Crater Lake Soda Expands to Pacific Northwest Markets With Seven Distribution Deals; Pizza Schmizza Restaurants
Portland company secures over 350 accounts during first three months of bottling
gourmet soda line
Portland, Oregon – October 11, 2007 – Crater Lake Soda announced seven new distribution agreements that will expand their Portland soda brand in the Pacific Northwest. Crater Lake Soda was introduced in the Portland market in July, and is now available in over 350 retail and restaurant locations in Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Idaho. Crater Lake Soda will also be sold at Pizza Schmizza restaurants in the Pacific Northwest.
Crater Lake Soda has developed partnerships with the following distributors in their respective regions:
- General Distributors – Greater Portland area including Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, Clackamas, Polk, Yamhill and Marion counties
- Gold River Distributors – Southern Oregon
- High Desert Distributing – Central Oregon
- Clatsop Distributing – Northern Oregon Coast and Southern Washington Coast
- Alaska Distributing (and network) – Greater Seattle area, Central and Western Washington, Alaska and Idaho
- Stein Distributing – Southwest Washington
- Spirit Distributors – Idaho
"Our distributors and retailers appreciate that Crater Lake Soda is a truly gourmet soda with premium ingredients," said Curt Gouverneur, beverage sales manager at Ocean Mist Sales & Marketing, "Consumers have responded well to our product, and we're thankful for the opportunity to share our sodas with the rest of the Pacific Northwest."
Crater Lake Soda's four varieties will also soon be available at various Pizza Schmizza locations. Pizza Schmizza is one of the fastest-growing independent pizza chains in the Pacific Northwest, with 30 locations to date. Crater Lake Soda has been the premium root beer on tap at most McMenamins restaurants in Oregon and Washington for more than four years, and is also available at numerous Portland grocery stores, including Thriftway's, Roth's, Zupan's, Elephant's Deli and Market of Choice.
The Crater Lake Soda Difference
Crater Lake Soda is made with pure cane sugar, as opposed to the high fructose corn syrup that many of their competitors use. In addition they don't use additives such as caffeine or foam enhancers. Foam enhancers are present in some soda products, especially root beers and cream sodas, to promote a stable head for visual appeal. Crater Lake Soda chose to brew their sodas the old-fashioned way to meet consumer demand for healthier products and a true gourmet soda. Crater Lake Soda doesn't have a foamy head like their competitors on purpose so that consumers get the best product possible and a true pour.
"The quality of Crater Lake Soda differentiates them from their competitors and has lead to great sales during the first few months we have carried the brand," said Dick Cole, manager of Bale's Thriftway, "We are excited to support such a great, local company and look forward to our continued partnership."
Crater Lake Soda Loves Portland
Crater Lake Soda has supported numerous Portland community events since their summer launch. During the month of July, they partnered with the Dairy Farmers of Oregon to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. The two companies co-sponsored the designated drivers and children's pavilion at the Oregon Brewers Festival to support a safe and family-friendly environment. Over 3,000 ice cream floats were scooped and poured using Crater Lake Soda and local ice cream, adding to the overwhelming success of the festival.
In addition, Crater Lake Soda is a proud sponsor of the Raphael House of Portland, and the Oregon Food Bank "Free Bowl of Soup" sailboat and yacht races.
A Crater Lake Story
The youngest of four children, Curt Gouverneur took a particular interest in helping to craft homemade sodas and beers. When he wasn't enjoying the great outdoors with his siblings, Curt was learning the brewing process with his dad – testing new recipes and flavors.
Curt made his way to the Pacific Northwest, and brought his love for beverages with him. As a brewmaster for a local microbrewery, worked to perfect his recipe for Root Beer eventually began selling kegs to McMenamins restaurants – a famous name in Oregon and Washington.
It wasn't long before the sodas became a favorite, reminding everyone what a summer day should taste like. By this time, Curt had a family of his own. One of their favorite summer vacation spots is Crater Lake in Southern Oregon.
Nestled on the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, no other place on earth combines a deep lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; and two picturesque islands. So it was no surprise when Curt chose Crater Lake Soda as the name for his soda brand. The fun he and his family had at the lake reminded him of his own childhood; while the incredible surroundings encouraged the pure, refreshing taste.
About Crater Lake Soda
Crater Lake Soda brews and bottles four varieties of specialty sodas in Portland, Oregon. Their Root Beer, Orange Soda, Lemon Lime, and Vanilla Cream are made with pure cane sugar and lightly carbonated – without caffeine or foam-enhancing additives. This crisp, refreshing soda is available in individual 12 oz. bottles, six-packs, cases of 24, and kegs. Crater Lake Soda is owned by Ocean Mist Sales & Marketing. The gourmet soda brand is currently available in the Pacific Northwest, and the company plans to enter additional markets in 2008.