The news is out that Modica Market has a line of new flavorful sodas, and based on the sales during spring break, they are quite popular.
Charlie Modica says, “We sold out! 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, Florida in 1988 by purveyors Charles, Sr, and his wife Sarah. Rich with history, this family friendly market sells gourmet products, breakfast, lunch, and beach foods to go. If staying in Seaside, the Modica team will fill the pantry and fridge of their clientele by delivering groceries upon request, and can whip up a beautiful gift basket on the spot, or to ship.
Modica Market sells several products with their own 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 that the choice of organic cane sugar over refined would be healthier, and would bring nostalgia to some with its retro feel.
Putting it on the backburner till the summer 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 what is currently available are the refreshing flavors of root beer, black cherry, cola, vanilla cream, orange cream and ginger ale. Modica says, “I insisted on using organic cane sugar, organic honey, and pure extracts like vanilla, orange and sassafras. 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. Davis DeGregorio is also the designer for the famed Seaside Farmers Market posters. Modica says, “David is so easy to work with. He knew our pulse, how we operate, the stores clientele, plus I love everything he does!”
With the six flavors of M soda back on the shelves, Charlie Modica says, “They won’t last long as the soda is purchased as needed so it won’t sit around. Stop by and try our cool and refreshing, Modica soda!”
Modica Market is located at 109 Seaside Central Square. They can be reached by phone by calling (850) 231-1214, or online at www.modicamarket.com.
This 30AEATS article first appeared in The Seaside Times, May/June 2013
