Modica Market’s new line of sodas — M soda — includes vanilla cream, orange cream, black cherry and ginger ale. Photo by Susan Benton.
Modica Market introduces exclusive soda line By Susan Benton
The news is out that Modica Market has de-veloped a fresh new line of delightfully fresh sodas, and based on the sales during spring break, they are quite popular.
“We sold out,” owner Charlie Modica says, “I received the very first shipment just days before spring break and it flew out of the refrigerator case in just two weeks.”
Most know Modica Market as the idyllic grocery store that opened in Seaside in 1988 by purveyors Charles Sr., and his wife, Sarah. Rich with history, this family friendly market has grown to sell gourmet products, breakfast, lunch and beach foods to go. For those staying in Seaside, the Modica team can fill the pantry and fridge of their clientele by delivering groceries upon request, and will whip up a beautiful gift basket to enjoy on the spot, or ready to ship.
Modica Market sells several products with their own private label, such as their wine, pasta sauce, and now M soda’s, with Charlie Modica envisioning more to come.
As the idea for M soda evolved, Modica says, “I wanted to capture the spirit of our customers, young and old, by creating a product everyone could identify with.” He thought the choice of using organic cane sugar rather than refined in the soda would be healthier, and might bring nostalgia to some with the product’s retro feel.
Putting his idea on the backburner until the summer of 2012 season passed, Modica jumped right in working diligently over the fall and winter, ensuring this high quality product would be delivered by spring.
Ed Keen, a Southern distributor for Bay’s Best Beverages, met with Modica to discuss his idea, thought it was terrific, and was sure to be a winner. Keen introduced Modica to the Orca Beverage Company, a national distributor, who was willing to work with Modica on developing and formulating the flavors, as well as bottling the product.
The six flavors were tweaked until perfected, and those currently available are root beer, black cherry, cola, vanilla cream, orange cream and ginger ale. “I insisted on using organic cane sugar, organic honey, and pure extracts like vanilla, orange and sassafras,” Modica says. “It is what our customers are looking for.”
When it came time for branding and developing the label for M soda, Modica knew right away he would be calling David DeGregorio of the Central Idea Agency, located in Santa Rosa Beach. With multiple gold and silver Addy awards, David and wife, Cari, have a full-service design and marketing agency. David DeGregorio is also well known for his creativity in designing the monthly Seaside Farmers Market posters. “David is so easy to work with,” Modica says. “He knew our pulse, how we operate, the store’s clientele, plus I love everything he does.”
With the six flavors of M soda back in stock, Modica says they won’t last long, as the soda is purchased as needed so it won’t sit around.
Modica Market is located at 109 Seaside Central Square. (850) 231-1214
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Susan Benton is the owner of 30AEATS.com, where she shares her passion for food and travel, and her commitment to promoting local farmers, fishermen, chefs, artisans and restaurants along the Gulf Coast.