Beverages

Welch’s on Quest to Disrupt Energy-Drink Category

New Sparkling Plus Energy beverage is now available in select markets as part of limited release

CONCORD, Mass. -- Welch’s has launched Sparkling Plus Energy, because the company “saw a need in the market for an energy drink that actually tastes good,” said Senior Brand Manager John Walston.

The limited-release line contains sustainably farmed Welch’s juice with natural energy from organic coffee extract. It comes in Sparkling Grape and Sparkling Fruit Punch flavors for a suggested retail price of $2.19 for a 16-ounce can.

“Welch’s Sparkling Plus Energy delivers a great, bold taste, and it’s a product you can feel good about buying because, as always, 100% of our profits go back to our small family farmers,” Walston said. “The energy drink category is expanding, and we are excited to evolve our portfolio with a new product offering outside of the juice aisle.”

Welch’s Energy expands the brand’s portfolio into a new category with a focus specifically on a male audience, the company said. It is available as part of a limited rollout in three markets: New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore/Washington D.C., with plans to expand into more markets.

Concord, Mass.-based Welch’s is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located in Ontario, the cooperative has approximately 825 family farmers that own the company and grow the Concord grapes used in Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Welch’s products are sold in the United States and in about 40 countries around the globe.

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