Surfside Dominates the Canned Cocktail Market

John Culin, a Wilmington, Delaware resident, has been a vendor at Phillies games for an impressive 53 seasons. Along with his fellow vendors at Citizens Bank Park, Culin chooses which beverages to carry, stocking up on bottles of water and cans of beer from walk-in coolers and putting them on ice. Working on commission, Culin sticks with brands he trusts, but he’s always open to trying new products that prove to be popular among customers.

One such product that has been flying off the shelves at Citizens Bank Park is Surfside canned cocktails. These 4.5% ABV vodka drinks, mixed with various flavors of tea and lemonade, have become a favorite among Phillies fans, despite their higher price point compared to traditional beer. Culin, along with other vendors, quickly realized the demand for Surfside and began carrying them during the Phillies‘ 2022 playoffs, just 10 months after the canned cocktails made their market debut.

The success of Surfside at Citizens Bank Park is not unique. The brand has seen widespread popularity wherever it is sold, leading to exponential growth for Stateside Brands, the company behind Surfside. Since its launch in 2021, Surfside has expanded its retail presence to 46 states and is on track to be nationwide by the end of the year. In 2024 alone, Surfside has brought in over $51.4 million in revenue, with sales up 350% compared to the previous year.

This rapid growth has prompted Stateside Brands to expand its operations, including hiring more employees and moving its offices and vodka production to a new facility in Northeast Philly. Surfside now accounts for 60% of the company’s sales, with its popularity surpassing even the traditional vodka that was once the company’s main focus.

The rise of canned cocktails like Surfside is part of a larger trend in the beverage industry, where ready-to-drink cocktails are becoming increasingly popular. While hard seltzers dominated the market in recent years, spirits-based RTDs like canned cocktails are now gaining traction, offering consumers a convenient and flavorful alternative to traditional mixed drinks.

Surfside’s success can be attributed to its focus on quality and taste, with each can containing only 100 calories and made with real tea, lemon juice, and vodka. The brand’s appeal extends to a wide range of consumers, from young adults to older individuals looking for a refreshing and convenient drink option.

As Surfside continues to expand its reach and solidify its position in the market, Stateside Brands is optimistic about the brand’s future. With plans to sell 4.5 million cases of Surfside by the end of 2024 and establish itself as a national brand, Surfside is poised to become a staple in the canned cocktail industry for years to come.