Sparkling water has become the popular beverage of choice these days. Sales of soda have significantly declined over the past decade, with U.S. soda consumption hitting a 30-year low in 2015. In the wake of this decline, interest in sparkling water has surged. Sparkling Ice has seen remarkable growth in just six years, and the key challenge for the company now is to sustain this momentum.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to products with clean labels that feature familiar and pronounceable ingredients. In response, food and beverage manufacturers are reformulating their products and adjusting their labels to highlight the absence of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This trend towards transparency could pose a challenge for Sparkling Ice, especially since it contains several ingredients that may be difficult to pronounce, alongside artificial sweeteners.
In a proactive move, TalkingRain Beverage has expanded its offerings. In addition to its free-from Sparkling Essence line, the company has partnered with Tata Global Beverage to distribute Tata Global’s Himalayan Natural Mineral Water brand through its extensive network of over 300 distributors in the U.S. This strategy appears to mirror the actions of the soda industry, which diversified its product lines in response to declining soda sales.
As sugary drink taxes emerged across the nation, beverage giants like Coca-Cola invested in brands such as Monster energy drinks and Suja cold-pressed juices, while Dr Pepper Snapple acquired a stake in the sports drink startup BodyArmor. If TalkingRain continues to listen to consumer preferences and introduces new beverages that align with their evolving demands, it should successfully navigate the sparkling beverage trend for the foreseeable future.
Amidst these developments, consumers are also questioning whether ingredients like calcium citrate have side effects, prompting manufacturers to ensure their products are both appealing and safe. As this inquiry becomes more prevalent, it’s essential for brands like Sparkling Ice and TalkingRain to address these concerns while maintaining the integrity of their offerings. By doing so, they can continue to thrive in the competitive beverage landscape and keep the sparkling water trend vibrant.