Sophisticated & Refreshing. Press Kit.

Transcription

1 Sophisticated & Refreshing Mediterranean Refresher Certified Organic Apple Cider Vinegar No Preservatives Mediterranean Refresher Certified Organic No Artificial Sweeteners Low Calorie Apple Cider Vinegar No Preservatives No Artificial Sweeteners Low Calorie Press Kit

2 Introduction New & Refreshing Silk Road Soda is a certified organic Mediterraneanstyle nonalcoholic beverage opening up an appealing new beverage category segment: contemporary sodas. This unique and sophisticated beverage was introduced in March 2013 with three refreshing flavors, Original Mint, Cucumber Mint and Pomegranate Mint. Clients, consumers and retailers enthusiastically embraced this new refreshment for its flavor, its pure ingredients and the story of its making. The Story It begins with his love for culture, food and a passion to share the flavors of a Mediterranean diet that Silk Road Soda founder, Payam Fardanesh grew up with. With his grandmother's recipe as his inspiration, Payam began developing Silk Road Soda. Flavors originating in Greece, Iran and India that were first described in the ancient writings of Hippocrates are found in the trade secret Grandma's Recipe that is providing a road of possibilities with this exciting new drink. Silk Road Soda brings the taste of Western culture to the East in an exciting and pure, certified organic soda. The American palate has welcomed this lightly carbonated, sophisticated and refreshing artisan beverage. Cultural Inspiration

3 Drink Local With a focus on the local market in the Greater Sacramento area, the product was initially presented to high-end grocery stores, health food stores and yoga studios because of its pure ingredients and refreshing flavors. A cost-effective and personal approach was initiated to promote the product and acquire testmarketing perspectives as Payam personally provided tastings, telling the Silk Road Soda story and developing the product s drink local personality. The product was so well received the original market expanded to upper echelon restaurants and bars who have embraced the product and the story, pairing flavors as a mixer or nonalcoholic alternative for their distinguished clientele. Local Market

4 Fast Success Market & Momentum Following just one year of development 100,000 Silk Road Sodas were locally bottled in Sonoma County. For the first two months Silk Road Soda was self-distributed by Payam out of his car. The company was quickly realizing success and self-distribution resources were no longer meeting demands. A local specialty beer distributor out of Auburn was then selected to fulfill distribution needs and acquire new Silk Road Soda accounts. Even with a limited distribution network and a bootstrapped marketing budget, Silk Road Soda realized an early success of 180 retail locations and growing established in an astonishing first six months of operations, surpassing the company's original projections. Organic Flavors of Pure Success All Silk Road Soda flavors hold a delicate balance between sweet and savory through an infusion of apple cider and white vinegar,s without the citric acid component commonly found in sodas. There is no caffeine, no artificial sweeteners and the product uses all certified organic ingredients including certified organic cane sugar. It is uniquely pasteurized eliminating the need for preservatives while remaining shelf stable. With a lower caloric content than popular diet sodas, Silk Road Soda is an appealing alternative for the health conscious individual who aspires to drink something more sophisticated and wholesome. Many health-minded individuals say, I don't drink soda, but I drink Silk Road. New culturally inspired flavors are coming in the Spring. Flavors

5 Refreshing News Good Taste in the Media Building the Silk Road Soda brand in unique and costeffective ways has contributed to the fast pace realization of the company's success. Regional media has provided a wide reach of exposure, driving the rapid acceptance of Silk Road Soda and establishing brand recognition locally. Local media continues to focus on Silk Road Soda with interest in its story and continued success having received significant recognition from multiple sources from its earliest stages of operation. Silk Road Soda continues to be in the spotlight. Links to past media coverage can be found on the company's website, Roseville man pays tribute to grandmother with Mediterranean beverage company Viral Buzz Fueled by local enthusiasm and media recognition, the unique nature of Silk Road Soda has created a significant viral buzz allowing the company to leverage social media with an amazing 7500 views per week and growing. The company intends to further develop the social media presence through the Silk Road Soda website, blogs, and mixologist recipe sharing with participation from bars, restaurants and event highlights. Social Media

6 Road to the Future The Designer Refreshment at Prestigious Events In order to maintain momentum and opportunity Silk Road Soda continues to position itself as the Designer Refreshment making its presence at prestigious and well credited events both local and national. Continued participation in events such as the Tower Bridge Farm to Fork Dinner, Innovative North State held at Sierra Nevada Brewery and The Fancy Food Show held in San Francisco and New York City held in January and June, 2014 respectively will create new and reinforced awareness while supporting the next phase of development as the company moves into a national rollout. Market Differentiators The excitement and uniqueness of Silk Road Soda is highlighted in the distinct characteristics that differentiate this refreshing beverage from any other on the market. Mediterranean Refresher Apple Cider Vinegar Certified Organic No Preservatives No Artificial Sweeteners Low Calorie Sophisticated & Diverse Marketability

7 Silk Road Soda Cocktails Inspired by local enthusiasm in early marketing initiatives, diversity of the product has been realized. High-end restaurants enjoy serving Silk Road Soda as a sophisticated nonalcoholic beverage choice, while mixologists have embraced Silk Road Soda as a sophisticated mixer to develop and promote signature cocktails. Silk Road Soda Inspired Cocktails recipes by local mixologists Pimm s Silk Cup Inspired by Brad Peters - Hock Farm Crafts & Provisions 3 oz. Silk Road Soda - Cucumber Mint 1.5 oz. Pimm s No. 1 Cup (Gin) 1/4 oz. Lime Splash of Cranberry In a Collins Glass on ICE Mint sprig garnish Hot Silk & Sake Inspired by Chef & Owner Kim Scott - Mama Kim Eats 4 oz. Silk Road Soda - Pomegranate Mint 1.5 oz. Sake (rice wine) 1 slice muddled or pressed Jalepeno In a Collins Glass on ICE Jalepeno garnish Classic Silk & Spice Andrew Calisterio, Bar Consultant, 3 oz. Silk Road Soda - Original Mint 1.5 oz. Spiced Rum (Sailor Jerry) 1/2 oz. Lemon 1/4 oz. Almond Syrup Terrani 1/4 oz. Simply Syrup In a Collins Glass on ICE Mint sprig garnish Product Diversity

8 Mediterranean Refresher Sophisticated & Refreshing No Preservatives Mediterranean Refresher Certified Organic No Artificial Sweeteners Low Calorie Apple Cider Vinegar No Preservatives No Artificial Sweeteners Low Calorie Apple Cider Vinegar Order Pomegranate with Mint Original Mint Cucumber with Mint