Packaging
PepsiCo Signs Deal to Distribute ROCKSTAR Via Pepsi Bottlers
Friday 20. February 2009 - New Agreement Gives Pepsi System Immediate Boost in Fast-Growing, Highly Profitable Energy Drink Category
Fueling its broader beverage portfolio reinvention plans, PepsiCo today announced a multiyear distribution agreement with ROCKSTAR Energy Drink, dramatically increasing the Pepsi system’s share of the fast-growing, highly profitable energy drink market. ROCKSTAR will be distributed by The Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG), PepsiAmericas, Pepsi Bottling Ventures and other independent Pepsi-Cola bottlers in most of the United States and all of Canada.
While precise terms of the contract were not disclosed, PepsiCo has purchased rights to function as master distributor, offering ROCKSTAR products exclusively through its bottling system in all trade channels. ROCKSTAR will retain research-and-development, marketing and manufacturing accountabilities. ROCKSTAR significantly expands the PepsiCo portfolio of energy beverages, which also includes products marketed under the AMP, No Fear and Starbucks trademarks.
“ROCKSTAR is a major milestone in our bid to become the undisputed category leader in energy drinks,” said Hugh Johnston, president of Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages. “Building on the success of AMP and other energy drinks in the Pepsi lineup, it gives our system an immediate boost in value, variety and scale. To borrow a phrase from the ROCKSTAR playbook, we’re making our portfolio ‘bigger, better, faster, stronger,’ moving assertively to the front of the energy drink pack with our bottling partners.”
PBG Chairman and CEO Eric Foss commented: “Strengthening and diversifying our brand portfolio is a strategic priority that we share with our partners at PepsiCo and the rest of the Pepsi family. ROCKSTAR is a terrific brand in an expanding beverage segment. Adding it to our portfolio, which already includes the AMP energy brand, gives us a great platform to increase our share and capitalize on future growth opportunities.”
Said Russ Weiner, founder and CEO of ROCKSTAR Energy Drink: “The fact that PepsiCo and its bottlers made a substantial investment in securing the distribution rights for ROCKSTAR shows the industry their immense commitment to eventually make ROCKSTAR the No. 1 energy drink in North America. Now that the deal is done, I can honestly say that we at ROCKSTAR feel like we have a true home in the Pepsi system.”
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink is formulated with herbal blends to provide an energy boost for people leading active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink is available in 11 amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, and Roasted Light Vanilla. ROCKSTAR Energy Shots are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors. ROCKSTAR is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, and throughout the United Kingdom.
PepsiCo is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with 2008 annual revenues of more than $43 billion. The company employs approximately 198,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the company’s impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent. PepsiCo is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.