Sparkling Ice

What Sparkling Ice does

Sparkling Ice is the flagship beverage brand of Talking Rain Beverage Company, a privately held, family-owned firm founded in 1987 and headquartered in Preston, Washington. The company manufactures and markets zero-sugar flavored sparkling water enriched with vitamins (B6, B12, E) and antioxidants, sweetened with sucralose and colored using natural fruit and vegetable juice extracts. Its core product line spans 17+ classic flavors in iconic 17 oz bottles, with 32+ SKUs overall when extended to caffeinated (70mg), energy (160mg with L-Theanine), and licensed co-branded variants with Mars (STARBURST, LIFE SAVERS) and Cuties. A proprietary natural color technology enables industry-first green and blue sparkling beverages rendered entirely from natural sources in clear PET bottles, supported by an in-house flavor laboratory.

Sparkling Ice sells exclusively through wholesale channels — major mass retailers (Target, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Smiths, Ralphs, Food Lion, Giant, Stop & Shop), convenience stores (Casey's, where Cherry Cola was exclusively previewed), Amazon for e-commerce 12-packs, and a network of authorized distributors with locally serviced direct-to-retail routes. Retail price points are $1.19–$1.29 for classic 17 oz bottles, $1.89 for 16 oz Caffeine cans, with variety packs priced around $12 for 12-packs on Amazon. The company does not sell direct to consumer.

The brand leads the U.S. flavored sparkling water category with 18% market share and disclosed 2025 brand sales of $971M+, though it carries a 4% year-over-year decline. Marketing is multi-channel: celebrity partnerships (Annie Murphy as Chief Flavor Officer for the 'Anything But Subtle' campaign, Flavor Flav for LIFE SAVERS), sports sponsorships (multi-year Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC deals), influencer and social activations, and a Flavorful Giving community program. The portfolio is being actively extended into adjacent categories through wholly-owned subsidiary Popwell (cold-crafted prebiotic soda). Leadership is led by CEO Ken Sylvia, with CGO Rich DePencier and CPCO Veronica Blankenship; the R&D function is described as a women-driven team managing flavor science rather than software or AI systems.

Name

Sparkling Ice

Legal name

Talking Rain Beverage Company

Website

https://sparklingice.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sparkling Ice is the #1 U.S. flavored sparkling water brand ($971M+ sales, 18% category share), selling zero-sugar beverages with vitamins and natural colors through major retailers, convenience stores, Amazon, and authorized distributors under parent Talking Rain Beverage Company.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flavored Sparkling Water

NAICS

Soft Drink Manufacturing (312111), Soft Drink and Ice Manufacturing (31211)

SIC

Bottled & Canned Soft Drinks & Carbonated Waters (2086), Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Bottled Water (Still, Sparkling, Enhanced) (CRADAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sparkling/Carbonated Bottled Water Production (AFAFACAE), Flavored/Enhanced Bottled Water Production (Essenced, Vitamin, Electrolyte) (AFAFACAF), Energy Drinks & Energy Shots (CRADAHAJ)

Keywords

• Flavored sparkling water
• Zero sugar beverages
• Caffeinated sparkling water
• Vitamin enhanced drinks
• Licensed brand collaborations

Headquarters

HQ city

Preston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consumer Packaged Goods Wholesale: Traditional CPG revenue model selling through major retail chains (Target, Walmart, Kroger, etc.), convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms. Products sold as single bottles, multi-packs, and variety packs. Retail price $1.19-$1.29 for classic Sparkling Ice, $1.89 for Caffeine line.
2. E-commerce (Amazon): Direct consumer sales through Amazon storefront. Energy products available as 12-packs. Company leverages e-commerce for products not available in-store in certain markets.
3. Licensing/Collaboration Products: Revenue generated through licensed product collaborations with major candy brands (STARBURST, LIFE SAVERS) under Mars licensing agreements. These limited-edition products drive incremental sales and new customer acquisition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sparkling Ice is a family of zero-sugar flavored sparkling water beverages combining sparkling water with real fruit flavors, vitamins (B6, B12, E), antioxidants, and sucralose-based sweetening. The portfolio includes a 17+ flavor Classic line, a 70mg Caffeine line, a 160mg Energy line with L-Theanine, and licensed collaboration products with STARBURST, LIFE SAVERS, and Cuties brands. Products are enriched with functional ingredients and use colors sourced from natural fruit and vegetable juices.

Product overview

Sparkling Ice is a family of sparkling water beverages owned by Talking Rain Beverage Company, featuring a core Sparkling Ice sparkling water product with 17+ flavors, supplemented by specialized product lines: Sparkling Ice Caffeine (70mg caffeinated sparkling water in 10 flavors), Sparkling Ice Energy (160mg caffeine energy drinks in 3 flavors), and collaboration products with major brands including STARBURST, Cuties, and LIFE SAVERS. All products feature zero sugar, vitamins, antioxidants, and colors from natural sources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sparkling Ice Classic: Zero sugar sparkling water with vitamins and antioxidants, available in multiple fruity flavors
• Sparkling Ice Caffeine
• Sparkling Ice Energy
• Sparkling Ice STARBURST
• Sparkling Ice LIFE SAVERS
• Sparkling Ice Cuties
• Popwell

Products and services

• Sparkling Ice Classic Zero-sugar flavored sparkling water combining sparkling water, real fruit flavors, vitamins B6/B12/E, and antioxidants. Available in 17+ flavors in the iconic 17 oz tall skinny bottle for general consumers seeking better-for-you beverages.
• Sparkling Ice Caffeine Caffeinated sparkling water with 70mg caffeine from natural sources (green tea extract and coffee beans), zero sugar, zero calories, vitamins, and antioxidants. Available in 16 oz cans in 10 flavors including the Soda Shoppe collection.
• Sparkling Ice Energy Energy drink containing 160mg natural caffeine, electrolytes, and L-Theanine for focus, with vitamins B12, B3, and E. Available in 12 oz cans in three flavors (Berry Blast, Maximum Mango, Power Punch) and as 12-packs on Amazon.
• Sparkling Ice STARBURST Licensed collaboration with Mars STARBURST transforming classic STARBURST candy flavors (Cherry, Fruit Punch, Lemon, Orange, Strawberry, Watermelon) into zero-sugar sparkling water. RED PACK variety added Fruit Punch and Watermelon flavors plus Kiwi Strawberry and Black Cherry in 2025.
• Sparkling Ice LIFE SAVERS Licensed collaboration with Mars LIFE SAVERS featuring candy-inspired flavors including Wild Cherry, Strawberry, Pineapple, Green Apple, White Grape, and Blue Raspberry. Zero sugar with vitamins and antioxidants. Achieved industry milestone for natural green and blue colors in clear bottles.
• Sparkling Ice Cuties

Quantifiable outcome

• 18% market share in flavored sparkling water category
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mars (LIFE SAVERS)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 26 February 2026Licensing partnership transforming LIFE SAVERS candy flavors into sparkling water. Launched Wild Cherry, Strawberry, Pineapple, Green Apple, White Grape, and Blue Raspberry flavors. Red White and Blue variety pack released for summer 2026. Achieved industry milestone for natural green and blue colors.
• Seattle Reign FCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 June 2025Women's professional soccer team. Partnership includes sweepstakes for game tickets in Washington state. Fan engagement initiative in partnership with Seattle Sounders FC ecosystem.
• American Cancer SocietycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 October 2024Partnership supporting cancer research and patient services. Talking Rain contributed over $100,000 in donations and in-kind contributions in 2024. CEO Ken Sylvia participates in CEOs Against Cancer initiative. Rain Makers participate in quarterly RM SIP virtual discussions.
• The Jed Foundation (JED)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2024Partnership to strengthen student-athletes' mental wellness on college campuses. JED creates training workshops for college coaches and athletic directors to identify signs of mental distress. Program called 'Championing Mental Health: Winning Strategies for Supporting Student-Athletes' launches early 2025.
• Seattle Sounders FCcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 June 2024Multi-year partnership making Sparkling Ice the official sparkling refreshment of Seattle Sounders FC. Includes branded fan activation zones at Lumen Field, halftime fan contests, social media photo series, and 'Ice in the Veins' replay moment feature.
• Girls on the RuncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 June 2024National corporate partnership supporting girls' mental and physical health. Sparkling Ice provides beverages at 5K celebrations and fall events, donating over 100,000 bottles at recent events. Rain Makers volunteer as coaches and community supporters. Partnership enhances girls' self-esteem and healthy life choices.
• Big City MountaineersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 April 2024Partnership through Flavorful Giving program supporting youth outdoor experiences. Sparkling Ice fully funds flagship weeklong backcountry expeditions for youth agencies in five major metro markets: Seattle, Portland, Denver, San Francisco, and Minneapolis. Supports youth from disinvested communities in transformative nature experiences.
• Mars (STARBURST)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 7 February 2024Licensing partnership transforming STARBURST original fruit chew candy flavors into zero-sugar sparkling water. Launched Cherry, Fruit Punch, Lemon, Orange, Strawberry, and Watermelon flavors. RED PACK introduced in 2025 with new Fruit Punch and Watermelon flavors plus core Kiwi Strawberry and Black Cherry.
• Puget Sound Honor FlightminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 November 2023Veterans organization transporting WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War Veterans to Washington D.C. memorials at no cost. Partnership honors veterans and supports organization mission through Flavorful Giving campaign.
• Scholastic Book FairsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 September 2023Partnership to bring book fair experiences to students. Sparkling Ice sponsored book fairs at Dorie Miller Elementary in San Antonio and five other schools in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, benefiting approximately 2,112 students. Each student selected two free books for home libraries.
• Alex's Lemonade Stand FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2023Childhood cancer research non-profit. Sparkling Ice donated $25,000 to support Alex's Original Lemonade Stand event celebrating childhood cancer heroes. Partnership raises awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
• K9s For WarriorscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 May 2023Partnership with nation's largest provider of trained service dogs for military heroes suffering from PTSD. Sparkling Ice sponsors veteran and dog pairings, including sponsorship of Luna and Nuno matching. Addresses veteran mental health through service dog program that rescues shelter dogs and pairs them with veterans.
• Good SportsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 January 2023Non-profit dedicated to making sports and physical activity accessible to all children. Sparkling Ice donated over 1,000 pieces of sporting equipment to Bailey Gatzert Elementary in Seattle including soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs, jump ropes, and more.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• LaCroix: LaCroix (National Beverage Corp.) is the most direct competitor to Sparkling Ice, offering zero-sugar flavored sparkling water with similar positioning, retail distribution, and flavor variety across US grocery channels.
• Polar Seltzer: Polar Seltzer is a family-owned US sparkling water brand with broad flavor variety, zero-sugar positioning, and similar retail grocery distribution model, making it a closely comparable independent peer.
• Vita Coco: Vita Coco is a publicly traded flavored and functional water brand (coconut water, sparkling) with strong brand equity and retail distribution similar to Sparkling Ice, comparable as a publicly-listed pure-play in the flavored/functional water space.

Broad incumbents

• Bubly: Bubly is PepsiCo's flagship zero-sugar flavored sparkling water brand, competing head-to-head with Sparkling Ice on shelf, flavor innovation, and marketing across major US retailers.
• AHA Sparkling Water: AHA is Coca-Cola's flavored sparkling water brand with added minerals, directly competing with Sparkling Ice in the zero-sugar flavored sparkling category and leveraging Coca-Cola's distribution scale.
• Bai: Bai is a Dr Pepper Snapple/Keurig Dr Pepper flavored water and antioxidant beverage brand, offering zero-sugar infused waters with vitamins, directly comparable to Sparkling Ice's better-for-you positioning.
• Perrier: Perrier is a global Nestlé-owned sparkling water brand, a broader incumbent with established retail distribution and brand equity in the premium sparkling water category that overlaps with Sparkling Ice's positioning.

Emerging players

• Olipop: Olipop is a fast-growing prebiotic soda brand with zero-sugar positioning, overlapping with Sparkling Ice on better-for-you functional beverage demand and similar retail grocery distribution channels.
• Liquid Death: Liquid Death is a fast-growing flavored sparkling and still water brand with strong Gen Z positioning and creative marketing, comparable to Sparkling Ice in flavored sparkling water retail placement and youth-oriented marketing.
• Celsius: Celsius is a publicly traded functional energy drink comparable to Sparkling Ice Energy, sharing the energy/functional beverage channel placement and zero-sugar positioning with added caffeine and vitamins.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/sparklingice
• Xx.com/sparklingice
• Facebookfacebook.com/SparklingIce
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/talking-rain

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sparkling Ice