6 Water Brands Making a C-Store Splash

Retailers should make a point to concentrate on pushing both cold vault water singles along with ambient six-packs, 12-packs and cases wherever possible, said Jennifer Childers, category insights analyst for Temple, Texas-based McLane Co.

“Sixty-eight percent of water purchased is ambient, so ambient displays are important,” she said. “Water cases should not be overlooked—many consumers will buy a case of water rather than individuals as the value per bottle is more appealing.”

She added, “Secondary water displays should be attempted, so during the spring/summer seasons, retailers should display pallets of water cases at their front door.”

At his single c-store, Alex Weatherall, owner of Sherborn Market, Sherborn, Massachusetts, said he stacks cases of Poland Springs near the door—typically as a holding spot prior to being filled in the cold vault. But customers can buy the bottled Poland Springs warm in bulk units if they choose.  

Read ahead to find out about new water arrivals to the c-store channel during 2023.

Crafted in collaboration with Kyowa USA, Karma Water introduced Karma Energy Water that blends 150 milligrams of natural caffeine with Kyowa’s clinically studied brain health ingredient Cognizin Citicoline. With a push cap to preserve active components for maximum effectiveness and optimal nutrition, Karma Energy Water comes in five natural flavors: Raspberry Peach, Melon Dragonfruit, Blueberry Watermelon, Orange Mango and Pineapple Coconut. Karma Water is naturally sweetened, vegan, non-GMO and free of preservatives, gluten and lactose.

Hitting shelves in early 2024, Gatorade Water is electrolyte-infused, developed to help support all-day hydration for active people. The premium water offering is purified using a 7-step enhanced filtration process and contains zero calories, zero carbohydrates and no protein. Available in 1-liter, 700-milliliter sport cap and 700-milliliter six-packs, Gatorade Water bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic.  

Thuggizzle Appalachian Mountain Spring Water (Thuggizzle Water LLC) is derived from untouched and naturally filtered springs of the Appalachian Mountains that endures an extraction process to ensure a natural purity and crispness, said the company. The water contains essential minerals to deliver purity with a distinct taste. It also features eco-friendly packaging.

Boldly flavored and naturally sweetened, Clearly Canadian Zero Sugar (The Clearly Food & Beverage Co. Ltd.) is crafted with sparkling Canadian spring water from source, has natural flavors and is naturally sweetened to enhance the taste. The new launch includes four fruit flavors: Forest Blackberry, Fresh Cherry, Citrus Medley and Tropical Splash.

In earlier 2023, Vitaminwater (The Coca-Cola Co.) added with love and forever you flavors to its zero-sugar lineup, plus a reformulation of all six zero-sugar flavors. With love is infused with raspberry and dark chocolate, a boost of magnesium and 100% antioxidant vitamin C, alongside vitamin A and vitamin E. Forever you contains tropical coconut lime flavors with white curcumin alongside 100% antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E.

 

Danone’s Evian brand (Danone North America) rolled out Evian Sparkling, a carbonated drink crafted using water sourced through a 15-year natural filtration process through glacial rocks in the French Alps, according to the company. Evian Sparkling Water is available in 330-milliliter and 750-milliliter glass bottles.