Healthy energy drink in US market breakthrough

Little Big Shot, the unique healthy energy drink from Northern Ireland has won its first business in the huge US energy drink marketplace.

The healthy energy drink that is made from real fruit juice is now on sale in stores in two key states, Pennyslvania and Texas, through deals with distributors in Philadelphia and Austin.

Little Big Shot, aimed in particular at the 24-35 age group, is an innovative blend of cranberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, pomegranate, hibiscus juice, ginseng and carbonated spring water making it a unique competitor in the US and UK energy drink market which is currently estimated to be worth around £3 billion.

This US breakthrough follows the brands UK success. After its launch in Belfast, where the Little Big Shot headquarters is based, the refreshing drink, which comes in 250ml cans, expanded into CJ Lang stores across Scotland and has recently signed with a major distributor in Leicester to drive sales in England.

Kevin Carson, Little Big Shot's commercial director, says the healthy drink is now attracting "very significant interest" in key global markets because of its unique blend of ingredients.

"What sets us apart in what has become the fastest growing sector of the energy drinks market is our focus on offering a genuinely healthy product. Winning business in the US within a few months of the launch of the drink is immensely encouraging.

"Unlike many other drinks in the sector, Little Big Shot is free from both caffeine and taurine used by to give drinkers an energy boost. Instead we use a unique blend of natural berries to provide this," he continued.

"In addition, Little Big Shot, is free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners and E-numbers. It is also suitable for vegans and an ideal drink for children and teenagers. It's a crystal clear drink that doesn't contain any sediment.

"The deals in the US and Britain show the growing recognition of Little Big Shot as a genuine healthy energy drink because it's rich in vitamins including A, C and E, as well as Omega 6 essential fatty acid, folic acid and potassium. For instance, Little Big Shot has twice the potassium of a banana and twice the antioxidant content of blueberries."

The company intends to roll out the healthy drink at a series of upcoming industry events in the US, the UK and Ireland including the 15thAmerica's Food and Beverages Exhibition and Conference in Miami in November.

Little Big Shot now has a significant market in Northern Ireland from listings by the Henderson Group (Spar), Musgrave Group, Centra and Costcutter.