SunnyD unleashes 'power of the sun' and alcohol in new adult beverage

WASHINGTON (TND) — SunnyD, the orange-flavored drink product that has been a staple of childhood treats for decades, is joining the flavored hard seltzer craze sweeping the nation’s trendy bars and brunch pads.

SunnyD Vodka Selzer is for the discerning party beverage connoisseur who does not want to drink a sugary, vaguely fruit-flavored drink unless it contains a strong splash of alcohol.

"SunnyD is a powerful brand, the most boldly unique orange drink on the planet," Ilene Bergenfeld, Chief Marketing Officer, Harvest Hill Beverage Company said in a news release. "Consumers are passionate about this iconic brand, rooted in nostalgia but with a taste that resonates today. Many have told us that they enjoy SunnyD as a mixer and asked for this product.”

So,” Bergenfeld continued, “we looked at the hard seltzer category, and thought, good, but we can do better. And SunnyD Vodka Seltzer was born."

According to the release – so, taken with a grain of salt – consumers offered the new orange hard seltzer fairly positive reviews, with majorities saying that it is a ‘better’ product and much different than similar beverages on the market. “Great color, texture, and aroma. Great aftertaste, very refreshing and easy to drink,” said some respondents.

Hard Seltzers have been growing in popularity over the last five years, despite being around as early as 1993, when Coors Brewing launched “Zima Clearmalt.” However, the seltzer revolution truly kicked off in 2018 when “White Claw” started to go viral on social media. In the following year, White Claw sales quadrupled from $154.8 million to $627.2 million, according to Bloomberg.

U.S.-based market research firm Grand View Research is predicting the hard seltzer market to become a $14.5 billion business by 2027.

The reason for the popularity is still opaque and difficult to pin down. But, according to GQ Australia, a prime reason is that hard seltzers are advertised as a “cleaner, healthier” way to drink alcohol. “It contains less calories and carbs than beer or spirits and has a higher water content,” writes the magazine. “Most also only use 'natural flavorings,' contributing to their health-forward appeal.”

“Of course,” Aussie GQ also notes, “it's still not as good for you as not drinking altogether.”

SunnyD Vodka Seltzer will start appearing in Walmart stores nationwide on Saturday and will retail for a suggested price of $9.99 for a four-pack of 12-ounce slim cans.