Exhibiting at World Tea Expo 2025

Talking Rain Beverage Company is a leading innovator in the functional and flavored water beverage industry, best known for its flagship brand, Sparkling Ice. Headquartered in Preston, Washington, the company has evolved from a regional bottled water provider into a global beverage powerhouse with a dynamic portfolio of zero-sugar sparkling waters, caffeinated drinks, functional beverages, and still water offerings. Talking Rain serves millions of health-conscious consumers seeking flavorful hydration options without added sugar or calories.

Company Overview

Founded in 1987, Talking Rain originally entered the market with a focus on premium bottled water. In the early 2000s, the company pivoted to flavored sparkling beverages, introducing Sparkling Ice, which rapidly gained market dominance through its zero-calorie, zero-sugar formulation and bold flavor profiles.

Talking Rain Beverage Company is a privately held business with an entrepreneurial culture and a consumer-first approach. Under the leadership of CEO Ken Sylvia, the company has continued to diversify its offerings and invest in health-focused innovation.

Core Business

Talking Rain manufactures and markets a portfolio of sparkling and still water beverages that combine flavor, functionality, and zero sugar. Its product lines are strategically positioned in the fast-growing better-for-you beverage segment, appealing to consumers looking for taste, convenience, and low-calorie alternatives to sugary sodas.

Product Portfolio

Sparkling Ice

• Zero-calorie flavored sparkling water infused with vitamins and antioxidants
• Available in over 20 flavors including Black Raspberry, Kiwi Strawberry, Orange Mango, and more
• Sold in single-serve 17 oz bottles and variety 12-packs

Sparkling Ice +Caffeine

• Combines the flavor and fizz of Sparkling Ice with 70mg of caffeine
• Popular SKUs include Cherry Vanilla, Blue Raspberry, and Strawberry Citrus
• Designed for light energy support without sugar or artificial preservatives

Sparkling Ice +Energy

• Enhanced with caffeine and electrolytes for hydration and functional energy
• Contains B-vitamins and natural flavors

Talking Rain AQA

• Still premium water line from pristine Pacific Northwest sources
• Offered in BPA-free recyclable bottles for sustainability-conscious consumers

Popwell

• Prebiotic soda line launched to support gut health
• Contains 2g of prebiotic fiber, plant-based sweeteners, and natural fruit flavors
• Flavors include Orange Cream, Strawberry Lemon, and Ginger Lime

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Talking Rain’s key differentiators include:

• Zero sugar and calorie formulations across all product lines
• Functional benefits such as added vitamins, antioxidants, caffeine, and prebiotics
• Mainstream appeal with premium wellness positioning
• Flavor-first philosophy, leading to strong consumer repeat rates

Sparkling Ice stands out in the beverage aisle by offering soda-like refreshment without the sugar or guilt—an ideal fit for the growing consumer segment focused on clean-label hydration.

Market Reach and Performance

Sparkling Ice is sold in over 300,000 retail locations across the U.S., including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Amazon. It has been consistently ranked as a top-selling brand in the flavored sparkling water segment and holds a significant market share in the category.

• Annual revenue: Estimated over $650 million
• Top 3 brand in the U.S. flavored sparkling water market (Nielsen)
• Export presence in Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK

According to IRI data, Sparkling Ice maintained double-digit growth rates during 2021–2023, benefiting from increased demand for healthy beverages and a shift away from sugary sodas.

Distribution Channels

Talking Rain utilizes a national DSD (direct store delivery) and warehouse model, partnering with major beverage distributors and logistics providers to maintain shelf availability and freshness. Products are available in:

• Supermarkets and big box retailers
• Convenience stores
• Club stores (Costco, Sam’s Club)
• Online marketplaces (Amazon, Instacart)
• Foodservice outlets and vending

Certifications and Sustainability

• BPA-Free Packaging
• Recyclable PET Bottles
• Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free Formulations
• Member of the American Beverage Association
• Active initiatives for water conservation and community hydration donations

Capabilities

• In-house R&D for flavor and functional ingredient development
• Custom product development for retail partners
• Promotional collaboration with lifestyle brands and entertainment franchises
• National-level co-packing and private label capabilities

Marketing & Brand Engagement

Talking Rain maintains a robust presence across social media, digital advertising, and influencer collaborations. The company has also engaged in strategic brand partnerships with entertainment entities such as STARBURST® to launch co-branded flavors.

Their marketing focus includes:

• Limited-edition flavor drops
• Brand ambassador campaigns
• Health and fitness influencer programs
• Seasonal retail promotions and coupons

Customer Feedback

Consumers consistently rank Sparkling Ice products high for taste, refreshment, and guilt-free indulgence. Reviews often highlight its soda-like fizz and wide flavor variety as key reasons for purchase and brand loyalty.

Major Achievements

• Over 1 billion bottles sold globally
• Ranked among Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies
• Launched Popwell, one of the first mass-market prebiotic sodas
• Recognized as a Category Captain by major U.S. retailers

Talking Rain Beverage Company continues to drive the future of better-for-you beverages with a focus on flavor, function, and health, making it a trusted and innovative leader in the global beverage landscape.