Winston-Salem is a wonderfully diverse city with big and bold ideas. And when we have a big idea born right here in our hometown, we get really excited when it enjoys great success! After all—we are the birthplace of global greats like Krispy Kreme and Texas Pete! We know that a lot of good things come from our community! And Sunshine Beverages is one of our most recent success stories!
It started in 2013 with a local award-winning advertising company, The Variable. The team of strategists and creatives recognized the growing trend for energy drinks and identified a gap in the market for a healthier, non-extreme one…. So instead of waiting on a client to come to them with the idea, they decided to tackle it themselves to create the perfect pick-me-up; an energy beverage that people could feel great about drinking every day. Marketing genius met consumer demand, and Sunshine Beverages came into being.
What is Sunshine Energy?
It started with Ginger Berry and then out came Blueberry Lemonade and Clementine Twist. But instead of being an energy drink loaded up with empty calories and sugars, Sunshine Energy is sparkling with vitamins, electrolytes, and just enough natural caffeine. It’s like drinking a standard cup of coffee—just enough energy without a severe caffeine jolt to the body.
Marketing Director Beth Hathcock shared, “Sunshine Energy is a drink you can feel good about drinking. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. And at only 60 calories per drink, it’s an energy drink that won’t load you up with extra unwanted calories.”
In addition to Sunshine Energy, the company recently launched Sunshine Sparkling Energy Waters in three flavors—Citrus Lime, Lotus Pear, and Pomegranate Acai. The sparkling energy waters include 100% of daily vitamins A through E as well as electrolytes, and natural caffeine with the added benefit of these being zero sugar and zero calories!
Sunshine’s Success & Distribution
In seven short years, Sunshine Beverage has gone from a concept to a single employee distributing in one state to a team of 14 full-time employees with distribution in 15 states. Additionally, local investment firm, Teall Capital, has helped accelerate the Sunshine momentum, and today, they are the largest investor in the brand. “It’s incredible growth,” shared Beth. “And our team is so grateful to this community for being the first to try it, to love it, and share it with others!
“We are distributed in over 4000 retail outlets,” Beth continued. “You can find Sunshine Energy at Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter, Publix, Food Lion, The Fresh Market, Quality Mart, 7-Eleven, Amazon or GNC. You can also purchase directly from our website, DrinkTheSunshine.com.”
Sunshine Gives Back
Sunshine Beverage loves giving back! Their business includes a program called “Wag and Shine,” which supports several organizations, including 4 Paws for Ability and Forsyth Humane Society. “Our company is full of dog lovers, and this is a shared interest with our core consumer,” shared Beth. “We believe they have a unique ability to bring light into the lives of humans, and that’s what Sunshine is all about. Throughout the year, we attend events to support our canine friends.”
Learn More
To learn more about Sunshine Beverages, visit them online at DrinkTheSunshine.com. Be sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. Support local and drink the Sunshine!
