Carrollton’s BuzzBallz reached a major milestone selling more than 1 million cases of ready-to-drink cocktails within a one-year span. It expects to reach 1.1 million cases sold by the end of the year, according to a statement.
BuzzBallz attributes its growth to a loyal customer base spreading the word about its products’ convenience and elevated flavors in the ready-to-drink cocktail category.
“I believe customer awareness and demand are at the core of our expansion, as well as chain retail exposure,” Merrilee Kick, CEO and founder of BuzzBallz, said in a statement.
[Image: Courtesy BuzzBallz]
Kick quit teaching at a high school to begin learning about the alcohol manufacturing process in 2009. She is now the only female owner of a combined distillery and winery in the U.S. and oversees BuzzBallz’s more than 100 employees for the midsized alcohol manufacturer with international distribution, according to a statement.
READ NEXT BuzzBallz’ Merrilee Kick on Innovating, Lessons Learned, and the Science of Success
Last February, Kick was selected as a top 10 finalist for the National Women Business Owner of the Year Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners. BuzzBallz has previously been ranked as the 60th fastest growing company in the North Texas region by the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.
Given the company’s 2019 performance, Kick told Dallas Innovates a major priority for BuzzBallz is increasing its production capabilities through expanded space and new equipment, which will allow for increased sales without putting a strain on the production team. The company also recently signed a national contract with a large distributor which should lead to new opportunities.
[Image: Courtesy BuzzBallz]
The popularity of the ready-to-drink cocktail space proves the startup was on the right track 10 years ago, according to Kick.
“As we grow, we are making it a point to promote our quality and authenticity in our messaging. We’re real cocktails with natural ingredients made in house,” Kick says. “BuzzBallz is a vertically integrated company. We produce our own packaging, mix the cocktails, and bottle the beverages ourselves. We do not outsource production. Vertical integration is rare in our space.”
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