Jump to content

Talking Rain: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
added information
Tags: Reverted Visual edit
updated information
Tags: Reverted Visual edit
Line 49: Line 49:


== Philanthropy ==
== 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 May 2020, Talking Rain launched a national campaign, "Cheers to Heroes", 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. He 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>


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>
Chris Hall announced "Sparkling Ice Cheers to You Beautification Project" where Talking Rain spent $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>

In April 2021, the second annual Sparkling Ice Cheers to Heroes campaign was announced 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> In April 2022, the third annual Cheers to Heroes campaign was launched that celebrated 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 collaborated with the city of [[Biloxi, Mississippi|Biloxi]] to introduce 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>


== Sustainability ==
== 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 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>
In March 2020, Talking Rain announced its collaboration with The Recycling Partnership, a non-profit organization based in [[Falls Church, Virginia]]. This collaboration promoted consumer recycling education and recycling of quality materials to be reintroduced 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>
Talking Rain launched 2 new products "Twist" and "ActivWater" in 2006. These products were produced until 2011. That year, the company decided to focus on their Sparkling Ice brand. In 2011 year, Talking Rain generated $60 million in revenue, up 140% from the previous year. By 2013, Sparkling Ice 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 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>
Line 67: Line 71:
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 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>
In June 2021 Sparkling Ice Superfruit. It is a non-alcoholic line extension that is sweetened with Stevia leaf. It 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 February 2022, Talking Rain launched Sparkling Ice Spiked Cocktails, a line of hard seltzers inspired by cocktails.<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>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 09:06, 16 June 2023

Talking Rain
IndustryConsumer packaged goods
Founded1987
Headquarters
Preston, Washington
,
United States
Key people
ProductsTalking Rain Waters, Sparkling Ice
Number of employees
250-500[1]
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

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.[2] In 1992, the company began production of Sparkling Ice.[3] They also moved to their current location in Preston, Washington that same year.

In 1997, the company changed their sweetener to sucralose.[4]

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]

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

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.[10] Later, the matter was resolved, and the case was dismissed.[11][12][9]

Marcus Smith was interim CEO until April 2018, when Chris Hall took over the position, and Smith became president of the company.[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.[13]

In the month of January in 2019, Sparkling Ice launched a new voice skill feature that allowed users to access Sparkling Ice cocktail and mocktail recipes using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa [14]

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.[15]

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.[16]

In April 2022, COO Ken Sylvia was promoted to CEO.[17]

Talking Rain launched the "Live in Full Flavor" advertising campaign in 2022. This initiative aimed to appreciate the diverse range of experiences life offers and encourage people to savor and appreciate the small moments of happiness in their daily lives.[18]

Philanthropy

In May 2020, Talking Rain launched a national campaign, "Cheers to Heroes", 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. He nominated men and women who put their own lives at risk to go to work and serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.[19]

Chris Hall announced "Sparkling Ice Cheers to You Beautification Project" where Talking Rain spent $250,000 across Summerville, South Carolina; Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Bedford, Texas for the restoration of the public spaces.[20]

In April 2021, the second annual Sparkling Ice Cheers to Heroes campaign was announced to honor and celebrate America’s everyday heroes.[21] In April 2022, the third annual Cheers to Heroes campaign was launched that celebrated America's Veteran heroes.[22]

In March 2022, Talking Rain collaborated with the city of Biloxi to introduce new playground equipment at St. Mary's Park in Biloxi.[23]

Sustainability

In January 2021 Talking Rain collaborated with Terrapass and purchased carbon offsets 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.[24]

In March 2020, Talking Rain announced its collaboration with The Recycling Partnership, a non-profit organization based in Falls Church, Virginia. This collaboration promoted consumer recycling education and recycling of quality materials to be reintroduced into the circular economy.[25]

Products

Talking Rain launched 2 new products "Twist" and "ActivWater" in 2006. These products were produced until 2011. That year, the company decided to focus on their Sparkling Ice brand. In 2011 year, Talking Rain generated $60 million in revenue, up 140% from the previous year. By 2013, Sparkling Ice represented 95% of the company's sales. [2][3][26]

In October 2018, Talking Rain released a caffeinated version of Sparkling Ice.[27]

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™.[28] It was relaunched under a new name as Talking Rain AQA in 2021.[29]

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.[30]

In June 2021 Sparkling Ice Superfruit. It is a non-alcoholic line extension that is sweetened with Stevia leaf. It contains vitamin B, C, and D.[31]

In February 2022, Talking Rain launched Sparkling Ice Spiked Cocktails, a line of hard seltzers inspired by cocktails.[32]

References

  1. ^ "Kevin Klock is out as Talking Rain CEO", Puget Sound Business Journal, March, 10, 2017
  2. ^ a b Strauss, Karsten. "Turning Water Into Cash: The Unlikely Success Of Talking Rain". Forbes. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Garnic, Coral (January 21, 2014). "Sparkling ICE's big splash revives TalkingRain". The Seattle Times. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  4. ^ "About Us – Talking Rain". www.talkingrain.com. 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. ^ "CEO of Talking Rain Beverage fired after sexual assault, lawsuit contends", Seattle Times, November 8, 2017
  11. ^ "Order Of Dismissal Page One". Flickr. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  12. ^ "COURT DISMISSAL - PAGE TWO". Flickr. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  13. ^ "Sparkling Ice Announces Sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel Driver Leah Pritchett". BevNET.com. February 26, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  14. ^ "Sparkling Ice Adds Amazon, Google Voice Skills". www.mediapost.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  15. ^ "When The Bubble's Bursting: Inside LaCroix's Decline". BevNET.com. July 15, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  16. ^ Ice, Sparkling. "Talking Rain Beverage Company Announces Three Leadership Team Promotions". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  17. ^ "Talking Rain promotes Sylvia to CEO". www.foodbusinessnews.net. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  18. ^ "Sparkling Ice "Live in Full Flavor" Campaign". Convenience Store News. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  19. ^ "Talking Rain partners with nonprofit to recognize front-line workers". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved February 17, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ Bienasz, Gabrielle (September 22, 2020). "This CEO Wants to Make Towns More Beautiful--One Pickleball Court at a Time". Inc.com. Retrieved February 17, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ "Sparkling Ice Taps Gymnast Gabby Douglas for Cheers to Heroes Campaign". Brewbound. April 14, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  22. ^ "Sparkling Ice Kicks Off Reimagined Third Annual Cheers to Heroes Campaign". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  23. ^ Rojas, Leslie. "Sparkling Ice Beverages teams up with city of Biloxi to renovate St. Mary's Park". wlox.com. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  24. ^ "Community Service Spotlight: Casey's, GPM, OnCue & Plaid Pantry". Convenience Store News. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  25. ^ "Talking Rain joins The Recycling Partnership". Waste Today. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  26. ^ "Ice on Fire | Seattle Business Magazine". seattlebusinessmag.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  27. ^ "Sparkling Ice debuts caffeinated line". BevIndustry. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  28. ^ "Talking Rain Essentials Hydration Water". www.bevindustry.com. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  29. ^ "Talking Rain AQA Ionized Water". Convenience Store News. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  30. ^ Withmore, Jerry (September 10, 2020). "Sparkling Ice 'Spiked' Shakes Up The Hard Seltzer Industry". Tech Geeked. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  31. ^ "Sparkling Ice Launches Superfruit Line Extension". BevNET.com. June 23, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  32. ^ "Sparkling Ice Spiked Releases Newest Cocktail-Inspired Hard Seltzers". Brewbound. February 23, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talking_Rain&oldid=1160408619"