Essentia Water, the innovator of bottled functional water in the United States, reports that in 2013 its case sales grew by 64 percent, achieving 10 consecutive years of growth.
Eight of those years saw double-digit numbers, which significantly outpaces the bottled water category’s single-digit channel wide growth. Essentia also reports record sales for January 2014, with a 42 percent gain over last year. This makes two consecutive years that the brand has experienced year-over-year growth in January, a month when the category typically experiences sluggish sales.
In addition, the brand kicks off 2014 with wins in distribution and sales. In Kroger stores in the Midwest, Southeast and Texas, Essentia has increased its presence by more than 750 stores.
“With our new executive team in place, we have full confidence that 2014 will be a banner year for Essentia,” said Ken Uptain, Essentia’s president and CEO.
In late 2013, industry veterans Paul Curhan and Neil Kimberley shifted their roles from outside consultants to Essentia’s vice presidents of marketing & innovation and strategy & market development respectively. Tahne Davis, another former Essentia consultant, has also joined the team as creative director & brand manager.
In January 2014, Doug Kistler joined the company as director of business development. Kistler, who is entering his fourth decade in the beverage industry, is a veteran of Dr Pepper Snapple Group and most recently the FRS Company.
Launched in 1998, Essentia was the first bottled functional water on the market in the United States. Uptain said the key to the brand’s growth has been patience and belief in the long-term viability and benefits of functional water. Recent industry reports have noted that the functional-beverage category is growing at a faster pace than other products.
“The pulse of the market has changed considerably since 1998; today consumers are more educated about health and wellness. Our growth has paralleled the increased interest in beverages that taste good and promote good health,” said Uptain. “And that’s what Essentia delivers.”
About Essentia
Essentia Water, LLC launched its hydrating alkaline water in 1998. The first functional bottled water offered in the United States, Essentia is the no. 1 selling bottled water brand in the natural channel and the fastest growing top 10 premium bottled water brand in the grocery channel. Essentia is hydration perfected™, created using a proprietary process that results in an electrolyte-enhanced water with an alkaline 9.5 pH. Easily absorbed in the body, Essentia hydrates, restores and balances to promote optimal health. Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Essentia is available at natural foods markets and grocers throughout the United States, and online at Amazon.com.
To learn more about Essentia, please visit www.essentiawater.com. Or connect with Essentia on Facebook.
