327 - The best soda you haven't heard about (probably)!

🎙️ Show Notes: From Kitchen Idea to Paradise in a Can: The Hawaiian Soda Co. Story with Gina Ho!

Man, I am SO stoked for this episode. This is why I do this podcast.

I’m talking with the amazing Gina Ho, who co-founded Hawaiian Soda Co. with her husband, Caesar. And let me tell you, this isn’t just another craft soda. The story behind this brand is incredible.

They’re on a mission to bring back the real history of soda in Hawai’i—back when it was made with real fruit juice and natural cane sugar, not the high-fructose “dirty word” we think of today. Their “why” runs deep in the family, and it’s led to this amazing product that is exploding.

We get into the whole journey, from a kitchen idea in 2020 to scaling to the mainland, and OF COURSE, we do a deep dive on the packaging.

Find the Brand:

• Website: hawaiiansodaco.com

• Instagram: @HawaiianSodaCo

• Where to Buy: Check their site, find them at World Market, or get it shipped from HouseofManaUp.com!

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🌴 Key Takeaways:

• The “Dirty Word”: We talked about how “soda” has become a negative term. But Hawaiian Soda Co. is flipping that by going back to the roots—like Gina’s husband’s family, who used to mix fresh juice with soda water.

• Real Ingredients (No, Really): This isn’t “hint of fruit.” We’re talking 40-50% real fruit juice in every can. There’s NO added sugar, and it’s all-natural and caffeine-free.

• The Mission: “Paradise in every sip.” They are 100% delivering on this promise.

• INSANE Growth: This is wild. They went from that kitchen idea in 2020 to launching with a major retailer in July 2023. In just over two years, they’ve scaled to over 1,500 doors and 6,000 points of distribution. That is serious speed.

• The Pronunciation: Big takeaway for me! I finally learned how to say it correctly: Hah-vy-ee. (Gina was super gracious about my “Aloha” intro... 😅)

📦 Packaging Deep Dive: The Sleek Can Strategy

You know this is my favorite part. I am obsessed with their packaging strategy.

• The 12oz Sleek Can: This was 100% intentional. Gina said when they looked at the local market, everyone was using the same standard can.

• Differentiation > Operation: They chose to make it operationally harder on themselves (they have to bring the sleek cans in from out-of-state) just so they would look completely different on the shelf. That’s how you win.

• Sleeves to Print: They started with shrink sleeves (the classic startup move!) and are now big enough to be transitioning to direct-print cans. We love to see that CPG journey.

🔄 The Role Reversal: Gina Interviews Me!

This was awesome. Gina flipped the script and asked me a killer packaging question.

• Her Question: “We’re thinking about 4-packs and variety packs. What are the things we need to consider for retail?”

• My Take:

  1. Start with your Co-Man: Don’t design something in a vacuum. Find out what your contract manufacturer can actually run. Paper rings? Auto-bottom boxes? That’s your starting point.

  2. The Power of the Box: I’m a huge fan of the rigid 4-pack folding carton. It gives you massive brand real estate.

  3. Stop the Spin!: Most importantly, a box stops the cans from spinning on the shelf. You control the branding, so the customer always sees your logo, not the nutrition panel.

We even brainstormed a wild 4-can-across concept. You’ll have to listen for that!

This was such a fun conversation. Go check out hawaiiansodaco.com, give them a follow, and go try this soda.

Let’s goooo!