An alcohol version of the SunnyD juice brand is now available.
The just-released SunnyD Vodka Seltzer, with 4.5% alcohol, 95 calories and zero grams of sugar, is being sold in a four-pack of 12-ounce slim cans with a suggested retail price of $9.99. Single cans are also available.
This is the latest example of traditional non-alcohol beverage brands introducing pre-packaged alcohol drinks, SunnyD said. In the past years, brands such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Monster Energy and Simply Lemonade have introduced alcoholic versions of their popular drink.
This also shows how Gen Z is influencing the types of alcohol products being released, said Marbet Lewis of Spiritus Law, Miami, who represents alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Many in their early 20s are loyal and attached to childhood brands, and beverages such as this are the industry’s way of capitalizing on their preferences.
Ilene Bergenfeld, chief marketing officer of SunnyD owner Harvest Hill Beverage Co., Stamford, Connecticut, said, “Consumers are passionate about this iconic brand, rooted in nostalgia but with a taste that resonates today. Many have told us that they enjoy SunnyD as a mixer and asked for this product. So, we looked at the hard seltzer category, and thought, good, but we can do better. And SunnyD Vodka Seltzer was born.”
The tangy orange drink was developed in 1963 by two Florida dads. Harvest Hill Beverage Co. acquired SunnyD in 2016. The beverage has enjoyed more than 30% growth since 2019, the company said.
“We have developed something we know adult SunnyD fans and hard seltzer enthusiasts alike will be proud to enjoy,” Bergenfeld said.
Harvest Hill Beverage Co. is owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners. Harvest Hill markets brands including SunnyD, Juicy Juice, Little Hug, and Daily’s Cocktails.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.