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Pa.-based Surfside cocktail brand defies industry slowdown

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A Philadelphia-area canned cocktail company has emerged as one of the alcohol industry’s biggest success stories, recording rapid growth even as overall alcohol consumption declines across the United States.

Stateside Vodka, founded in 2015 by local entrepreneurs Clement Pappas, Matt Quigley, Zach Pappas and Bryan Quigley, has seen extraordinary success with its Surfside line of canned alcoholic teas and lemonades since introducing the brand in 2022.

The company sold approximately 200,000 cases of Surfside during its first year. Sales then surged to 1.3 million cases in 2023, nearly 5 million cases in 2024 and 11.1 million cases in 2025. Company officials say Surfside now accounts for about 90% of Stateside’s sales.

The growth comes at a time when beer, wine and spirits sales have generally been declining nationwide. Industry analysts note that ready-to-drink cocktails have been one of the few beverage categories continuing to post consistent gains, with Surfside emerging as a market leader.

Stateside executives report the company is on pace for another strong year, projecting 70% overall sales growth and a 65% increase in Surfside sales compared with 2025. The company recently moved into a new 34,200-square-foot headquarters in Center City Philadelphia, reflecting its expanding footprint.

The brand’s popularity has been fueled by partnerships with sports venues, colleges and entertainment events. Surfside has established about 170 partnerships nationwide and is sold in all 50 states through more than 200 distributors. Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, played a key role in the brand’s rise, and company officials say Surfside has been the stadium’s top-selling spirit since 2023.

Stateside has also launched a new product called Super Lyte, a sports-drink-inspired canned cocktail. The beverage sold nearly 400,000 cases in its first three months on the market, a pace that company leaders believe could exceed Surfside’s early growth trajectory.

Despite interest from major beverage companies, Stateside’s founders say they are not looking to sell the business. The company now employs about 340 people nationwide, up from roughly 30 employees in 2022, and continues to expand its reach while keeping its headquarters and roots in the Philadelphia region.

Source: Phila Inquirer

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