7‑Eleven Inc. announced that it’s entering the performance energy drink arena with its own private brand version, called Quake.
“Understanding the needs of our customer is critical to the success of our private brands program,” said Tim Cogil, 7‑Eleven senior director of private brands. “Customers were telling us they want an energy drink that provides more benefits than the traditional energy drink brands offer today. Our new brand, Quake, was developed based on customer feedback and incorporates the highest quality and right mix of ingredients that make it unique in the energy space. Our product tested higher than traditional brands in flavor and overall preference. Based on those results we knew we hit the mark with Quake.”
7‑Eleven said it has steadily been upping the quality and variety of proprietary beverage options across the store from its well-known products sold in cups to the products found in the refrigerator section. The 7‑Eleven private brand team benchmarks all its new food and beverage creations against the best national brands have to offer.
The goal, the company said, is “to create a novel item using only the highest quality ingredients, with unique benefits and flavor combinations that aren’t available anywhere else.”
The energy drink category continues to grow with annual sales of $12 billion, and 75% of that sold in convenience stores, according to industry statistics (IRI). Much of that growth is attributed to the increase in functional or performance energy drinks.
Available exclusively at participating 7‑Eleven stores, Quake comes in four flavors: Original, Orange Fusion, Tropical Lemon and Berry Blast. All are sugar-free and contain no artificial flavors.
“Americans are still busy and on the run — to work, to the gym or just trying to keep all the balls in the air,” said Cogil. “As long as that’s the case, energy drink sales will continue to be strong in the U.S. 7‑Eleven is one of the leading beverage retailers, and by listening to our customers and keeping ahead of the latest trends we continue to lead in energy sales.”
Each 12-ounce can of Quake contains electrolytes, creatine, COQ10 and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The suggested retail price is $2.49, with a limited-time buy-one-get-one-free introductory price.