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{{Short description|Beverage company}}
{{Short description|Beverage company}}
{{Undisclosed paid|date=July 2022}}
{{Paid contributions|date=August 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2016}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
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| location_city = [[Preston, Washington|Preston]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| location_city = [[Preston, Washington|Preston]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| name = Talking Rain
| name = Talking Rain
| key_people = {{ubl|Ken Sylvia <small>[[CEO]]</small>}}
| key_people = {{ubl|Ken Sylvia <small>[[CEO]]</small>}}<ref name="aboutself"/>
| num_employees = 250-500<ref>[https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/03/10/kevin-klock-sparkling-ice-ceo-departure.html "Kevin Klock is out as Talking Rain CEO"], ''Puget Sound Business Journal'', March, 10, 2017</ref>
| num_employees = 250-500<ref>[https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/03/10/kevin-klock-sparkling-ice-ceo-departure.html "Kevin Klock is out as Talking Rain CEO"], ''Puget Sound Business Journal'', March, 10, 2017</ref>
| products = Talking Rain Waters, Sparkling Ice
| products = Talking Rain Waters, Sparkling Ice
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}}
}}
[[File:SI_Logo_Purple_Soild_Bubbles.png|thumb|Sparkling Ice design trademark]]
[[File:SI_Logo_Purple_Soild_Bubbles.png|thumb|Sparkling Ice design trademark]]
'''Talking Rain''' is a privately held beverage company based in [[Preston, Washington]] that manufactures still and sparkling waters. Sparkling Ice accounts for the majority of their business.
'''Talking Rain''' is a privately held beverage company based in [[Preston, Washington]] that manufactures still and [[Carbonated water|sparkling waters]]. Sparkling Ice accounts for the majority of their business.


==History==
==History==
Talking Rain was founded in 1987 by John Stevens and Pete Hiskin in [[Bellevue, Washington]]. The company was bought 6 months later by investors Lawrence Hebner, Donald Kline, and Donald Jasper for $300,000.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2013/06/05/turning-water-into-cash-the-unlikely-success-of-talking-rain/#17e148b42222|title=Turning Water Into Cash: The Unlikely Success Of Talking Rain|last=Strauss|first=Karsten|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en}}</ref> In 1992, the company began production of Sparkling Ice.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Garnic|first=Coral|date=2014-01-21|title=Sparkling ICE's big splash revives TalkingRain|work=The Seattle Times|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/sparkling-icersquos-big-splash-revives-talkingrain/|access-date=2018-10-03}}</ref> They also moved to their current location in Preston, Washington that same year.
Talking Rain was founded in 1987<ref name="aboutself">{{Cite web |title=About · Talking Rain |url=https://www.talkingrain.com/about/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=Talking Rain |language=en-US}}</ref> by John Stevens and Pete Hiskin in [[Bellevue, Washington]]. The company was bought six months later by investors Lawrence Hebner, Donald Kline, and Donald Jasper for $300,000.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2013/06/05/turning-water-into-cash-the-unlikely-success-of-talking-rain/#17e148b42222|title=Turning Water Into Cash: The Unlikely Success Of Talking Rain|last=Strauss|first=Karsten|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en}}</ref> In 1992, the company began production of Sparkling Ice.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Garnic|first=Coral|date=2014-01-21|title=Sparkling ICE's big splash revives TalkingRain|work=The Seattle Times|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/sparkling-icersquos-big-splash-revives-talkingrain/|access-date=2018-10-03}}</ref> They also moved to their current location in Preston, Washington that same year.

In 1997, the company changed their sweetener to [[sucralose]], becoming the first US beverage company to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.talkingrain.com/about-us/|title=About Us – Talking Rain|website=www.talkingrain.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-03}}</ref>


In 2014, [[Kevin Durant]], the former [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] forward, signed an [[endorsement deal]] with Sparkling Ice under [[Roc Nation Sports]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11216010|title=KD signs major Roc Nation-negotiated deal|date=2014-07-15|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://abc7news.com/sports/kevin-durant-signs-with-sparkling-ice/186262/|title=Kevin Durant signs with Sparkling Ice|date=2014-07-15|work=ABC7 San Francisco|access-date=2018-11-01|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2014, [[Kevin Durant]], the former [[Oklahoma City Thunder]] forward, signed an [[endorsement deal]] with Sparkling Ice under [[Roc Nation Sports]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/11216010|title=KD signs major Roc Nation-negotiated deal|date=2014-07-15|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://abc7news.com/sports/kevin-durant-signs-with-sparkling-ice/186262/|title=Kevin Durant signs with Sparkling Ice|date=2014-07-15|work=ABC7 San Francisco|access-date=2018-11-01|language=en-US}}</ref>
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In August 2017, Talking Rain signed a distribution agreement with [[Tata Global Beverages]] to distribute Himalayan mineral water in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://consumergoods.com/talking-rain-tata-beverages-strike-dsd-alliance|title=Talking Rain, Tata Beverages Strike DSD Alliance|work=Consumer Goods Technology|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en}}</ref>
In August 2017, Talking Rain signed a distribution agreement with [[Tata Global Beverages]] to distribute Himalayan mineral water in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://consumergoods.com/talking-rain-tata-beverages-strike-dsd-alliance|title=Talking Rain, Tata Beverages Strike DSD Alliance|work=Consumer Goods Technology|access-date=2018-10-03|language=en}}</ref>

Kevin Klock was president and CEO of the company from 2010 to 2017. <ref name=":2" /> Marcus Smith was interim CEO from the time of Kevin Klock's resignation until April 2018, when Chris Hall took over the position, and Smith became president of the company.<ref name=":2" /> Chris Hall was CEO of the company from 2018 to 2022. Board member and current Chief Operating Officer Ken Sylvia was named CEO, and he remains CEO today.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2022/talking-rain-ceo-chris-hall-stepping-down/|title=Talking Rain CEO Chris Hall Stepping Down|website=BevNET.com|language=en-US|access-date=22 August 2024}}</ref>


In 2018, Talking Rain launched a rebranded bottle label and changed the Sparkling Ice formula to include colors from natural sources.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2018/under-new-ceo-talking-rain-charts-path-to-growth|title=Under New CEO, Talking Rain Charts Path to Growth - BevNET.com|website=BevNET.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-03}}</ref>
In 2018, Talking Rain launched a rebranded bottle label and changed the Sparkling Ice formula to include colors from natural sources.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2018/under-new-ceo-talking-rain-charts-path-to-growth|title=Under New CEO, Talking Rain Charts Path to Growth - BevNET.com|website=BevNET.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-03}}</ref>

Kevin Klock was president and CEO of the company from 2010 to 2017; he left abruptly after alleged accusations of sexual harassment by a former Talking Rain employee.<ref>[https://www.seattletimes.com/business/local-business/ceo-of-talking-rain-beverage-fired-after-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-contends/ "CEO of Talking Rain Beverage fired after sexual assault, lawsuit contends"], ''Seattle Times'', November 8, 2017</ref> Later, the matter was resolved, and the case was dismissed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/145268521@N08/32010594348/|title=Order Of Dismissal Page One|work=Flickr|access-date=2018-11-19|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/145268521@N08/32010650748/in/photostream/|title=COURT DISMISSAL - PAGE TWO|work=Flickr|access-date=2018-11-19|language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> Marcus Smith was interim CEO until April 2018, when Chris Hall took over the position, and Smith became president of the company.<ref name=":2" />


In 2018, at 34th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, Talking Rain announced a yearlong sponsorship of the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster driven by [[Leah Pruett|Leah Pritchett]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-26 |title=Sparkling Ice Announces Sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel Driver Leah Pritchett |url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2018/sparkling-ice-announces-sponsorship-nhra-top-fuel-driver-leah-pritchett |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=BevNET.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2018, at 34th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, Talking Rain announced a yearlong sponsorship of the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster driven by [[Leah Pruett|Leah Pritchett]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-26 |title=Sparkling Ice Announces Sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel Driver Leah Pritchett |url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2018/sparkling-ice-announces-sponsorship-nhra-top-fuel-driver-leah-pritchett |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=BevNET.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
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According to [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]], as of June 15, 2019, Sparkling Ice had about $500 million in annual retail sales with a 14.9% increase in year-to-date dollar sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2019/when-the-bubbles-bursting-inside-lacroixs-decline|title=When The Bubble's Bursting: Inside LaCroix's Decline|date=2019-07-15|website=BevNET.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-25}}</ref>
According to [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]], as of June 15, 2019, Sparkling Ice had about $500 million in annual retail sales with a 14.9% increase in year-to-date dollar sales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2019/when-the-bubbles-bursting-inside-lacroixs-decline|title=When The Bubble's Bursting: Inside LaCroix's Decline|date=2019-07-15|website=BevNET.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-25}}</ref>

In July 2021, Adam Lapp was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales, Nina Morrison to Senior Vice President of Community Experience, and Ken Sylvia was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ice|first=Sparkling|title=Talking Rain Beverage Company Announces Three Leadership Team Promotions|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-rain-beverage-company-announces-three-leadership-team-promotions-301332812.html|access-date=2021-09-27|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en}}</ref>


In April 2022, COO Ken Sylvia was promoted to CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talking Rain promotes Sylvia to CEO |url=https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/21122-talking-rain-promotes-sylvia-to-ceo |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=www.foodbusinessnews.net |language=en}}</ref>
In April 2022, COO Ken Sylvia was promoted to CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talking Rain promotes Sylvia to CEO |url=https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/21122-talking-rain-promotes-sylvia-to-ceo |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=www.foodbusinessnews.net |language=en}}</ref>

Talking Rain launched the "Live in Full Flavor" advertising campaign in 2022 to celebrate life's flavors every day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sparkling Ice Celebrates Little Moments in Life Through 2022 Live in Full Flavor™ Campaign |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sparkling-ice-celebrates-little-moments-140000698.html |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=finance.yahoo.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Luke Fisher was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in September 2022. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Talking Rain Beverage Company® Appoints Luke Fisher as Chief Financial Officer |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-rain-beverage-company-appoints-luke-fisher-as-chief-financial-officer-301631085.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, Talking Rain launched I.C.E. Labs to develop and test innovative beverage ideas on a smaller scale. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Talking Rain Beverage Company® Introduces I.C.E. Labs™: A Forward-Thinking, Innovative Product Development Program |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-rain-beverage-company-introduces-ice-labs-a-forward-thinking-innovative-product-development-program-301741127.html |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |title=I.C.E. Labs |work=Convenience Store |url=https://csnews.com/ice-labs |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice Launches Nationwide Search For the Most Creative Flavor Combination |work=Yahoo Finance |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sparkling-ice-launches-nationwide-search-130400334.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==
Talking Rain launched a national campaign, Cheers to Heroes, in May 2020 to bring recognition to America’s hometown heroes by asking consumers to nominate a friend, peer, co-worker, or neighbor who is considered an everyday hero. to win cash prizes. [[Gabby Douglas]] led the campaign that nominated men and women who put their own lives at risk to go to work and serve the public during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Talking Rain partners with nonprofit to recognize front-line workers|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2020/04/23/talking-rain-teams-with-nonprofit-to-reward-heroes.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-02-17|website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> Similarly, Chris Hall announced Sparkling Ice Cheers to You Beautification Project where Talking Rain will spend $250,000 across [[Summerville, South Carolina|Summerville]], South Carolina; Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Bedford, Texas for the restoration of the public spaces.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bienasz|first=Gabrielle|date=2020-09-22|title=This CEO Wants to Make Towns More Beautiful--One Pickleball Court at a Time|url=https://www.inc.com/gabrielle-bienasz/talking-rain-chris-hall-renovate-small-towns.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-17|website=Inc.com|language=en}}</ref> The second annual Sparkling Ice Cheers to Heroes campaign was announced in April 2021 to honor and celebrate America’s everyday heroes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Sparkling Ice Taps Gymnast Gabby Douglas for Cheers to Heroes Campaign|url=https://www.brewbound.com/news/sparkling-ice-taps-gymnast-gabby-douglas-for-cheers-to-heroes-campaign|access-date=2021-09-27|website=Brewbound|language=en-US}}</ref> The third annual Cheers to Heroes campaign was launched in April 2022 to honor and celebrate America's Veteran heroes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sparkling Ice Kicks Off Reimagined Third Annual Cheers to Heroes Campaign |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkling-ice-kicks-off-reimagined-third-annual-cheers-to-heroes-campaign-to-celebrate-americas-veteran-heroes-301517754.html |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>

In March 2022 Talking Rain and the city of [[Biloxi, Mississippi|Biloxi]] teamed up to unveil new playground equipment at St. Mary’s Park in Biloxi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rojas |first=Leslie |title=Sparkling Ice Beverages teams up with city of Biloxi to renovate St. Mary’s Park |url=https://www.wlox.com/2022/03/20/sparkling-ice-beverages-teams-up-with-city-biloxi-renovate-st-marys-park/ |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=wlox.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2022, the company collaborated with Tipsy Scoop to launch a Sparkling Ice Cranberry Frost Vodka Sorbet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=Sparkling Ice Teams Up With Tipsy Scoop to Create Limited-Edition Boozy Cranberry Frost Sorbet |url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2022/sparkling-ice-teams-up-with-tipsy-scoop-to-create-limited-edition-boozy-cranberry-frost-sorbet |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=BevNET.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2022, Talking Rain collaborated with the City of Waco, Texas and donated its eight-seat rowing boats to the Waco Rowing Center. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice® & Waco, TX Usher in New Era of Inclusive Rowing on City's Recently Discovered 'Crown Jewel' |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkling-ice--waco-tx-usher-in-new-era-of-inclusive-rowing-on-citys-recently-discovered-crown-jewel-301652141.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Three non-profit organizations - MobilityDog, Spare Key, and Serene Harbor - received donations from the company in December 2021 through its "Cheers to Giving Program".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Danielle |date= |title=Community Service Spotlight: Global Partners, Royal Farms & Weiler Convenience Stores |work=Convenience Store |url=https://csnews.com/community-service-spotlight-global-partners-royal-farms-weiler-convenience-stores |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice Launches Flavorful Giving Campaign, Bringing Flavor and Joy to Communities Nationwide |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkling-ice-launches-flavorful-giving-campaign-bringing-flavor-and-joy-to-communities-nationwide-301723672.html}}</ref>

In May 2022, Talking Rain started its third Cheers to Heroes campaign to honor Veteran heroes of America. The company collaborated with charitable organizations "Homes For Our Troops" and "Honor Flight Network". <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice Kicks Off Reimagined Third Annual Cheers to Heroes Campaign to Celebrate America's Veteran Heroes |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkling-ice-kicks-off-reimagined-third-annual-cheers-to-heroes-campaign-to-celebrate-americas-veteran-heroes-301517754.html |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice Expands Partnership with Homes For Our Troops to Build Specially Adapted Homes for Injured Veterans |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkling-ice-expands-partnership-with-homes-for-our-troops-to-build-specially-adapted-homes-for-injured-veterans-301538712.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Talking Rain launched Flavorful Giving campaign to recognize those who encourage people to live fully. Each month in 2023, Sparkling Ice will partner with a charitable organization to support causes like youth, well-being, veterans, and education. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice Launches Flavorful Giving Campaign, Bringing Flavor and Joy to Communities Nationwide |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sparkling-ice-launches-flavorful-giving-campaign-bringing-flavor-and-joy-to-communities-nationwide-301723672.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Sustainability ==
In January 2021 Talking Rain collaborated with [[TerraPass|Terrapass]] and purchased [[carbon offset]]s to address scope 1 and 2 emissions by funding more than 28,000 metric tons of carbon reduction to address its natural gas use and fleet emissions in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Community Service Spotlight: Casey's, GPM, OnCue & Plaid Pantry|url=https://csnews.com/community-service-spotlight-caseys-gpm-oncue-plaid-pantry|access-date=2021-01-31|website=Convenience Store News|language=en}}</ref>

In March 2020 Talking Rain joined The Recycling Partnership, an environmental nonprofit based in [[Falls Church, Virginia]], to promote consumer recycling education and sending more quality recyclables back into the [[circular economy]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Talking Rain joins The Recycling Partnership|url=https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/article/talking-rain-beverage-company-the-recycling-project/|access-date=2021-02-17|website=Waste Today|language=en}}</ref>


==Products==
==Products==
In 2006, they launched two more products, Twist and ActivWater, which were produced until 2011, when Talking Rain decided to focus their business on the Sparkling Ice; this year, {{When|date=October 2021}} Talking Rain generated $60 million in revenue, up 140% from the year before. In 2013, the beverage represented 95% of the company's sales.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ice on Fire {{!}} Seattle Business Magazine|url=https://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/ice-fire|access-date=2018-10-03|website=seattlebusinessmag.com|language=en}}</ref>
In 2006, they launched two more products, Twist and ActivWater, which were produced until 2011, when Talking Rain decided to focus their business on the Sparkling Ice; in 2018, Talking Rain generated $60 million in revenue, up 140% from the year before. In 2013, the beverage represented 95% of the company's sales.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Ice on Fire {{!}} Seattle Business Magazine|url=https://seattlebusinessmag.com/article/ice-fire|access-date=2018-10-03|website=seattlebusinessmag.com|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
In October 2018, Talking Rain released a [[Caffeine|caffeinated]] version of Sparkling Ice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/91507-sparkling-ice-debuts-caffeinated-line|title=Sparkling Ice debuts caffeinated line|work=BevIndustry|access-date=2018-11-01|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
In May 2020, the company launched an [[Water ionizer|alkaline]] water, Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water in collaboration with Waterboys which was relaunched in 2021 as Talking Rain AQA™.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water|url=https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/93540-talking-rain-essentials-hydration-water?v=preview|access-date=2020-11-26|website=www.bevindustry.com|language=en}}</ref> It was relaunched under a new name as Talking Rain AQA in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talking Rain AQA Ionized Water |url=https://www.csnews.com/talking-rain-aqa-ionized-water |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Convenience Store News |language=en}}</ref>

In 2020, Talking Rain announced the hybrid sports drink Talking Rain Essentials (TRE) and released a new hard seltzer beverage, Sparkling Ice Spiked in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Withmore|first=Jerry|date=2020-09-10|title=Sparkling Ice 'Spiked' Shakes Up The Hard Seltzer Industry|url=https://techgeeked.com/sparkling-ice-spiked-shakes-up-the-hard-seltzer-industry/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Tech Geeked|language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2021 Sparkling Ice Superfruit, the brand’s first non-alcoholic line extension that is sweetened with Stevia leaf was introduced which contains vitamin B, C, and D.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-23|title=Sparkling Ice Launches Superfruit Line Extension|url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2021/sparkling-ice-launches-superfruit-line-extension|access-date=2021-09-27|website=BevNET.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

Talking Rain launched cocktail-inspired hard seltzers Sparkling Ice Spiked Cocktails in February 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-23 |title=Sparkling Ice Spiked Releases Newest Cocktail-Inspired Hard Seltzers |url=https://www.brewbound.com/news/sparkling-ice-spiked-releases-newest-cocktail-inspired-hard-seltzers |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Brewbound |language=en-US}}</ref>


⚫
In October 2018, Talking Rain released a [[Caffeine|caffeinated]] version of Sparkling Ice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/91507-sparkling-ice-debuts-caffeinated-line|title=Sparkling Ice debuts caffeinated line|work=BevIndustry|access-date=2018-11-01|language=en}}</ref>
The company introduced Sparkling Ice +Energy beverage containing caffeine, and added vitamins and minerals. <ref>{{Cite news |title=Talking Rain Plunges Into The Energy Drink Category & Unveils Sparkling Ice +Energy |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-rain-plunges-into-the-energy-drink-category--unveils-sparkling-ice-energy-301793585.html |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |title=Sparkling Ice Adds New +Caffeine Flavor to Its Lineup: Watermelon Lemonade |work=BEVNET |url=https://www.bevnet.com/news/2022/sparkling-ice-adds-new-caffeine-flavor-to-its-lineup-watermelon-lemonade/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


⚫
In May 2020, the company launched an [[Water ionizer|alkaline]] water, Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water in collaboration with Waterboys which was relaunched in 2021 as Talking Rain AQA.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water|url=https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/93540-talking-rain-essentials-hydration-water?v=preview|access-date=2020-11-26|website=www.bevindustry.com|language=en}}</ref>
Talking Rain has renamed its Talking Rain Essentials Hydration product to "Talking Rain AQA." <ref>{{Cite news |title=Talking Rain AQA and the Chris Long Foundation Partner Up to Bring Clean Water to Communities Worldwide |work=PR Newswire |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talking-rain-aqa-and-the-chris-long-foundation-partner-up-to-bring-clean-water-to-communities-worldwide-301778985.html |url-status=live}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite news |title=Talking Rain AQA Ionized Water |work=Convenience Store |url=https://csnews.com/talking-rain-aqa-ionized-water |url-status=live}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 01:30, 8 October 2024

Talking Rain
IndustryConsumer packaged goods
Founded1987
Headquarters
Preston, Washington
,
United States
Key people
[1]
ProductsTalking Rain Waters, Sparkling Ice
Number of employees
250-500[2]
Websitewww.talkingrain.com
Sparkling Ice design trademark

Talking Rain is a privately held beverage company based in Preston, Washington that manufactures still and sparkling waters. Sparkling Ice accounts for the majority of their business.

History

[edit]

Talking Rain was founded in 1987[1] by John Stevens and Pete Hiskin in Bellevue, Washington. The company was bought six months later by investors Lawrence Hebner, Donald Kline, and Donald Jasper for $300,000.[3] In 1992, the company began production of Sparkling Ice.[4] They also moved to their current location in Preston, Washington that same year.

In 2014, Kevin Durant, the former Oklahoma City Thunder forward, signed an endorsement deal with Sparkling Ice under Roc Nation Sports.[5][6]

In 2014, 2015, and 2016, the company was recognized in the Inc. 5000 list.[7]

In August 2017, Talking Rain signed a distribution agreement with Tata Global Beverages to distribute Himalayan mineral water in the U.S.[8]

Kevin Klock was president and CEO of the company from 2010 to 2017. [9] Marcus Smith was interim CEO from the time of Kevin Klock's resignation until April 2018, when Chris Hall took over the position, and Smith became president of the company.[9] Chris Hall was CEO of the company from 2018 to 2022. Board member and current Chief Operating Officer Ken Sylvia was named CEO, and he remains CEO today.[10]

In 2018, Talking Rain launched a rebranded bottle label and changed the Sparkling Ice formula to include colors from natural sources.[9]

In 2018, at 34th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, Talking Rain announced a yearlong sponsorship of the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster driven by Leah Pritchett.[11]

In January 2019, company introduced voice skill for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for consumers to check Sparking Ice cocktail and mocktail recipes.[12]

According to Nielsen, as of June 15, 2019, Sparkling Ice had about $500 million in annual retail sales with a 14.9% increase in year-to-date dollar sales.[13]

In April 2022, COO Ken Sylvia was promoted to CEO.[14]

Products

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In 2006, they launched two more products, Twist and ActivWater, which were produced until 2011, when Talking Rain decided to focus their business on the Sparkling Ice; in 2018, Talking Rain generated $60 million in revenue, up 140% from the year before. In 2013, the beverage represented 95% of the company's sales.[3][4][15]

In October 2018, Talking Rain released a caffeinated version of Sparkling Ice.[16]

In May 2020, the company launched an alkaline water, Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water in collaboration with Waterboys which was relaunched in 2021 as Talking Rain AQA.[17]

References

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  1. ^ a b "About · Talking Rain". Talking Rain. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  2. ^ "Kevin Klock is out as Talking Rain CEO", Puget Sound Business Journal, March, 10, 2017
  3. ^ a b Strauss, Karsten. "Turning Water Into Cash: The Unlikely Success Of Talking Rain". Forbes. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Garnic, Coral (January 21, 2014). "Sparkling ICE's big splash revives TalkingRain". The Seattle Times. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  5. ^ "KD signs major Roc Nation-negotiated deal". ESPN.com. July 15, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  6. ^ "Kevin Durant signs with Sparkling Ice". ABC7 San Francisco. July 15, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  7. ^ "Talking Rain Beverage Company: Number 2711 on the 2016 Inc. 5000". Inc.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  8. ^ "Talking Rain, Tata Beverages Strike DSD Alliance". Consumer Goods Technology. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  9. ^ a b c "Under New CEO, Talking Rain Charts Path to Growth - BevNET.com". BevNET.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  10. ^ "Talking Rain CEO Chris Hall Stepping Down". BevNET.com. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  11. ^ "Sparkling Ice Announces Sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel Driver Leah Pritchett". BevNET.com. February 26, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  12. ^ "Sparkling Ice Adds Amazon, Google Voice Skills". www.mediapost.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  13. ^ "When The Bubble's Bursting: Inside LaCroix's Decline". BevNET.com. July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  14. ^ "Talking Rain promotes Sylvia to CEO". www.foodbusinessnews.net. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  15. ^ "Ice on Fire | Seattle Business Magazine". seattlebusinessmag.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  16. ^ "Sparkling Ice debuts caffeinated line". BevIndustry. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  17. ^ "Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water". www.bevindustry.com. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
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