The News
Stateside Brands, the maker of Surfside and Super Lyte, was named a 2026 USA Today Top Workplaces award winner. The company announced the recognition in Philadelphia, PA on May 28, 2026. It has also been named the 2025 Spirits Brand of the Year and is the #3 spirits volume brand in 2025. The company is moving to a new headquarters in downtown Philadelphia on Ludlow Street this month.
Trade readers are watching how rapid scaling can influence inventory decisions and distributor planning. Stateside Brands’ recent announcement offers a case study of an RTD producer expanding its footprint while navigating supply‑chain pressures.
Stateside Brands announced a 101 % increase in workforce over the past year and a new downtown Philadelphia headquarters, while its Surfside ready‑to‑drink (RTD) line continues to lead volume growth in the U.S. spirits market. The release highlights how rapid scaling can affect inventory decisions, distributors’ replenishment timing, and consumer reactions.
The company also earned a 2026 Top Workplaces award. Beverage Information Group data shows RTDs grew nearly 18 % in 2025, outpacing the overall spirits market’s modest 1.6 % rise and eclipsing vodka as the leading category by volume. Stateside’s Surfside brand sold more than 11 million cases in 2025, up from 4.9 million a year earlier—a 124 percent increase that far exceeds the 18 percent category growth.
The mismatch between RTD category growth (18%) and Surfside’s 124% volume jump highlights its outsized performance, suggesting distributors will face heightened replenishment demands. The rise of roughly 6.1 million units underscores how far ahead Surfside is relative to peers, indicating that distributors may need to reallocate shelf space and tighten replenishment schedules.
Bar managers can capitalize by featuring Surfside prominently on cocktail menus; its rapid growth indicates strong consumer acceptance and could boost turnover. Operators should also prepare for potential price adjustments as supply tightens—a common outcome when demand accelerates.
Distributors must watch depletions closely; replenishment needs will rise faster than typical RTD trends. Negotiating earlier delivery windows and securing extra shelf space can prevent stockouts during the projected 12‑week peak in demand.
RTD buyers look for consistency and convenience. Surfside’s history of doubling volume signals it delivers on these criteria, positioning it for wider adoption as the brand expands its distribution footprint. Availability may be constrained if demand outpaces supply—bar managers can plan for up to a 12‑week lead time as Surfside scales inventory.
Original Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 28, 2026) — Stateside Brands, the makers of ready-to-drink (RTD) category leader Surfside and new-to-market brand Super Lyte, today announced it has been named a “2026 USA Today Top Workplaces” award winner. The award marks a significant milestone on the heels of prior regional Top Workplaces recognition by The Philadelphia Inquirer. These honors reflect the company’s continued investment in a high-performing, people-first culture as it scales its business nationwide as the 2025 Spirits Brand of the Year and the #3 spirits volume brand in 2025*.
The recognition comes during a period of accelerated growth for Stateside Brands, with its team expanding by 101% over the past 12 months. While the company’s HR department is driving these internal results, the company is simultaneously scaling its national footprint with new product launches, a built-out distributor network, and fully integrated marketing strategies. This month also marks a milestone moment for Stateside Brands, as the company officially moves to its new headquarters in downtown Philadelphia on Ludlow Street. As the portfolio has scaled with rapid growth, the size of the team has scaled as well and is eager to use this cutting-edge workspace to continue developing industry-leading products and best-in-class market plans.
“This award reflects our belief that lasting business success starts from within. As we’ve scaled, we’ve remained focused on building a culture where employees feel empowered and connected,” said Ed McGehean, Stateside Brands Vice President of Human Resources. “This recognition underscores how a strong internal culture fuels meaningful, sustained growth.”
Stateside Brands also earned Top 5% Culture Badges for Company Direction and Innovation, maintaining its top-tier standing in both categories for the second consecutive year. The company also ranked in the Top 25% across multiple culture drivers, including Trusted Leadership, Strong Values, Work-Life Balance, Meaningful Work, Open-Mindedness, Leaders in the Know, and Cross-Team Cooperation.
Based entirely on anonymous employee feedback collected through an independent survey administered by Energage, the Top Workplaces award benchmarks companies against peers of similar size, measuring key drivers of organizational health and employee engagement.
Stateside Brands’ culture achievements complement a growing list of industry accolades across its portfolio. Surfside was named the #1 top growth spirits brand worldwide from 2022 to 2024 by IMPACT Databank, Brewbound’s 2024 “Beyond Beer Company of the Year,” and VinePair’s 2024 “Next Wave Rising Drinks Brand of the Year.” Additional honors include Beverage Information Group’s 2025 “Growth Brands Awards Rising Star,” Impact’s “Hot Brand Award” (2024–2026), The Spirits Business’ 2025 “RTD Brand Champion,” and “2025 Spirits Brand of the Year” by Market Watch Magazine.
*IMPACT Databank 2025
Sources consulted (web research):
- Our 2026 Ready To Drink Growth Brands Awards Winners
- Stateside Brands Earns 2026 Top Workplaces Honor
- Best Places To Work Lst Kq0,19
Source: BevNET