Sparkling Ice, a brand of Preston, Wash.-based TalkingRain Beverage Co., announced the completion of its U.S. direct-store-delivery (DSD) distribution network. Comprising more than 250 distributors, this DSD network will bring Sparkling Ice beverages to grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores, and other retail and non-traditional outlets in all 50 states.
This system of leading distributors, including a combination of Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors and independent distributors specializing in building brands, is the first of its kind for a private beverage company since the sale of vitaminwater, according to the brand. The new DSD network will serve as the foundation for continuing the growth of Sparkling Ice beverages in the United States, it says.
“Our DSD network is the result of an extensive and well-coordinated effort by our sales team,” said Kevin Klock, chief executive officer of TalkingRain Beverage Co., in a statement. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with some of the best distributors in the country as we amplify our distribution efforts for Sparkling Ice and continue to grow the brand. This hand-picked group of distributors lays the groundwork for Sparkling Ice beverages to reach every county in the United States.”
TalkingRain attributes the company’s recent and unprecedented growth to an increased focus on its Sparkling Ice brand. Sparkling Ice sales were up 92.1 percent in the 52 weeks ending March 23, 2014, in measured channels, according to Chicago-based Information Resources Inc.