Latest news with #TalkingRainBeverageCompany®
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talking Rain expands better-for-you beverage line with Popwell, cold-crafted prebiotic soda
Popwell Feature Image PRESTON, Wash., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Finally, fans of flavor and function can have it all. The better-for-you beverage market just gained its first cold-crafted, full-flavor entrant with Popwell, the new prebiotic and immunity-supporting beverage line from Talking Rain Beverage Company®, the makers of Sparkling Ice®. Building on flavor-forward innovations that Talking Rain is known for, the cold-crafting process is designed to preserve Popwell's flavors as well as the functionality of its ingredients, setting it apart from other prebiotic soda brands. Popwell serves up bold taste with a refreshing twist in six varieties: Blackberry Lime, Tropical Mango and Cherry Citrus — all caffeine-free — as well as caffeinated options, including Lemon Lime, Cream Soda and Orange Cream. 'We've unlocked the secret to cold-crafting at scale, carefully finishing Popwell in a cold-filled environment and using preservatives from natural sources to maintain its original goodness so that we can bring best-in-class flavor to the prebiotic soda category,' said Oscar Mayorquín, chief operating officer at Talking Rain. 'We want consumers to feel great about our beverages, and our research resoundingly suggested that consumers were dissatisfied with the taste of some of the prebiotic beverages currently on the market. That's why we paid such close attention to our crafting process, and even to the Popwell labels themselves. Caffeinated versions of Popwell are clearly marked with a white band along the top of the can so that consumers can choose when they want a moderate energy boost.' Based on consumer response over nearly a year of testing Popwell in Talking Rain's I.C.E. Labs, the flavor dynamos at Talking Rain are confident the brand can outperform the competition in the market for better-for-you sodas, the fastest growing category of ready-to-drink beverages. Delivering on Popwell's 'Cold-Crafted For Fresh Flavor' tagline, Mayorquín noted 'Consumers who've had the chance to try it rave about the taste, calling it a perfect balance between sweetness and fresh, vibrant flavors." With a scant one gram of sugar and six grams of fiber in each can, enough to hit 25 percent of the daily recommended fiber intake, Popwell supports more than just happy bellies and immunity. Besides a generous dose of fiber, Popwell is also an excellent source of vitamin C, and it contains vitamin B, zinc and antioxidants. The caffeinated flavors include 40mg of caffeine, about half as much as a regular cup of coffee. 'Our newest line of better-for-you beverages not only delivers on Talking Rain's promise of bold, fun flavors, but it puts us in a great market position to accelerate our growth this year,' said Ken Sylvia, chief executive officer at Talking Rain. 'Right out of the gate in 2025, we released two new Sparkling Ice STARBURST flavors as part of the Red Pack, and now we're rolling out a whole new line of great tasting refreshment. This is going to be an exciting year, and we're just getting started.' Consumers can find Popwell at their favorite major retailers and on Amazon. Learn more about Popwell at Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at video accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio

Associated Press
10-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Talking Rain Boosts Convenience Store Presence with New C-Store VP, Chelsea Sobran
Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice ®, today announced the hiring of Chelsea Sobran, VP of Convenience Channel, who brings a deep understanding of the consumer landscape and spearheads the company's strategic growth in the convenience store market. 'As with other Talking Rain distribution channels, the convenience store channel strategy revolves around meeting our consumers where they are. When our consumers are on the go, they find the convenience store cold vault a great place to pick out and try new products,' said Sobran. 'Given the pent-up demand for better-for-you beverages, and Talking Rain's wide range of offerings, we expect to see Talking Rain more than double its c-store sales over the next three years.' Sobran's role entails growing the company's sales footprint by developing and maintaining relationships with the largest and most complex retailers in the convenience channel and ensuring Talking Rain products look irresistible on the shelf. Sobran has seen a marked transition take place in beverage options at c-stores, first expanding from regular soda to diet soda, and most recently toward better-for-you beverages. Sobran joins the Talking Rain team at the beginning of a year dedicated to accelerated growth through new flavors and product offerings, as well as an expansion of partnerships. Most recently, Talking Rain announced the launch of its Sparkling Ice STARBURST RED PACK, a continuation of the brand's partnership with STARBURST, which first became a runaway hit in 2024. Flavor fans can expect several new Talking Rain products and formats to launch in 2025. Before joining Talking Rain, Sobran spent ten years at Nestlé Waters North America, where she held roles in sales, analytics and marketing across both Canada and the United States, before moving on to serve as the sales VP at Keurig Dr Pepper. There she developed and led a sales team for the commercial coffee business unit across convenience, foodservice and hospitality channels. 'We are excited to welcome Chelsea to the team, marking another strategic investment in our company's expansive growth trajectory,' said Ken Sylvia, CEO of Talking Rain Beverage Co. 'Chelsea brings a wealth of expertise that will be pivotal as we expand our presence and introduce new Sparkling Ice flavors, along with other Talking Rain products, to the convenience sector nationwide. This move ensures that our flavorful beverages are more accessible to consumers everywhere.' Learn more about Talking Rain at Talking Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the #1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in +Caffeine and +Energy). Talking Rain drinks have zero sugar, are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. Media Contact Annie Alley 206-466-2713
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talking Rain Boosts Convenience Store Presence with New C-Store VP, Chelsea Sobran
PRESTON, Wash., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talking Rain Beverage Company®, makers of the No. 1 sparkling water brand, Sparkling Ice®, today announced the hiring of Chelsea Sobran, VP of Convenience Channel, who brings a deep understanding of the consumer landscape and spearheads the company's strategic growth in the convenience store market. 'As with other Talking Rain distribution channels, the convenience store channel strategy revolves around meeting our consumers where they are. When our consumers are on the go, they find the convenience store cold vault a great place to pick out and try new products,' said Sobran. 'Given the pent-up demand for better-for-you beverages, and Talking Rain's wide range of offerings, we expect to see Talking Rain more than double its c-store sales over the next three years.' Sobran's role entails growing the company's sales footprint by developing and maintaining relationships with the largest and most complex retailers in the convenience channel and ensuring Talking Rain products look irresistible on the shelf. Sobran has seen a marked transition take place in beverage options at c-stores, first expanding from regular soda to diet soda, and most recently toward better-for-you beverages. Sobran joins the Talking Rain team at the beginning of a year dedicated to accelerated growth through new flavors and product offerings, as well as an expansion of partnerships. Most recently, Talking Rain announced the launch of its Sparkling Ice STARBURST RED PACK, a continuation of the brand's partnership with STARBURST, which first became a runaway hit in 2024. Flavor fans can expect several new Talking Rain products and formats to launch in 2025. Before joining Talking Rain, Sobran spent ten years at Nestlé Waters North America, where she held roles in sales, analytics and marketing across both Canada and the United States, before moving on to serve as the sales VP at Keurig Dr Pepper. There she developed and led a sales team for the commercial coffee business unit across convenience, foodservice and hospitality channels. 'We are excited to welcome Chelsea to the team, marking another strategic investment in our company's expansive growth trajectory,' said Ken Sylvia, CEO of Talking Rain Beverage Co. 'Chelsea brings a wealth of expertise that will be pivotal as we expand our presence and introduce new Sparkling Ice flavors, along with other Talking Rain products, to the convenience sector nationwide. This move ensures that our flavorful beverages are more accessible to consumers everywhere.' Learn more about Talking Rain at Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the #1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in +Caffeine and +Energy). Talking Rain drinks have zero sugar, are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sparkling Ice® Launches Two New STARBURST® Candy Flavors as Part of First-Ever ‘RED PACK'
Sparkling Ice STARBURST's runaway success in 2024 leads to continued collaboration and new STARBURST-inspired flavors Sparkling Ice STARBURST Red Pack Sparkling Ice STARBURST Red Pack Sparkling Ice STARBURST Red Pack Sparkling Ice STARBURST Red Pack PRESTON, Wash., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Sparkling Ice® brand, crafted by Talking Rain Beverage Company®, today unveiled its Sparkling Ice® STARBURST™ RED PACK including fresh flavors of the popular zero-sugar refreshment, formulated with colors and flavors from natural sources. The 12-pack of beverages unites two new Sparkling Ice flavors, STARBURST Fruit Punch and STARBURST Watermelon, with fan-favorite Sparkling Ice flavors Kiwi Strawberry and Black Cherry. Like the STARBURST-inspired Sparkling Ice flavors launched in 2024, the latest flavors capture the creamy taste of the fruit chew candy from the popular STARBURST FaveReds™ pack in the iconic tall, skinny bottle of America's #1 sparkling water. Originally envisioned as a limited time offering, the Sparkling Ice STARBURST collaboration has generated seemingly unquenchable demand. From January to March 2024, Talking Rain shipped 2.4 million cases of the new flavors, and yet consumers clamored for more. By April 2024, the demand forecast for Sparkling Ice STARBURST had already increased more than 300% from the company's original full-year projections. Not only that, but Sparkling Ice STARBURST was also the flavor line selected by 29.1% of new buyers. Heading into 2025, the new Sparkling Ice RED PACK is similarly poised to surpass expectations. 'We know that flavor fans are thirsty for innovation and nostalgia,' said Rich DePencier, Chief Growth Officer at Talking Rain Beverage Company. 'Combining these new Sparkling Ice STARBURST flavors with our core classics, Sparkling Ice Kiwi Strawberry and Black Cherry, offers the best of both worlds!' Just as Emmy Award-winning actress Annie Murphy has returned to the Flavor Lab for a fresh take on the Sparkling Ice 'Anything But Subtle' marketing campaign, the Talking Rain team is building on its fans' gushing enthusiasm for STARBURST-inspired flavors as it prepares to accelerate growth in the new year. 'Our retail partners are excited to add these new flavors to the Sparkling Ice STARBURST lineup,' said DePencier. 'We're tapped into the mindset of our consumers – what they love, where they shop and, most importantly, their desire to try new things and tell others about them.' The Sparkling Ice STARBURST RED PACK is already available on Amazon and will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide in February. The Sparkling Ice STARBURST Watermelon flavor will also be available as a single 17 oz bottle. For more information on Sparkling Ice, visit Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the #1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in +Caffeine and +Energy). Talking Rain drinks have zero sugar, are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants, and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a global, family-owned business, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving to make a positive impact on the world. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of quality confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 140,000+ dedicated Associates. With almost $45 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world's best-loved brands including Ben's Original™, CESAR®, Cocoavia®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, KIND®, M&M's®, SNICKERS®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®. We are creating a better world for pets through our global network of pet hospitals and diagnostic services – including AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™ – using cutting edge technology to develop breakthrough programs in genetic health screening and DNA testing. For more information about Mars, please visit Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Media ContactAnnie AlleyFirmani + Associates206-466-2713talkingrain@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in to access your portfolio