Canton-Based 4 Purpose Energy® Drink Makes A Splash

Remember the children’s book The Little Engine That Could , in which a small engine successfully pulls a long train over a mountain after several larger engines refused to accept the challenge? The small engine keeps repeating its motto "I-think-I-can," ultimately reaching the goal. The story teaches children the value of optimism and hard work.

Not so long ago, that book was Sam Ronkin’s favorite. The 24 year-old entrepreneur, who launched the organic 4 Purpose Energy® Drink last year, doesn’t allow the giant competitors to deter him, even if they do have a three-decade head start and marketing budgets in the millions.

Ronkin reports that he’s “laser-focused” on setting up new accounts, doing in-store tasting events, marketing, and checking in with existing accounts. “We’re now in 245 locations, including such landmarks as at Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirit in Medford which sold out the original trial order and promptly reordered.” The product can be found on shelves in convenience stores, gas stations, pizza shops, grocery stores, markets and general merchandisers. While most retailers are in the Northeast, 4 Purpose is carried as far away as North Dakota.

It sounds like 4 Purpose is in lots of locations -- until you learn that one competitor, whose name describes a crimson bovine creature, sells in 167 countries and has 43% of the market, while the second biggest drink maker, whose name is a scary creature, sells in 114 countries and holds 39% of the market.

Still, Ronkin says there’s room for 4 Purpose Energy, especially when one key trend is that customers want organic and 100% natural ingredients. There was a 5% increase in energy drink sales from 2015-2016, and total U.S. sales are estimated at $12 billion. “Many retailers were hesitant, but now report good customer feedback and repeat business. They’re also on board with our commitment to give a percent of sales to Pencils to Promise which builds schools in impoverished countries.”

The 4 Purpose Energy Drink is the result of two years of research and testing. It‘s a lightly carbonated, raspberry pomegranate-flavored drink that’s certified USDA organic, vegan, kosher, and contains Fair Trade certified organic cane sugar, unlike cheaper sucrose found in most energy drinks. It also contains B-complex vitamins. Caffeine content is a bit more than a single espresso shot.

Through a combination of optimism, hard work, a healthful, tasty drink, and his "I-think-I-can," attitude, Ronkin has high hopes for the business. “I know I can,” he smiles.

View the company’s first video update: https://youtu.be/nwp-x3VHm9k . Follow on Twitter: @4PurposeEnergy and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4PurposeEnergy/?ref=nf . Store owners/distributors interested in carrying 4 Purpose Energy drinks, contact Sam Ronkin directly: sam@4purposeenergy.com / (617) 538-4004 / www.4PurposeEnergy.com

By Stanley Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com