equity to be awarded is calculated based on the closing market price of our common stock on the date of the Annual Meeting or any other grant date. Unvested equity is forfeited in certain circumstances upon termination of the director’s service on the Board. All equity grants vest in full upon a change in control as defined in the 2021 Equity Plan.

Non-executive directors are reimbursed for business expenses and reasonable travel expenses for attending Board and Committee meetings. Non-employee directors do not receive our retirement, health or life insurance benefits. We provide each non-employee director with director and officer liability insurance coverage.

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Director Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation of the non-employee directors for fiscal year 2021, other than reimbursement for travel expenses.

Executive and Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

We recognize the importance of stock ownership as an essential means of closely aligning the interests of our executive officers and non-employee directors with the interests of our shareholders. In addition to using equity awards as a primary long-term incentive compensation tool, we have stock ownership guidelines in place for our senior executives, including our NEOs, and non-employee directors. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing the stock ownership guidelines and verifying compliance.

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Our current stock ownership guidelines which became effective as of the date of our IPO are as follows:

These executive officers and non-employee directors generally have five years from the date they first become subject to a particular level of the guidelines to meet them. If an executive officer has not achieved compliance by the end of his or her respective compliance period, until such executive officer has satisfied his or her applicable guideline level, the executive officer will be required to retain a number of shares of the Company common stock equal to 50% of those shares that remain after shares are sold or withheld, as the case may be, to (i) pay any applicable exercise price for an equity award or (ii) satisfy withholding tax obligations arising in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of an equity award, or the net shares, received as the result of exercise, vesting or settlement of any of the Company equity awards granted to the executive officer. If a non-employee director has not achieved compliance by the end of his or her compliance period, until such non-employee director has satisfied his or her applicable guideline level, the non-employee director is required to retain an amount equal to 25% of net shares received as the result of the exercise, vesting or settlement of any of the Company equity awards granted to the non-employee director. As of December 31, 2021, our Co-CEOs and Mr. Burth met the applicable stock ownership guidelines, as well as Mr. Liran and Mr. Sadowsky who serve on our Board.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Our Section 16 officers and directors are required under the Exchange Act to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our common stock with the SEC and Nasdaq.

Based solely upon a review of copies of those reports, other documents furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that, for the year ended December 31, 2021, all filing requirements applicable to officers and directors have been complied on a timely basis, except for one late Form 3 filed on October 25, 2021 to report Michael Kirban’s holdings at the time of the effectiveness of the registration statement for our initial public offering due to a delay in receiving EDGAR codes.

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2021, relating to equity compensation plans of the Company (including individual compensation arrangements) pursuant to which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to holdings of our common stock by (i) stockholders who beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and (ii) each of our directors (which includes all nominees), each of our named executive officers and all directors and executive officers as a group as of April 4, 2022, unless otherwise indicated. The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined under rules issued by the SEC. Under these rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which a person has sole or shared voting power or investment power. Applicable percentage ownership is based on 55,555,276 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 4, 2022. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options, or other rights held by such person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days of April 4, 2022 are considered outstanding, although these shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is 250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10003. We believe, based on information provided to us, that each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

Our Board has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy, setting forth the policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions. Under the policy, our finance department is primarily responsible for developing and implementing processes and procedures to obtain information regarding related persons with respect to potential related person transactions and then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether such potential related person transactions do, in fact, constitute related person transactions requiring compliance with the policy. If our finance department determines that a transaction or relationship is a related person transaction requiring compliance with the policy, our Chief Financial Officer, or his or her designee, is required to present to the Audit Committee all relevant facts and circumstances relating to the related person transaction. Our Audit Committee must review the relevant facts and circumstances of each related person transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction, take into account the conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and either approve or disapprove the related person transaction. If advance Audit Committee approval of a related person transaction requiring the Audit Committee’s approval is not feasible, then the transaction may be preliminarily entered into by management upon prior approval of the transaction by the chair of the Audit Committee subject to ratification of the transaction by the Audit Committee at the Audit Committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; provided, that if ratification is not forthcoming, management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction. If a transaction was not initially recognized as a related person, then upon such recognition, the transaction will be presented to the Audit Committee for ratification at the Audit Committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; provided, that if ratification is not forthcoming, management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the transaction. Our management will update the Audit Committee as to any material changes to any approved or ratified related person transaction and will provide a status report at least annually of all then current related person transactions. No director may participate in approval of a related person transaction for which he or she is a related person.

The following are certain transactions, arrangements and relationships with our directors, executive officers and stockholders owning 5% or more of our outstanding common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, since January 1, 2021, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control, IPO compensation and other arrangements, which are described under “Executive Compensation.”

Share Repurchase

In January 2021, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with RW VC S.a.r.l, a holder of more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock, pursuant to which we repurchased 11,411 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $4,382 per share, or an aggregate purchase price of approximately $50 million. The purchase price per share approximated the then most recent third-party common stock valuation prepared in conjunction with the accounting of stock-based compensation.

In connection with the share repurchase, RW VC S.a.r.l amended their preemptive and designation rights under our prior shareholders agreement commensurate with their reduced ownership percentage of our common stock.

Distribution Agreement

On October 1, 2019, our subsidiary, All Market Singapore PTE Ltd., entered into a distribution agreement, or the Distribution Agreement, with Reignwood Investment (China) Co., Ltd. (“Reignwood China”), an entity affiliated with RW VC S.a.r.l, providing for the exclusive distribution of coconut water-based products by Reignwood China in mainland China. Pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, Reignwood China is obligated to purchase the products at an agreed upon price and in minimum volumes based on product type. The amount of revenue recognized related to the Distribution Agreement was $6,247,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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The Distribution Agreement was renewed and extended for a one-year term through December 31, 2022, and thereafter may be renewed and extended for successive one-year terms upon the mutual agreement of each party.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with our IPO, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with Verlinvest, RW VC S.a.r.l, and certain of our other stockholders, pursuant to which such investors have certain demand rights, short-form registration rights and piggyback registration rights from us, subject to customary restrictions and exceptions. All fees, costs and expenses of registrations, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, are expected to be borne by us. The Registration Rights Agreement does not provide for any maximum cash penalties or any penalties connected with delays in registering our common stock.

Investor Rights Agreement

In connection with our IPO, we entered into an Investor Rights Agreement pursuant to which certain of our stockholders have the right to nominate directors for election to our Board for so long as such stockholder beneficially owns a specified percentage of our outstanding capital stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Rights Agreement, (i) Verlinvest is entitled to nominate (a) three directors for election to our Board for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of our outstanding common stock, (b) two directors for election to our Board for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, less than 35% but at least 25% of outstanding common stock, and (c) one director for election to our Board for so long as it holds, directly or indirectly, less than 25% but at least 15% of our outstanding common stock; (ii) Michael Kirban, our co-founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, is entitled to nominate (a) two directors for election to our Board for so long as he holds, directly or indirectly, together with his affiliates and certain permitted transferees, at least 2.5% or more of our outstanding common stock, and (b) one director for election to our Board until the later of such time as Mr. Kirban (a) ceases to be employed by the Company and (b) together with his affiliates and certain permitted transferees, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of our outstanding common stock; and (iii) Ira Liran, our co-founder and member of our Board, is entitled to nominate one director for election to our Board from time to time and until the later of such time as Mr. Liran (a) ceases to be employed by the Company and (b) together with his affiliates and certain of his permitted transferees, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, less than 1% of our outstanding common stock.

Furthermore, each of Verlinvest, Michael Kirban and Ira Liran shall have the sole right to request that one or more of their respective designated directors, as applicable, tender their resignations as directors of the Board, in each case, with or without cause at any time, by sending a written notice to such director and the Company’s Secretary stating the name of the director or directors whose resignation from the Board is requested (the “Removal Notice”). If the director subject to such Removal Notice does not resign within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof by such director, Verlinvest, Michael Kirban and Ira Liran, as holder of Common Stock, the Company and the Board, to the fullest extent permitted by law and, with respect to the Board, subject to its fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders shall thereafter take all necessary action, including voting in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement to cause the removal of such director from the Board (and such director shall only be removed by the parties to the Investor Rights Agreement in such manner as provided).

Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement

Prior to the IPO, we were a party to the Third Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2021, or the Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement, among us and certain of our stockholders, including our Founders, Verlinvest, and RW VC S.a.r.l., and certain of our other executive officers and directors, providing for, among others, rights of first refusal, drag-along rights, rights to distribution and rights to nominate directors for election to our Board. In July 2021, we and RW VC S.a.r.l. entered into a waiver to the Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement pursuant to which RW VC S.a.r.l. agreed to forfeit all remaining rights to designate a director to our Board. In connection with the closing of the IPO, the Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement was replaced by the Registration Rights Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement, each as described in more detail above.

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Under the Pre-IPO Shareholders Agreement, as long as Verlinvest owned five percent (5%) or more of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company, the Company agreed to pay to Verlinvest an annual administrative fee equal to $281,000. We had amounts due to be paid of $227,000 for the portion of 2021 prior to the execution of the Investor Rights Agreement and no longer pay these administrative fees under the Investor Rights Agreement.

Loan to Officer

In September 2019, we entered into a secured promissory note with Martin Roper, our current Co-Chief Executive Officer, in the amount of $17.7 million at an interest rate equal to the U.S. mid-term Applicable Federal Rate in effect as of the signing date, or 1.78%, compounded annually, in connection with the purchase of 3,822 shares of our common stock. The loan was secured by a pledge of these purchased shares. In May 2020, we entered into an amendment to the secured promissory note, extending the term of the loan to the fifth anniversary from the effective date of the amendment, and amending the interest rate on the loan to 0.58%. The loan outstanding was repaid prior to the filing of the registration statement for our IPO.

Director and Officer Indemnification and Insurance

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, require us or will require us to indemnify each director (and in certain cases their related venture capital funds) and executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, including indemnification of expenses such as attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by the director or executive officer in any action or proceeding, including any action or proceeding by or in right of us, arising out of the person’s services as a director or executive officer.

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STOCKHOLDERS’ PROPOSALS

Stockholders who intend to have a proposal considered for inclusion in our proxy materials for presentation at our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must submit the proposal to our Secretary at our offices at 250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10003 in writing not later than December 22, 2022.

Stockholders intending to present a proposal at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not to include the proposal in our proxy statement, or to nominate a person for election as a director, must comply with the requirements set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws require, among other things, that our Secretary receive written notice from the stockholder of record of their intent to present such proposal or nomination not earlier than the 120th day and not later than the 90th day prior to the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. Therefore, we must receive notice of such a proposal or nomination for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders no earlier than February 1, 2023 and no later than March 3, 2023. The notice must contain the information required by the Amended and Restated Bylaws, a copy of which is available upon request to our Secretary. In the event that the date of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after June 1, 2023, then our Secretary must receive such written notice not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the 2023 Annual Meeting and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the 2023 Annual Meeting or, if later, the close of business on 10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such meeting is first made by us.

In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules (once they become effective), stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than April 3, 2023.

We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these or other applicable requirements.

OTHER MATTERS

Our Board is not aware of any matter to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than the matters referred to above and does not intend to bring any other matters before the Annual Meeting. However, if other matters should come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that holders of the proxies named on the Company’s proxy card will vote thereon in their discretion.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

The accompanying proxy is solicited by and on behalf of our Board, whose Notice of Annual Meeting is attached to this proxy statement, and the entire cost of our solicitation will be borne by us. In addition to the use of mail, proxies may be solicited by personal interview, telephone, e-mail and facsimile by our directors, officers and other employees who will not be specially compensated for these services. We will also request that brokers, nominees, custodians and other fiduciaries forward soliciting materials to the beneficial owners of shares held by the brokers, nominees, custodians and other fiduciaries. We will reimburse these persons for their reasonable expenses in connection with these activities.

Certain information contained in this proxy statement relating to the occupations and security holdings of our directors and officers is based upon information received from the individual directors and officers.

In connection with our solicitation of proxies for our 2023 Annual Meeting, we intend to file a proxy statement and WHITE proxy card with the SEC. Stockholders may obtain our proxy statement (and any amendments and supplements thereto) and other documents as and when filed with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov.

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VITA COCO’S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

A copy of Vita Coco’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, including financial statements and schedules thereto but not including exhibits, as filed with the SEC, will be sent to any stockholder of record on April 4, 2022 without charge upon written request addressed to:

The Vita Coco Company, Inc.

Attention: Secretary

250 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor

New York, New York 10003

A reasonable fee will be charged for copies of exhibits. You also may access this proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K at www.proxyvote.com. You also may access our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 at www.thevitacococompany.com.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING ONLINE, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE YOUR SHARES VIA THE TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER OR OVER THE INTERNET, AS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. IF YOU RECEIVED A COPY OF THE PROXY CARD BY MAIL, YOU MAY SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE. PROMPTLY VOTING YOUR SHARES WILL ENSURE THE PRESENCE OF A QUORUM AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND WILL SAVE US THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER SOLICITATION.

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/ Yolanda Goettsch

Yolanda Goettsch, General Counsel and Secretary

New York, New York

April 21, 2022

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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report and Form 10K are available at www.proxyvote.com.

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