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SEATTLE — Jones Soda Co., a beverage company known for its colorful sodas and customer-designed packaging, announced the launch of Natural Jones Soda.

The Natural Jones Soda product line is sweetened with a proprietary blend of natural sweeteners including pure cane sugar, organic agave syrup and stevia. Each 12-ounce glass bottle contains 30 calories, five grams of fiber and five grams of sugar and comes in four fruit flavors: Green Apple, Orange Mango, Cherry and Lemon Lime.

Drug Store News spoke with Paddy Spence, CEO of Zevia, about the potential for natural sodas in the U.S. marketplace.



DSN: What is the awareness level of nonartificial sweeteners, and how is that trending in the U.S. market?

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — Ocean Spray has expanded its lineup to include the brand's first-ever cherry juice drinks.

Ocean Spray's new line includes such flavors as Ocean Spray cherry juice cocktail, Cran-Cherry cranberry cherry juice drink in original and diet, and Ruby-Cherry grapefruit cherry juice drink.

SEATTLE — Jones Soda has launched its pure cane soda in 16-oz. cans.

The new product is specifically aimed at the convenience store channel, the company said. The product was unveiled at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show and will hit store shelves later this month.

Jones pure cane soda cans retail for $1.29.

SEATTLE — Jones Soda has partnered with a lifestyle brand to create a collection of limited-edition glass bottles.

In their limited-edition collection, Jones Soda and So So Happy teamed up to roll out four 12-oz. glass bottles that are adorned with four So So Happy characters. The bottles will be sold as four-packs and include one bottle of each flavor with accompanying So So Happy images on the label.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A grape soda brand has gotten a makeover.

Buffalo Rock Bottling, a privately held PepsiCo bottler, said that its Grapico and Diet Grapico cans now feature a multi-hued purple emblem, product wording in a signature Southern block script and a cluster of purple grapes at the top.

The packaging redesign applies to all versions of the soft drink, including the 2-liters, 20-oz. single-serving bottles, 12-oz. cans and 12-pack cartons.

Grapico is a well-known staple in the South and made its debut in New Orleans in 1914.

TOMBALL, Texas — A relaxation/focus soda brand has expanded its market reach.

The Purple Stuff family of beverages has gained retail distribution in 1,264 stores, including convenience stores across the southern United States, according to Funktional Beverages, the brand's manufacturer.

The sodas, which launched in 2008, are available in Sippin' Citrus, Berry Calming, Classic Grape and Lean Apple flavors.

PLANO, Texas Dr Pepper Snapple Group has earned high marks among American consumers in a newly released customer satisfaction index.

According to the Michigan-based American Customer Satisfaction Index, out of 100 points, Dr Pepper Snapple Group scored an 85 — the highest among rival soft-drink makers. Dr Pepper Snapple Group also is the smallest soft-drink maker, and is in a position it has held or shared for the past five years.

PepsiCo’s satisfaction also fell, down 2% to 84, and now ties the unchanged score of Coca-Cola.

SEATTLE Jones Soda is packing punches with the relaunch of its energy drink.

WhoopAss features all-new, edgy packaging, including a tall, all-black 16-oz. aluminum can featuring a gritty red and grey Iron Cross graphic; functional new ingredients that boost energy and provide muscle recovery; and an updated flavor profile and color, the beverage maker said.

The new product will carry a suggested retail price of $2.39 and will be available at convenience and grocery stores in November.