Talking Rain Beverage

Talking Rain Beverage

Beverage company producing zero-sugar sparkling water

Overview

Talking Rain Beverage is a private beverage company known for Sparkling Ice, a zero-sugar flavored sparkling water. It originally built a regional business in the Pacific Northwest and later pivoted to reformulating Sparkling Ice into a zero-sugar version that could be sold nationally. The product works as a flavored, calorie-free sparkling water, primarily delivered in cans and bottles, appealing to consumers who want flavored drinks without sugar. What sets the company apart is its long, steady grind to find a breakout product and its strategic focus on Sparkling Ice as the main revenue driver, transforming a small bottler into a national beverage brand without taking on major external funding. The company’s goal is to continue growing Sparkling Ice into a wide-reaching national brand while remaining privately held.

About Talking Rain Beverage

Simplify's Rating
Why Talking Rain Beverage is rated
C
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated C on Growth Potential
Rated D+ on Differentiation

Industries

Food & Agriculture

Industrial & Manufacturing

Consumer Goods

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Preston, Minnesota

Founded

1987

People at Talking Rain Beverage

People at Talking Rain Beverage who can refer or advise you

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • LIFE SAVERS Red, White, Blue 12-pack launched nationwide in spring 2026, targeting summer BBQs and America’s 250th birthday.
  • Sparkling Ice Caffeine Soda Shoppe collection added zero-sugar retro flavors with 70mg caffeine, rolling out nationally in March 2026.
  • Official partnership with Seattle Sounders FC since June 2024 strengthens local alignment and active lifestyle positioning in the Pacific Northwest.

What critics are saying

  • Benzene contamination risk from sodium benzoate plus vitamin C under heat stress persists, with 35–50% probability in 12–18 months.
  • Market share erosion from Truly Hard Seltzer’s lower-priced zero-sugar variant launching Q3 2026 carries 45–60% probability in 6–12 months.
  • Existential knock-out risk: class action over undisclosed heavy metals in Sparkling Ice +Energy exceeding CDC 2026 thresholds, 25–35% chance in 12–24 months.

What makes Talking Rain Beverage unique

  • Sparkling Ice dominates 95% of sales as the U.S. top sparkling water brand since 2013.
  • Talking Rain pioneered zero-sugar, vitamin-enriched sparkling water with iconic tall bottles and bold candy collabs.
  • Family-owned, privately held company with nearly 40 years of innovation and no IPO or major funding round.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options

Hybrid Work Options

Flexible Work Hours

Paid Vacation

Parental Leave

Relocation Assistance

401(k) Company Match

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Gym Membership

Performance Bonus

Company News

Prepared Foods
Mar 11th, 2026
Sparkling Ice Caffeine Launches Soda Shoppe Collection

Sparkling Ice Caffeine launches Soda Shoppe collection. Orange Cream, Root Beer and Cherry Cola join zero-sugar lineup. March 11, 2026 Talking Rain Beverage Company expanded its Sparkling Ice Caffeine lineup with a new Soda Shoppe collection, featuring three classic flavors: Orange Cream, Root Beer and Cherry Cola. Caffeinated Sparkling Ice Caffeine Soda Shoppe gives consumers a healthier alternative to classic sodas, with all the flavor and zero sugar. The new drinks are made with vitamins and antioxidants, naturally sourced colors and flavors and 70mg of caffeine. The first of the Soda Shoppe line, Sparkling Ice Caffeine Cherry Cola, launched last fall through an exclusive preview at Casey's convenience stores. The flavor has impressed consumers and taste-makers alike, even taking home a best new product award for its layered spice, surprising richness and soda counter nostalgia. The Soda Shoppe collection joins the current Sparkling Ice Caffeine lineup, including Black Raspberry, Blue Raspberry, Cherry Vanilla, Citrus Twist, Strawberry Citrus, Tropical Punch and Watermelon Lemonade. To support transparency and make it easier for consumers to track their caffeine intake, Sparkling Ice Caffeine packaging also prominently displays the caffeine content on every can. All three Soda Shoppe flavors are available now in 16oz cans on Amazon, and consumers can catch the retro revival as it rolls out nationally at major retailers and convenience stores. Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! JOIN TODAY to unlock your recommendations. Already have an account? Sign In

GlobeNewswire
Nov 5th, 2025
Talking Rain's Sparkling Ice recognized as Best Global Brand by 425 Business magazine readers

Talking Rain's Sparkling Ice recognized as Best Global Brand by 425 Business magazine readers. November 05, 2025 13:18 ET | Source: Talking Rain Beverage Company PRESTON, Wash., Nov. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Sparkling Ice(R), crafted by Talking Rain Beverage Company(R), has been named this year's 425 Business "Best Global Brand" by magazine readers. The recognition is part of the magazine's annual Best in Business Awards, which recognize outstanding companies across the Eastside business community. The category, new in 2025, highlights brands that make an impact beyond the local market. Sparkling Ice's recognition reflects Talking Rain's nearly forty years of dedication to crafting bold, refreshing flavors that resonate with consumers everywhere. Known for its zero-sugar lineup and iconic tall, skinny bottles, the brand has built a strong connection with fans through steadfast innovation and a commitment to making every sip feel like a celebration. "We're honored to be voted Best Global Brand by readers," said Ken Sylvia, chief executive officer at Talking Rain. "This recognition means so much because it comes directly from the people who know and support us. Our journey began here in Washington state, and it's inspiring to see how our brand continues to connect with audiences around the world." Since 2013, Sparkling Ice has been the no. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S. and has expanded its reach to nine countries and regions. It continues to innovate, introducing fresh new flavors, exploring functional benefits and creating limited-edition releases. In 2025 alone, the brand announced three exciting collaborations, beginning with the Sparkling Ice(R) STARBURST(TM) RED PACK, followed by Sparkling Ice(R) mini cans featuring the Cuties(R) Lil' Zipper mascot, with mandarin and orange cream flavors and most recently Sparkling Ice Caffeine Cherry Cola. "Our team's passion for crafting high quality and delicious beverages continues to shape how we connect with people in the Pacific Northwest and beyond," said Veronica Blankenship, chief people and communications officer at Talking Rain. "Earning the Best Global Brand celebrates our commitment to living life in full flavor, and creating connections with every refreshing sip. This recognition is also a testament to our Rain Makers, the passionate team behind Sparkling Ice, whose dedication and creativity have made it possible to craft extraordinary better-for-you beverages year after year." For more information on Sparkling Ice, visit www.sparklingice.com. About Talking Rain(R) Beverage Company Talking Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice(R), is a family-owned company based in Preston, Washington. Through nearly four decades of redefining the sparkling water category, Talking Rain has crafted a remarkable collection of full-flavored, better-for-you beverages, including the No. 1 sparkling water brand in the U.S., Sparkling Ice (also available in Caffeine and Energy), and Popwell, a cold-crafted prebiotic soda. Talking Rain drinks are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants and come in a delicious array of bold flavors. Talking Rain believes in sharing its success to support healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity. We live life in full flavor and believe the world should, too. For more information, please visit www.talkingrain.com.

The Manila Times
May 15th, 2025
Talking Rain receives 2025 Puget Sound Business Journal Corporate Compassion award

Talking Rain receives 2025 Puget Sound Business Journal Corporate Compassion award.

425 Business
May 1st, 2025
Preston's Talking Rain Names New Brand VP

Preston-based beverage company Talking Rain, which is known for Sparkling Ice, has tapped Lisa Holcomb to serve as its new vice president of brand.

PR Newswire
Jun 18th, 2024
In Multi-Year Partnership, Sparkling Ice Becomes Official Sparkling Refreshment Of Seattle Sounders Fc

PRESTON, Wash., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Talking Rain Beverage Company®, the makers of Sparkling Ice®, today announced a multi-year partnership as the official sparkling refreshment of the Seattle Sounders FC.Together the Rave Green and Talking Rain have united as two high-energy hometown brands to fuel the team and its fans, supporting healthier beverage options that support active lifestyles and wellness.Scarves up, flavor fans! Sparkling Ice is now the official sparkling refreshment of Seattle Sounders FC."We know our flavor fans prefer an active lifestyle and better-for-you refreshments, which is why we're thrilled that Sparkling Ice has partnered with the Sounders in this world-class collaboration," said Rich DePencier, Chief Growth Officer at Talking Rain Beverage Company. "The Sounders FC's values closely match our own, including our support for healthy communities, personal wellbeing, and greater inclusivity."On matchdays, fans can dive into Talking Rain's "Anything But Subtle" philosophy at the Sparkling Ice Anything But Subtle Fan Decoration Zone. Face paint, temporary tattoos and more are available at this branded activation space to allow fans of all ages to creatively express their Sounders spirit. At halftime of each game, the most enthusiastic and decorated fan in attendance will be selected as the Sparkling Ice Anything But Subtle Fan of the Match and rewarded with a Sparkling Ice prize pack."We're happy to welcome Talking Rain to the Rave Green family," said Sounders FC Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer Taylor Graham. "As a company born right here in Western Washington themselves, Talking Rain embraces so many of the same strong values as Sounders FC, including a deep commitment to community. We look forward to connecting with our fans in new, engaging ways supported by Talking Rain's energetic and vibrant spirit."Recognizing that the energy provided by supportive fans is crucial for the team, whether playing at home or away, Sparkling Ice is also presenting a fan social media photo series to celebrate Sounders FC's passionate fan base

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