Originally launched in Australia by YouTube duo Maxmoefoe and Anything4views, the hosts of the online drinking show Cold Ones, Grog hard soda was their answer to a lack of full-flavor, better-for-you alcoholic beverages.
Grog, a hard Japanese soda that combines fruity flavors with Japanese shochu, vodka, and soda — is quickly becoming a major player in the international ready-to-drink scene.
After Grog’s sold-out launch online and in-store in Australia, Cold Ones took Grog into their largest market — the USA — launching in California BevMo stores. Grog hard soda quickly sold out, with thousands lining up to purchase the product on launch day.
Cold Ones also hosted a star-studded creator party at TwitchCon San Diego featuring Pokimane, bbno$, Ludwig, and other internationally recognized creators.
Alcoholic beverage distribution complexities in the U.S. three-tiered system often means additional time is required for brands to build a following. However, Cold Ones and their extremely tight-knit community of 10m+ followers across their social channels has helped expedite the process and rapidly create consumer awareness and engagement for their line of hard sodas.
The Popularity Of Hard Soda Isn't The Only Thing Driving Grog's Growth
Grog's early success can also be attributed to creating a product that is authentic to a creator’s brand. In this case, Cold Ones leaned heavily on nostalgia and their fascination with Japanese culture. Grog hard soda brings the beloved flavors of 90s Japanese sodas to the ready-to-drink (RTD) market. Cold Ones’ authenticity, creativity and dedication has led Grog to become one of the fastest growing alcohol brands. In addition to having popular creators behind the brand, Grog's consumer-specific branding and viral marketing campaigns are expected to promote even more growth over time.
So far, the brand has introduced two refreshing flavors in the U.S., Peach and Grape, with more planned for Spring of 2025. As Grog continues to grow, the team has ambitious plans to expand across the U.S. and Europe. Short-term plans include 6 new state launches by March of 2025, and 10 by the end of the year.
Learn more about Grog Japanese-inspired hard soda at www.grog.shop
