Spirits Distribution Expands as Ysidro Sake Spritz Debuts in 99 Ranch California

Ysidro quietly launched its new Sake Spritz into California’s largest Asian‑grocery chain, 99 Ranch Market, a move that signals an early test of the premium high‑ABV RTD segment for operators and distributors alike.

The canned beverage carries a 6.9% ABV—well above the typical 4–5% range of hard‑seltzers—and is positioned as a premium RTD that commands higher price points than low‑ABV cocktails.

Breakthru Beverage Group, which serves thousands of on‑ and off‑premise accounts across California, became Ysidro’s distributor in February 2026. With more than 50 99 Ranch stores statewide, the partnership gives the brand a ready‑made platform to gauge demand before expanding into other outlets such as Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, and Lazy Acres.

While the category saw a 42.3% jump in U.S. RTD sales in 2021, recent reports indicate softness by 2025. In that environment, a strong sell‑through at a single major retailer can justify wider distribution and make a compelling case to other buyers.

For trade, the limited launch offers a low‑risk opportunity to assess appetite for high‑ABV, clean‑label drinks in a culturally focused retail setting—an insight that could shape future shelf decisions and partnership strategies.