I would really like to have an idea of how the larger distributors like AB are doing with this in comparison to the small startups. My take on this is that those large distributors go under the premise that the Kona line is just another 6 to 12 sku's to sell amongst their hundreds of sku's, many of which are established and with national advertising. While the young startups, for the most part only have these items and are accordingly working much harder for the Kona name. My bet is that if we were to compare the sales per person of the startups to the sales per salesperson of the larger distributors, that the startups are putting out much more product on that basis. I also believe they will be more loyal to the Kona brands.
I am in the Tampa, FL area and am amazed that, even with our signing with Lucky's Markets months ago, Kona is not in the St. Petersburg store yet nor in the Bradenton/Sarasota store. I also was in the Pensacola, FL area last week (panhandle of FL) and we are not in the Lucky's Market stores going up that way. That was disappointing to me. I have even made multiple requests with the store in St. Petersburg and asked to order it. I have to order it over in Orlando and pick it up when we go to visit family there. I was also amazed at the advertising I saw on tv in the panhandle for other energy and energy related drink brands that I have never heard of before. Additionally the shelves are loaded with them.
My big point being that I believe Kona is on the best track right now for getting product out there using the small startup distributors and, for the ones that are really pushing our products, I believe that you all can carve out a very profitable and fast growing business with the Kona product line and the addition of select others. Kona is so small still by comparison to many others but has such a great tasting product line, it will continue to grow rapidly and be the catalyst to jump start so many startup distributors it will be a win, win, win for all - Kona, distributors and stockholders. Only wish I were younger and healthy enough to start my own!
Thanks to all of you that have taken the initiative as well as those spreading the Kona word!
