Sparkling Ice® Debuts New Flavor and Announces International Retail Expansion at NACS 2016

Sparkling Water Brand Continues to Expand International Retail Footprint

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Oct 18, 2016, 08:00 ET

PRESTON, Wash., Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sparkling Ice®, part of the Talking Rain® Beverage Company portfolio, will share two major announcements at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show (NACS). In addition to the debut of the brand's newest flavor, Grape Raspberry, Sparkling Ice is proud to announce a Spanish-label retail expansion into all 7-Eleven® store locations in Mexico. The Mexico expansion follows an impressive international growth period for the brand, which recently launched in the UK and Ireland.

Sparkling Ice(R) Debuts New Flavor and Announces International Retail Expansion at NACS 2016

The 16^th flavor to join the Sparkling Ice base brand portfolio, Grape Raspberry was developed in direct response to consumer demand. Following a social media vote in 2015, in which Black Cherry was voted the fan favorite, fans of Grape Raspberry continued to express their desire for a grape flavored Sparkling Ice. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of fizz, Sparkling Ice Grape Raspberry will be available in Kroger stores starting in early October 2016, and at retailers nationwide starting in January 2017.

Sparkling Ice Grape Raspberry will be featured alongside Sparkling Ice Essence of and Sparkling Ice Tea Half and Half in the Cool New Products Showcase at NACS. The newest flavors will also be sampled at the Sparkling Ice booth. Sparkling Ice Essence of Water is the brand's newest zero-calorie collection, which is free of sweeteners, artificial colors and preservatives.

In addition to the new flavor unveiling, Sparkling Ice is announcing that the brand will be added to all 1,976 7-Eleven retail locations in Mexico. Starting in October 2016, 7-Eleven will begin to roll out a variety of Sparkling Ice flavors with new Spanish-language labeling, including Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, Kiwi Strawberry and Strawberry Watermelon.

"We're thrilled to introduce our innovative product to consumers in Mexico, while continuing to increase brand awareness and shelf space internationally for our bold variety of Sparkling Ice beverages," said Kevin Klock, President and CEO of Talking Rain Beverage Co. "Our expansion into all 7-Eleven retail locations in Mexico marks yet another milestone in the continued international growth of Sparkling Ice."

As a result of the international retail expansion and new Grape Raspberry flavor, Sparkling Ice will increase opportunities for new distribution and sales channels for the brand within the convenience industry. Sparkling Ice is now available in nine countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Ireland, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Sparkling Ice will exhibit at NACS in booth #8043 from October 18-21^st at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where the VP of Sales, Chris Hall and Talking Rain's newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer, Brian Kuz will be present.

Kuz joins Talking Rain with over 30 years of experience building brands and shaping industry giants in the beverage and consumer packaged goods categories, and will be instrumental in driving marketing initiatives for Talking Rain's U.S. and global verticals. For more information on the appointment of Brian Kuz to the position of CMO, please visit http://prn.to/2dVKC5l

For more information about Sparkling Ice products and flavors, please visit www.SparklingIce.com and www.facebook.com/SparklingIce.

About Sparkling Ice Beverages
Sparkling Ice beverages combine sparkling water, natural flavors, fruit juice and vitamins to offer great tasting, lightly carbonated beverages. Sparkling Ice is the Bold Side of Water®, offering a bold-flavored, lightly-carbonated beverage that appeals to all age groups. Available in thirteen refreshing flavors: Black Raspberry, Orange Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Kiwi Strawberry, Coconut Pineapple, Pomegranate Blueberry, Peach Nectarine, Lemon Lime, Crisp Apple, Cherry Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon, Black Cherry and new in 2016 Grape Raspberry. Sparkling Ice Lemonades, launched in 2013, are available in three refreshing flavors: Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Peach Lemonade. Sparkling Ice Teas launched nationally in 2015 and include Peach Tea, Raspberry Tea, Lemon Tea and Half & Half flavors. In 2016, the brand introduced the Sparkling Ice essence of sparkling water collection, which features four natural varieties free of sweeteners, artificial colors or preservatives. The essence of sparkling water collection includes Lemon Lime, Peach, Tangerine and a non-flavored variety. Sparkling Ice is part of the Talking Rain family of beverages, and retails for $1.19-$1.29. To locate Sparkling Ice, visit www.sparklingice.com/locate/.

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SOURCE Sparkling Ice