CEO Lance Leonard said the move would allow True Drinks to “focus resources on the sales and marketing of AquaBall… and removes the capital-intensive process of procurement, transportation and manufacturing of our product.”
Under the multi-year deal, which begins in February 2016, AquaBall - a zero-calorie, vitamin-infused beverage for kids sweetened with stevia - will be bottled using a hot-fill process in a newly designed bottle that enables it to ditch preservatives (such as potassium sorbate) but retain “the same great taste that kids love”, he said.
“In addition to the operational improvements Niagara affords us, the switch to a hot-fill bottling process and the removal of all preservatives from AquaBall opens up a whole new set of potential consumers and retail partners for AquaBall.
“We will look to expand into areas for which preservatives have been a road-block such as natural foods, schools, and quick-serve restaurants.”
Chief marketing officer Kevin Sherman added: “We are already the only zero sugar beverage for children on the market. Now, with our clean label no-preservative formulation, we advance our position as the clear leader in the category as we continue to respond as consumers demand healthier products for their children.”
A zero-calorie line of naturally flavored and sweetened vitamin waters in distinctive ball-shaped bottles emblazoned with Disney and Marvel characters, AquaBall was launched in 2012 and has since gained authorization in more than 25,000 grocery, drug, mass and club stores from Safeway and Kroger, to Rite Aid, Walmart, Albertson’s and ShopRite.
Family owned and operated since 1963, Niagara Bottling, LLC. is the largest private label bottled water supplier in the US.
Click HERE for full details.