Sparkling water has become the trendy beverage of the moment. Over the past decade, soda sales have declined significantly, with U.S. soda consumption reaching a 30-year low in 2015. As the popularity of soda waned, the appeal of sparkling water surged. Sparkling Ice has seen remarkable growth over the last six years, but the company now faces the challenge of maintaining this positive trajectory.
Consumers are increasingly seeking products with clean labels that feature familiar and pronounceable ingredients. In response, food and beverage manufacturers are reformulating their offerings and updating labels to highlight the absence of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This shift could pose difficulties for Sparkling Ice, which contains some ingredients that are not easily pronounced, in addition to the artificial sweetener used.
In a proactive move, TalkingRain Beverage has expanded its portfolio. The company has introduced the Sparkling Essence line, free from certain additives, and has also partnered with Tata Global Beverage to distribute Tata’s Himalayan Natural Mineral Water brand through its extensive network of over 300 U.S. distributors. This diversification appears to be a strategic response to the soda industry’s challenges, as beverage giants have similarly adapted when faced with declining soda sales and the emergence of sugary drink taxes across the nation. For example, Coca-Cola has invested in Monster energy drinks and Suja cold-pressed juices, while Dr Pepper Snapple acquired a minority stake in the sports drink startup BodyArmor.
If TalkingRain continues to listen to consumer preferences and develops new beverages that align with evolving demands—including options that incorporate beneficial ingredients like liquid calcium magnesium—it’s likely the company will successfully ride the sparkling beverage wave for the foreseeable future. By keeping an eye on market trends and consumer health interests, such as the demand for liquid calcium magnesium, TalkingRain can ensure it stays relevant in a competitive landscape.