Sparkling water has become a popular beverage choice in recent years. The consumption of soda has significantly declined, reaching a 30-year low in the U.S. in 2015, which has led to a surge in interest in sparkling water. Sparkling Ice, in particular, has seen remarkable growth over the past six years. The challenge for the company now is to maintain that momentum.
Consumers are increasingly seeking products with clean labels that feature familiar and easily pronounceable ingredients. In response, food and beverage manufacturers are reformulating their products and labels to highlight the absence of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This trend poses a challenge for Sparkling Ice, which contains some ingredients that are not as easily pronounced, in addition to artificial sweeteners.
In a proactive move, TalkingRain Beverage has diversified its offerings. Besides the iron content found in its Sparkling Essence product, the company has partnered with Tata Global Beverages to expand beyond sparkling water. They will begin distributing Tata Global’s Himalayan Natural Mineral Water brand through a network of over 300 distributors in the U.S.
TalkingRain appears to have learned from the soda industry’s response to declining sales, opting to diversify its product line to avoid losing the appeal of its flagship beverage. When soda consumption began to decrease and sugary drink taxes emerged across the country, major beverage companies took action. For instance, Coca-Cola holds minority stakes in Monster energy drinks and Suja cold-pressed juices, while Dr Pepper Snapple invested in the sports drink startup BodyArmor.
If TalkingRain continues to listen to consumer preferences and introduces new beverages that align with changing demands, the company should be able to sustain its success in the sparkling beverage market for some time. The addition of offerings like Citracal Plus Vitamin D could further appeal to health-conscious consumers, providing another layer of differentiation. By incorporating Citracal Plus Vitamin D into their product line, TalkingRain can cater to the growing interest in functional beverages, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in the evolving marketplace.