The Weekly Sip: Monster’s bet on alcohol stumbles | Sparkling Ice maker pops into prebiotic soda

Monster Faces Setback with Alcohol Impairment Charge

Energy drink giant Monster is encountering challenges with its alcohol venture, as supply chain issues and underwhelming demand impact its bottom line.

During the recent earnings call, co-CEO Rodney Sacks revealed that the company incurred over $130 million in impairment charges related to its alcohol segment, citing performance discrepancies and inventory surplus as contributing factors.

Monster’s foray into the alcohol market began in 2023 with the launch of The Beast, a carbonated beverage with 6% alcohol content, following the acquisition of Canarchy Craft Brewing for $330 million. Despite introducing new offerings like Nasty Beast hard tea, the company struggled with sales and faced disruptions when Hurricane Helene caused a plant closure in North Carolina.

Talking Rain Introduces Prebiotic Soda Line

Talking Rain, known for its Sparkling Ice drinks, is entering the prebiotic soda category with Popwell, a range of healthier soda options designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Each can of Popwell contains six grams of fiber, one gram of sugar, and beneficial nutrients. The drinks undergo a cold-crafting process to preserve their nutritional value and taste.

With flavors like Blackberry Lime and Cherry Citrus, Popwell aims to compete with established brands like Poppi and Olipop, as well as new entrants in the functional soda market.

Waterloo Unveils Spring Flavors

As we bid farewell to winter, Waterloo sparkling water introduces two new seasonal flavors – Guava Berry and Ruby Red Tangerine. These refreshing seltzers can be enjoyed on their own or used in mocktail recipes.

Emphasizing authentic flavors, Waterloo’s latest offerings cater to the growing trend of mocktail consumption. By tapping into consumer preferences for flavorful, non-alcoholic beverages, the brand aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market.