The bottled water industry is undergoing a significant transformation as consumers increasingly demand sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and the introduction of innovative alternative packaging.
One forward-thinking, women-owned U.S.-based company in Pensacola, Florida—the home of the Navy Blue Angels and known for its sugar-white beaches—MSPFLA, Inc. is part of this movement with its eco-friendly brand, Tropical Bottled Water. By offering 100% reusable, recyclable, and sustainable aluminum cans, they are challenging the status quo and providing a compelling alternative to traditional plastic bottles.
Unlike traditional plastic bottles we all consume that contribute to mounting environmental concerns, Tropical Bottled Water’s vibrantly labeled 16oz aluminum cans are designed for multiple uses before recycling. Available in two simple and clean varieties – ultra-pure Artesian Spring water that undergoes multiple filtration processes for purity, and an Electrolyte-enhanced option containing essential minerals for post-exercise recovery – the brand delivers quality hydration while addressing ecological concerns.
As consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly alternatives, grocery and convenience stores are seeking sustainable options to fulfill a growing niche market for environmentally conscious products. While currently a niche product, Tropical Bottled Water should become a staple on store shelves as sustainability continues to reshape the beverage industry. Currently available in Florida, Tropical Bottled Water is expanding nationwide through wholesale distributors and direct-to-store channels. Now is the perfect time for food and beverage wholesalers to take action— by adding Tropical Bottled Water to their bottled water portfolio and offering Tropical Bottled Water to their retail clients first and position themselves as a leader in sustainability, ahead of the competition.
The brand is also gaining a foothold in the US Virgin Islands and the Bahamas, with ongoing initiatives to expand its global distribution strategy to high-growth tropical markets like South America, Europe, and Hawaii. These regions are facing increasing concerns over plastic pollution and a growing demand for sustainable products.
“Retailers and businesses reselling Tropical Bottled Water—whether individually or by the case—are playing a crucial role in reducing single-use plastic bottle waste while supporting a U.S.- made, sustainable product,” says Daniel Rogers, a key executive at MSPFLA, Inc. He goes on to say, “For every can of Tropical Bottled Water sold, we see a twofold reduction in plastic bottle usage. The cans quickly become cost-neutral after just two uses, making them not only an environmentally sound choice but also an economical one for consumers”. Tropical Bottled Water lets you dream of the beach—while staying plastic-free.” Now, that’s a double bonus.
Retailers say Sustainability Products are coming but are they?
The timing for sustainable bottled water alternatives couldn’t be better. Major retailers across the country have publicly committed to product sustainability initiatives, yet many have not fully brought in eco-friendly brands like Tropical Bottled Water to address plastic bottled water’s environmental impact. Don Sanderson, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Meijer, highlights this industry direction: “At Meijer, we understand that to be a good company, we must be a good neighbor, which is why we’re interested in meeting new vendors to further integrate sustainability attributes into our product offerings and daily operations. We want to provide our customers with the great products they’re looking for while also being mindful of the impact those products make within our communities and the world around us.”
San Antonio based, H-E-B similarly emphasizes that their “commitment to sustainability is personal. That’s because, for more than 115 years, we’ve been guided by a responsibility to take care of the communities where we live and work. This means we embrace sustainable practices across our business, from the latest innovations in recycling and conservation to the eco-friendly products on our shelves.” noted on their own website.
Even, Cincinnati-based Kroger, which serves over 11 million customers annually through its 20 grocery store brands, states they are committed to protecting human health and the environment, meeting the needs of our customers by reducing our environmental impact and continuously evaluating the social and economic impacts of our business.
However, further research reveals that most national retailers, including those mentioned, still lack alternatives like Tropical Bottled Water on their shelves, whether sold individually or by the case. The reality is that plastic water bottles are cheaper to produce and sell, making them a more attractive option for retailers to offer. In contrast, aluminum cans of bottle water, while more sustainable, tend to be pricier for consumers, which makes them harder to sell at scale. Hence the retailers slow crawl to offer brands like Tropical Bottled Water.
You Can Be Part of the Solution
Consumers and Influencers alike can take an active role in this environmental movement by requesting Tropical Water’s aluminum-packaged beverages at their local grocery stores, convenience outlets, and wholesale beverage suppliers and posting on social media outlets. By choosing sustainable alternatives and advocating for their availability, shoppers can play an active role in reducing plastic pollution while enjoying high-quality water products like Tropical Bottled Water. “IT’S COOL TO BE GREEN”
As plastic pollution continues to threaten marine ecosystems and terrestrial environments, environmentally responsible hydration options like Tropical Bottled Water offer a practical solution for environmentally conscious consumers. By choosing reusable aluminum packaging over single-use plastic, consumers can enjoy premium water while contributing to meaningful environmental change – one can at a time. Note: In 2024, Americans consumed 16.4 billion gallons of bottled water, making it the number one beverage by volume for the ninth consecutive year. Retail sales of bottled water reached $49.9 billion, a 2.4% increase over 2023.
The company’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond product development—it includes actively supporting the reduction of plastic consumption and helping retailers offer eco-friendly alternatives like Tropical Bottled Water.
In conclusion, if you don’t find Tropical Bottled Water in your local stores, speak up! Encourage your favorite retailers to carry it and be part of the movement towards a reduction of single-serve plastic bottles. For wholesale inquiries, visit tropical-water.com.
