SEATTLE -- With sparkling water showing tremendous growth in recent months, it’s not surprising to find yet another new entrant in the category. Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. has launched Jones Sparkling Water.
Created in response to increased consumer demand for healthier products, according to the company, Jones Sparkling Water is available in four flavors—Berry Lemonade, Fufu Berry, Green Apple and Strawberry Lime. Featuring the iconic consumer-submitted photos that Jones Soda is so well known for, Jones Sparkling Water is packaged in 8-oz. cans. The company will market the new drinks as “perfect for healthy school lunches, after school activities and families on the go,” highlighting that the drinks have no added sweeteners, no added colors and no artificial preservatives.
With the addition of Jones Sparkling Water, the Jones product family now covers the full spectrum of consumer demand. Jones Cane Sugar soda is available in 12-oz. glass and cans, offering traditional flavors like Root Beer, Cream Soda and Orange & Cream, as well as fun flavors Jones is well known for—peanut butter & jelly and turkey & gravy, for example. Jones Stripped, launched earlier this year, represents the brand’s entry into the natural category. Available in 12-oz. bottles, Jones Stripped contains only 30 calories, 8 grams of sugar and has no artificial sweeteners, colors or added preservatives.
While the Stripped drinks are targeted to consumer who prefer something lighter than full-calorie soft drinks, Jones said its sparkling waters will aim for young consumers.
“We are bringing fun into this exploding sparkling water category, and in a unique way that appeals to kids,” said Jones Soda CEO Jennifer Cue. “This is something we are all proud to stand behind. As the mother of a 7-year-old, I can identify with parents who are looking for something interesting, fun and healthful to give to their kids for lunches, or really anytime. With fun, natural flavors, no added sugar or preservatives and no added colors, Jones Sparkling Water is a great way to encourage our young children to drink more healthy beverages.”
Sparkling waters have seen remarkable sales growth in convenience stores and beyond recently. During calendar year 2013, sparkling-water unit sales grew nearly 48% in c-stores, according to Nielsen data, and the bubbly beverages are up 64% in c-stores for the 52 weeks ending Jun 15, 2014, according to IRI statistics.
To kick off its product launch, Jones Soda is also announcing its new “Tabs For Tees” program. Consumers are encouraged to collect the colorful tabs from Jones Sparkling Water cans and, for a limited time, send them in to Jones to be redeemed for specially branded Jones Sparkling Water T-shirts. Details will be available on the company’s website.
Jones Sparkling Water will initially be available in a 4-pack at Target stores throughout the West and Mountain regions, as well as on the Jones Soda’s website at www.jonessoda.com. Jones Sparkling Water should become available at various other retailers across the U.S. in the near future.
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