LOS ANGELES — Tea of a Kind, the innovative RTD tea beverage that utilizes the patented “Gizmo Closure and Delivery System,” continues to build momentum in 2013, securing distribution through hundreds of new retail channels. The product is the first offering from Gizmo Beverages, and the first to utilize their patented “Gizmo” cap technology, which holds fresh, functional ingredients in a nitrogen pressurized chamber until the point of consumption.
The product, which recently won Best Ready-to-Drink Tea Beverage at the 2012 Interbev Awards in Las Vegas, has secured a significant market share in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, with Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and Colorado rolling out in the next 60 days. Tea of a Kind works with Southern Wines and Spirits, the number one beverage distributor in the country, and secured dozens of new retail accounts in the first quarter, including BevMo (130 accounts), Vons Pavilions (all Southern CA), Kroger (Ralph’s, Fry’s, Smith’s), Bashas’ (AZ), AJ’s Fine Foods (AZ), Walgreens (NM), Bristol Farms (all Southern CA), Albertsons (all Southern CA), and Andronico’s (Northern CA).
In addition to grocery stores and high-end health food markets, Tea of a Kind’s distribution strategy largely targets on-premise locations, including restaurants and bars; hotels and resorts; golf courses; and sports arenas.
“On-premise is where brands are built,” explains SVP of sales and marketing, Brad Foster . “Consuming beverage is a social experience, and with Tea of a Kind, the excitement of experiencing the Gizmo is part of the fun. When people try Tea of a Kind in a social setting, they immediately want to show their friends what their drink just did.”
On-premise locations where Tea of a Kind is now available include W Hotels in Southern CA (Los Angeles, San Diego, andSan Francisco) and Arizona (Scottsdale); Las Vegas resorts, including The Bellagio, The Riviera, Four Seasons, and MGM Grand; the St. Regis Hotel (Dana Point, CA); La Costa Resort (Carslbad, CA); Talking Stick Golf Course (Scottsdale, AZ); Torrey Pines Golf Course (La Jolla, CA); and select Marriott Hotels across all markets. In addition, Tea of a Kind is the official beverage of the Pheonix Coyotes NHL team, with availability in the suites and luxury box seats at the Jobbing.com Arena, and the “Paw Patrol” cheer team and mascot acting as Tea of a Kind brand ambassadors at major regional events.
Available in Peach Ginger Black Tea, Citrus Mint Green Tea, and Pomegranate Acai White Tea, Tea of a Kind is 100% natural, contains only 20 calories per 16 ounce bottle, and is loaded with antioxidants.