First Hoosier hard soda slated to hit shelves in August
Pop. Fizz. Sparkle. Wow! Hard sodas have emerged as the hottest new category in the adult beverage industry as consumers continue to explore enticing new alternatives. And now, a new Indiana-based hard soda line is ready to launch. Starting in August, Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas will launch their line of premium, all-natural hard sodas in the Hoosier state through a distribution deal with Monarch Beverage.
Coming off the success as co-founder of the award-winning Hoosier Momma Bloody Mary Maker, Indianapolis-based beverage entrepreneur Erin Edds and her husband Stephen founded Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas to bring “the softer side of hard soda” without the excess sugar or artificial additives.
The two initial flavors available to the public will be:
Garden Party Ruby: A refreshing ginger soda with hints of Hibiscus and Pomegranate which gives it a fresh spicy bite of flavor without the harsh aftertaste.
Garden Party Violet: A crisp, sophisticated lemon soda infused with Lavender and Blackberry to give you an exhilarating taste of summer!
“These flavors are derived from recipes I created back in my farmers’ market days with County Mouse, City Mouse,” said Edds, “and I’m excited about the opportunity to introduce a line of premium hard sodas with an artisanal flare.”
Monarch Beverage, the largest beer and wine distributor in the state, has agreed to distribute Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas in 69 counties in Indiana beginning in August. Scott Shipley, Senior Vice President of Sales for Monarch, is projecting strong sales out of the gate.
“Erin has a strong track record of success both creating and promoting high-quality beverage brands,” said Shipley. “Monarch is excited to introduce Garden Party to our accounts and customers who are discovering hard sodas as a quality addition to their adult beverage purchases.”
The 8.0% ABV all-natural hard sodas will be available in 12-ounce aluminum cans and sold in retail locations in a 4-pack configuration.
“We are bringing a premium element to the hard soda category which will make Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas a sought-after brand by lovers of craft beer, spirts and wine,” Edds added, “and having a highly respected and successful distributor like Monarch Beverage will ensure a successful launch.”
For additional information about Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas, please contact Stephen Edds at stephen@drinkgp.com or 317.847.5955 or visit www.DrinkGP.com.
About the company
Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas is a d.b.a. of RumsTech Ventures Corp, an Indiana C-Corp based in Indianapolis, Indiana and founded by Erin and Stephen Edds in 2015. Garden Party Botanical Hard Sodas is the first of a line of adult beverages the company is developing over the coming years.
As Co-Founder of RumsTech and throughout a distinguished career as a culinary development specialist and successful entrepreneur, Erin Edds earned several accolades, including “One to Watch in Local Foods” by the Indianapolis Star, “Local Hero in Artisan Foods” by Edible Indy, “Best of Indy” for Indianapolis Monthly and “Best of the Best” at the Indianapolis Zoo Zoobilation. Edds also serves on the alumni council and advisory board at Ivy Tech Hospitality School where she serves part-time as an adjust professor.
RumsTech Co-Founder Stephen Edds brings 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, and served as National Sales Manager for Hoosier Momma, securing multiple distribution agreements and chain placements in Kroger and Meijer. Edds earned a BA in Political Science from Hanover College and is the author of three books.
