The Doraville, Ga. manufacturer of Sun Clear, a naturally-flavored sparkling water created as an alternative to Clearly Canadian, is only 18 months old, but its regional sales manager, Ray Robinson, decided that it should be included among the 607 exhibitors at InterBev94.
InterBev94 hosted 14,567 attendees from all sectors of the beverage industry, with 2,544 from abroad. The two-day show was held Oct. 24-26 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Sun Clear is made by Sun State Beverage from Georgia water, not imported Canadian water, and therefore sells nine more ounces for up to 40 cents less, said Mr. Robinson.
Participation in trade shows can make all the difference for a small company, he said, and Sun States will use InterBev94 as a springboard to expand its national distribution from 18 states to all 50 within the next few years. It also is looking to expand internationally.
Competing with national giants and their distribution networks is a difficult task for a company which one and a half years ago sold 4,000 cases its first month, and those only in metro Atlanta.
“Sure,” Mr. Robinson said smiling, “we consider ourselves a David and Goliath story. Coca-Cola takes up a lot of space here. But our package is strong. We can contend.”
Mr. Robinson may be reached by telephone at (404) 840-7178; by fax, (404) 840-7268.