June-July 2022 - 36

" With the lingering effects of the pandemic still foremost in
people's minds, everyone is more careful than ever as to what
they eat and drink, " said Smaltz. " All demographics are looking
for added value and function in what they purchase. Operators
need to continue to broaden selections offered in all channels
of business. There is no 'one size fits all' POG anymore. It
is vitally important to be tuned in to what your customers
demand and to provide those items or someone else will. "
Poppi prebiotic soda
PREBIOTIC SODA
Another fast-growing company in the functional beverages
category is Dallas, Texas-based Poppi, offering prebiotic
soda for vending, micro markets and OCS as well as
pantry. Infused with apple cider vinegar, Poppi delivers
healthy benefits while only containing natural ingredients
like fruit juice and plant-based sweeteners. Poppi has 4g to
5g of sugar and 15 to 25 calories a can.
" The ACV is in stealth mode so all you taste are great
flavors like Raspberry Rose, Strawberry Lemon as well as
classic flavors like Root Beer, Cola and Doc Pop and more, "
said David Smaltz, vice president of foodservice.
KOMBUCHA
Rowdy Mermaid, founded in 2012 and based in Boulder,
Colorado, offers two lines of functional wellness beverages,
Kombucha and Adaptonic, in a sophisticated, portable and
infinitely recyclable 12-oz. slim can for vending, micro markets
and OCS space. " Our Kombucha is crisp, refreshing and
light (without the " vinegary " bite), making Rowdy Mermaid
supremely delicious and easy to drink, " said Danielle Eberly,
director of sales, Foodservice. " Our success stems from our
unique flavors that are not too sweet, approachable, crafted
with sustainably sourced ingredients in a sleek package with
a playful name, which appeals to a broad audience. "
Eberly added, " Functional beverages provide numerous
health benefits that are especially relevant for those at their
workplace where access to healthier beverages can help them
achieve their wellness goals. " Each of Rowdy Mermaid's nine
kombuchas provide a specific health benefit using functional
botanicals and herbs to address contemporary health needs,
such as immunity, focus, calm and energy.
Beyond Kombucha, its new line of sparkling immunity
tonics, Adaptonic, are made with bright botanicals, fruits,
herbs and reishi mushrooms for immunity without the
mushroom taste. " There's a rising consciousness around the
benefits of holistic living, shifting people's priorities toward
well-being. As a result, we see that consumers are seeking
more from their beverages, " said Eberly. " Quenching your
thirst or trying new flavors isn't enough. They are turning
to beverages and specific ingredients to help heal, prevent
diseases, and treat today's prevalent conditions. But they
must also be supremely delicious. " ■
Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha
and Adaptonic
With Flavor Singles flavored sweetener packets, there's no
need to worry about the mess of sticky syrup bottles.
www.flavorsingles.com | 800.865.4240
36 Automatic Merchandiser * June/July 2022
Water: 4241059 | Joanna Zopoth Lipiejko | Dreamstime
http://www.flavorsingles.com
June-July 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June-July 2022
