SOFT DRINKS THAT SHINE BRIGHT
With a vast portfolio of widely recognized and well-loved drink brands, Sunny Sky Products is the one-stop shop for the US beverage manufacturing sector. We pour a cold brew with CCO, Manos Spanos
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Scarlett Burke
The North American soft drinks sector is currently experiencing a hive of activity, making it an exciting but challenging industry to compete in.
This is reflected by a recent flurry of fresh, innovative beverage formats, as the region’s consumers are more open to trying new drink experiences.
There has been a particular rise in Gen Z and Millennial customers, who are driving the emergence of unique soft beverage categories, including refresher drinks, craft sodas, bubble tea, and cold brews.
Customization services and made-to-order drinks categories are also making waves, evidenced by the trajectory of brands such as Dutch Bros, Ziggi’s Coffee, Scooter’s Coffee, 7 Brew, and the rise of CosMc’s in particular – a specialty beverage offshoot of McDonald’s that opened its doors in December 2023.
However, despite the industry’s steady recovery following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflationary pressures are significantly straining the market as consumers are reaching their upper limits of spending sensitivity.
Yet, the beverage sector is wellpositioned to tackle these challenges with force.
“The beverage industry is primed for growth, as it provides experiences that attract younger generations and opens opportunities for more drink categories.
These are further complemented by the company’s in-house brands, including Tropics, Dr. Smoothie, UPOURIA®, Refraisia®, and El Niño Aguas Frescas®.
A whole host of convenience store chains across the US trust SSP with their business, as well as some worldfamous foodservice organizations such as Dunkin’, Sandals Resorts, IHOP, and a plethora of other leading food and beverage titans.
Meanwhile, the company’s recent acquisitions allow it to create a comprehensive vertical integration model, operating six manufacturing facilities across the nation as well as multiple direct store distribution (DSD) routes in the southern areas of the US.
“Due to our vertical integration model, significant scale, and operational expertise, we believe we are able to command very high-quality products at an extremely competitive price
point, fast innovation, and excellent customer service,” Spanos outlines.
BEST-IN-CLASS FACILITIES
In order to meet the demands of its vast brand portfolio, SSP’s six stateof-the-art manufacturing facilities are strategically positioned to enable value-added capabilities such as hot and cold fill packaging, low-acid aseptic processing, and powderbased solutions.
“WE STRIVE TO STAY AT THE FOREFRONT OF FLAVOR AND PRODUCT INNOVATION TO MEET ALL THE BEVERAGE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE WORLD”
– MANOS SPANOS, CCO, SUNNY SKY PRODUCTS
very close to the customer, provide exceptional and speedy service, and maintain tight control of costs. These are the things that the company is known for and excels at,” he states.
INNOVATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
SSP continuously works to upgrade its operational footprint, optimize its supply chain, and maximize its local sourcing.
For example, any milk products the company uses are sourced locally
from farms in Pennsylvania, ensuring great quality and advancing the development of the local economy.
In line with SSP’s supply chain innovations, it recently shifted to working on single enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP S/4HANA, giving the company the ability to streamline its operations and work toward a set of concrete key performance indicators (KPIs).
SSP is also working on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its ERP tech stack, facilitating a
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COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
SSP’s people are the secret ingredient to its success, as being a mid-market company with approximately 650 team members means it cultivates a family culture.
Each employee is valued and listened to and has the opportunity to provide ideas and feedback through a regular engagement survey.
“We are very proud of our engagement survey scores within our team, which have been the highest I have seen in my career,” Spanos prides.
Moreover, with the breadth of SSP’s locations and categories, the company provides its staff with continued opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, the company is on an exciting trajectory, achieved by both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
In fact, SSP has undergone two major acquisitions in the past two years, namely GoodWest Industries and Bevolution Group, which have been key in achieving the breadth of capabilities it enjoys today.
“Organic growth is now allowing us to reap the benefits and synergies of these transactions. We continue looking for new opportunities that will complement our portfolio and enhance our operational and sales footprint,” Spanos ends.
Going forward, numerous factors such as growth, innovation, speed,
operational excellence, and great customer service will drive SSP’s growth and continued success in the soft drinks market.
Tel: 1-877-235-6466
Info@SunnySkyProducts.com sunnyskyproducts.com