Crater Lake Soda Expands Distribution To Fred Meyer Stores; Donates Portion Of Sales To City Of Hope
Portland Businessman Junki Yoshida Continues Commitment to Philanthropy with Premium Soda Brand
Portland, Oregon – December 5, 2007 – Crater Lake Soda is now available in Fred Meyer stores in the Pacific Northwest, and owner Junki Yoshida will donate a portion of each case sold to the City of Hope – an internationally recognized biomedical research institution focusing on cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. The mixed-case of Crater Lake Soda's four varieties will be sold in Fred Meyer stores in Oregon, Washington and Alaska.
Yoshida, a well-known philanthropist and recognized "Sauce King" for his line of gourmet sauces, announced a goal of raising enough money through the soda sales to donate $100,000 to the City of Hope. "One of my goals as I approach semi-retirement is to bring more awareness and ultimately more money to worthy charitable organizations like City of Hope" explained Junki Yoshida.
A long-time board member and fundraiser for Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation, Yoshida has also supported charities such as Kids on the Block Awareness Program, Children's Cancer Association, Rafael House, and Ronald McDonald House.
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.
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 sold at numerous Portland grocery stores, including Fred Meyer, Thriftway's, Roth's, Zupan's, Elephant's Deli and Market of Choice, in additional to various retail and restaurant locations in Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Idaho.
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. Crater Lake Soda also supported designated drivers at the Holiday Ale Festival, and is a proud sponsor of the Raphael House of Portland, and the Oregon Food Bank "Free Bowl of Soup" sailboat and yacht races.
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, a division of the Yoshida Group. The gourmet soda brand is currently available in the Pacific Northwest, and the company plans to enter additional markets in 2008.