PepsiAmericas buys functional beverage line Ardea Beverage

PepsiAmericas is growing its portfolio of healthier beverages with the purchase of Ardea Beverage, maker of airforce Nutrisoda. PepsiAmericas will collaborate with Pepsi-Cola North America to market airforce Nutrisoda in select PepsiAmericas markets with the possibility for future expansion.

Ardea sells a portfolio of nutritionally-enhanced, low-calorie, carbonated beverages. The slender eight-ounce cans of airforce Nutrisoda are sold in a wide range of distribution outlets catering to on-the-go consumers.

"The Nutrisoda brand complements our growing portfolio of healthier beverages, providing a unique and fashionable beverage alternative,” says Robert C. Pohlad, chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiAmericas. “Nutrisoda has tremendous potential in the fast-growing functional beverage category.”

Nutrisoda, which launched in 2003, targets on-the-go consumers who are nutritionally aware. Each of the seven products within the portfolio contains vitamins and minerals formulated to achieve a specific benefit. The products have few or no carbs, sugar, sodium or calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Brand offerings include Immune in tangerine and lime flavor, Radiant in pomegranate and black berry, Calm in wild berry and citron, Focus in mango and peach, Flex in black cherry and apple, Energize in mandarin and mint, and Slender in pink grapefruit and guava.

PepsiAmericas buys functional beverage line Ardea Beverage