The News
Southside Craft Soda announced the launch of SouthTex Beverage Company on April 13, 2026. The company is designed to support production, distribution, and retail expansion. Co-founder Andrew Anguiano will lead as President and CEO, while Gregg Spickler oversees production. Jimmy Garza, an experienced consumer goods executive, has joined as operating advisor. The brand has already secured placements on H-E-B shelves in Texas and a Walmart "Golden Ticket" win.
Southside Craft Soda’s launch of SouthTex Beverage Company shows how a micro‑brand can move onto mainstream shelves while keeping its craft identity intact. The shift hinges on two levers: moving from a three‑person San Antonio production team to a dedicated manufacturing arm, and securing H‑E.B. and Walmart Golden Ticket distribution in Texas.
With the craft soda category projected to grow at just over 5 % annually through 2030, Southside’s expansion could outpace that trend if shelf penetration and production ramp‑up succeed. The company’s 2025 revenue of $750 k is a modest fraction of the $681 m global craft soda market in 2022, underscoring both its niche positioning and the potential for rapid scaling.
Southside’s move to 12‑ounce cans by Q2 2024 aligns it with recyclability and portability trends that dominate the category. Adding mesquite‑bean‑infused Root Bexar™ underscores its dedication to real ingredients—a key driver of growth across craft soda.
Distributors face inventory volatility. Production resumes early summer 2026, and new flavors—TexaCola®, Limoncito®, Root Bexar™, Ola Orange™—will prompt order books to shift as retailers test shelf space and consumer response. A flexible replenishment schedule, close monitoring of depletions, and cautious early stocking will help maintain balance while setting the brand up for a swift rollout once demand stabilizes.
Retail buyers evaluate different calculus. H‑E-B’s Texas placement spans a large footprint yet pits Southside against established soda lines in similar shelf space. Retailers can carve out dedicated slot for the brand’s Texan line, anchor it with mesquite flavor, and track turnover relative to the broader category.
On‑premise operators focus on menu fit instead of shelf pressure. Southside’s lineup delivers a low‑calorie alternative that satisfies health‑conscious patrons without sacrificing flavor complexity. Operators can highlight the brand in happy‑hour specials or a “local craft” showcase, emphasizing its Texas heritage while keeping the core beverage narrative front and center.
The partnership with J3 Distributors could extend Southside’s reach. J3 already distributes Tehuacán Mineral Water and Agua de Piedra; adding Southside may open synergistic logistics routes across the Southwest. However, production bottlenecks—particularly if the new San Antonio plant falls behind the early summer launch—could ripple through the distribution chain.
Southside’s shift to a dedicated beverage company and its entry into H‑E-B. and Walmart shelves show ambition to outpace the category’s 5.1 % CAGR. Yet with only $750 k in revenue, the brand remains small relative to national peers. The true test will be whether production can match new distribution agreements while preserving the authenticity that fuels demand for real ingredients.
Original Press Release
SAN ANTONIO, TX, April 13, 2026 - Southside Craft Soda® today announced the launch of SouthTex Beverage Company, a new operating company built to support the brand’s next phase of growth, production, and retail expansion.
The launch follows a strategic reorganization designed to position the company for scale, building on key milestones including placement on H-E-B shelves across Texas and a Walmart “Golden Ticket” win—both signaling strong demand for the brand’s distinctive South Texas–inspired flavors.
Under the new structure, co-founder Andrew Anguiano will serve as President and CEO of SouthTex Beverage Company, leading strategy, partnerships, and retail expansion efforts.
Co-founder Gregg Spickler, a Culinary Institute of America–trained chef and longtime beverage developer, will continue to oversee production and flavor development, ensuring the brand’s craft roots and South Texas flavor profiles remain central to its identity.
The company also welcomes operating advisor and investor Jimmy Garza, an experienced consumer goods executive and CEO of Bebo Fresh, based in Pharr, Texas. He leads J3 Distributors, a Bebo Fresh affiliate and U.S. distributor for Tehuacán Mineral Water and Agua de Piedra, where he has played a key role in scaling beverage brands across major Texas retailers and national markets.
“Southside Craft Soda started as a way to celebrate the flavors and culture of South Texas,” said Anguiano. “SouthTex Beverage Company gives us the infrastructure to grow intentionally, expanding distribution while staying true to the flavors and stories that built our brand.”
Garza added that the brand is well-positioned to meet growing consumer demand for authenticity and quality.
“Consumers are looking for beverages made with real ingredients and a genuine story,” said Garza. “Southside Craft Soda delivers on both, and we see a clear opportunity to expand its reach while continuing to innovate.”
As part of its return to market, Southside Craft Soda will relaunch several of its signature flavors, including TexaCola®, Limoncito®, and Root Bexar™, alongside a new offering, Ola Orange™.
The sodas are crafted with cane sugar and real fruit juices, with Root Bexar featuring mesquite bean, a distinctive ingredient rooted in South Texas culinary tradition.
Production is slated to resume in early summer, with distribution expected to expand in tandem as the company advances retail partnerships and manufacturing capabilities.
Founded on San Antonio’s South Side, Southside Craft Soda® has built a loyal following through bold, culturally inspired flavors that reflect the spirit of South Texas.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Craft Soda Market
- 5f037a68de5d70046cb1617c
- Southsidecraftsoda site
- Southside Craft Soda And Where To Find Some
- Elevating Soda Southside Craft Sodas Sleek Shift
Source: BevNET