Manufacturing
The 2015 Washington Manufacturing Awards: Food/Beverage Processor of the Year, Midsize Firms
By Bill Virgin April 28, 2015
This article originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of Seattle magazine.
WINNER
Talking Rain Beverage Co.
Preston
The 25-year-old company helped create the flavored carbonated water category in the United States, and now its going after international markets with its hugely successful Sparkling Ice line, which has been expanded to include lemonade and teas. Retail sales have risen from $10 million in 2010 to $350 million in 2013. The company is investing in the technology, equipment and processes a customer doesnt see or taste but are crucial to growth: a new ordering platform, an independent direct-to-store distribution network and boosting service to one major customer from 65 percent on-time and in full to better than 99 percent. Talking Rain also wants to increase sales and market share through new retail chains, including convenience stores. The modest goal: becoming a billion-dollar brand by 2018.