Bundaberg Brewed Drinks And PepsiCo Announce Distribution Partnership As Non-Alcoholic Craft Beverage Market Continues Explosive Growth

BUNDABERG, Australia, March 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian-owned Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is taking a major step in the company's global growth plans through a distribution partnership with PepsiCo that will significantly increase U.S. distribution for the craft-brewed beverage brand, making it available in more than 400,000 stores, restaurants and bars across the country, as of March 26, 2018.  

Outselling the market leader by nearly 3x per point of distribution, Bundaberg is already the #5 Ginger Beer in the U.S. and #1 in California¹, and the brand has set its sights on accelerated U.S. sales through the increased distribution made possible by the partnership.

"We've built our own distribution network globally but given the rapidly growing demand of the U.S. consumer base seeking craft-brewed beverages, this was the ideal next step for Bundaberg," said Derika Legg, General Manager Sales, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. "PepsiCo is a great partner because they believe in the growth of the category and have world-class national distribution capabilities that will allow us to make our products available to many more people."

The partnership comes as the craft beverage industry continues to grow, largely driven by millennials searching for new beverage experiences and authentic brands, quality ingredients, and thoughtful production. The craft beverage sector was up 3.1 percent as of January 2018¹, with the category expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2020. Craft sodas are redefining the carbonated soft drink market by providing an elevated consumer experience, either as a sophisticated alternative or as a quality cocktail mixer.

"Within PepsiCo's broad food and beverage portfolio, Craft continues to be an important category for us," said Scott Finlow, PepsiCo Global Foodservice Vice President of Insights and Innovation. "Bundaberg delivers on what U.S. consumers are seeking, and by leveraging the strength and scale of our national distribution network, we are able to get Bundaberg's iconic Ginger Beer and other refreshing beverages onto shelves and into the hands of people across the country."

According to Legg, "Premiumization is a concept that has affected consumer perceptions in other categories including spirits, beer, and fast food. Similar changes are now occurring in carbonated soft drinks, with adult consumers seeking more premium products that are a bit more special; drinks to be savored. Consumers are looking for brands that are authentic ? real and genuine."

Craft brewed over three days using real ingredients such as ginger root and cane sugar, Bundaberg is uniquely positioned for growth in the U.S. market. In addition to the demand for craft beverages, the popularity of Moscow Mule cocktails has spurred Ginger Beer sales, and Bundaberg has become a preferred choice of bartenders and consumers alike for its brewed process and resulting depth of flavor.

Bundaberg will remain a separate business entity, and will continue as a family-owned company, craft brewing beverages in Bundaberg, Australia using time-honored methods and the best quality ingredients, but will be distributed in the U.S. through PepsiCo's network.

About Bundaberg Brewed Drinks

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is an Australian family-owned company known for its premium drinks, including Ginger Beer and its other non-alcoholic beverages. For three generations, they've kept tradition at heart, brewing to traditional recipes, using time-honored brewing methods, and the best quality ingredients. Guided by the rule, "If it's worth brewing; it's worth brewing well," Bundaberg craft brews their drinks over three days to capture the refreshing taste of ginger and Bundaberg's other real ingredients inside every beverage. Unlock the flavor by inverting the bottle before removing the unique rip-top cap to open ? Flip, Rip and Sip. Cheers and Enjoy!

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose ? our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enable PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

¹ L52W SPINS IRI 28 January 2018

SOURCE Bundaberg Brewed Drinks