Exciting News for Southside Craft Soda in San Antonio
San Antonio, get ready to raise a toast! Our very own Southside Craft Soda just snagged a fantastic deal with the retail giant, Walmart. That’s right! This local company is heading home from Bentonville, Arkansas, buzzing with excitement after making it to the finals of Walmart’s annual Open Call competition. This is a big deal because it gives small businesses like Southside the chance to pitch their products directly to some very important buyers at Walmart.
What Happened at the Open Call?
Earlier this month, Southside Craft Soda was not just participating but shining bright in the competition. This week, they had their moment to shine in front of Walmart buyers during one-on-one meetings. And guess what? They sealed the deal! Andrew Anguiano, one of the co-founders of Southside, excitedly shared the news. “Walmart is committed to putting two products in select Texas stores: Limoncito and Texa Cola,” he said while driving back from Arkansas.
What’s Next for Southside Craft Soda?
So, what’s the plan moving forward? According to Anguiano, they’re working closely with Walmart to get their sodas on the shelves at the start of next year. This partnership is not just a big win for Southside but a golden opportunity to reach customers who love unique, local flavors. “To become a supplier to Walmart and have the channel open to the largest company in the country is a big opportunity. How far we can go from there really depends on us,” he noted with enthusiasm.
Details about which Texas Walmart stores will be carrying these craft sodas and the exact size of the initial orders are set to be finalized next week. As it stands, two of Southside’s flavors will hit the shelves initially. However, if they receive a warm welcome from customers, there could be even more flavors joining the lineup in the future!
Why the Switch to Cans?
Earlier this year, Southside made an exciting transition from glass bottles to cans. Why, you ask? Anguiano explained that this switch was made to streamline distribution and support growth. With the new partnership with Walmart, it looks like this decision is about to pay off big time!
Looking Ahead
The anticipation is mounting as we look forward to seeing Southside Craft Soda on Walmart shelves in 2025. This is definitely a proud moment for everyone in San Antonio, showcasing how local businesses can reach new heights with determination and a little help from national retailers.
In a city that’s constantly evolving, Southside Craft Soda is a shining example of local entrepreneurship. This is just the beginning for them, and who knows? With a favorable response, we might even see their products making a splash on shelves nationally!
So, next time you’re perusing the aisles at your local Walmart, keep an eye out for those vibrant Southside Craft Soda cans. It’s a win for supporting local businesses, and it’s a delightful way to celebrate the unique flavors that San Antonio has to offer.
Stay tuned, San Antonio! Big things are brewing at Southside Craft Soda, and we can’t wait to see how this journey unfolds.