Very interesting article this morning in the New York Daily News. Snow Beverages, a contender in the soft drink category is being distributed all over the city after being carried by Duane Reade.  Congratulations Snow, this is quite  an achievement in this highly competitive beverage market. Snow’s CEO Stu Strumwasser notes that while the product was a hit with store managers, it wasn’t as big a success with customers at first. He notes that being a new name, and starting with a new flavor, mint, explained why consumers didn’t catch on initially. Once he came back with more popular flavors (pure cola, cranberry pomraz, lemon lime), stores and customers noticed.

Jelaia is in the development phase of talking to store buyers, and is working hard to make sure both the stores and the customers love the new product. While Jelaia is a new name, its market isn’t crowded, though it is dominated by Kraft Jell-o. And we are starting up with the most successful flavors, strawberry, raspberry, and cherry-pomegranate. Hopefully this, combined with great PR outreach, will allow Jelaia to be well received with consumers.

Stu Strumwasser, Snow Beverages