Carolina Made Beverages

Feature in TheInsiderWeekly.com, Bizweekly.com, GoodmorningUs.com, and CeoTimes.com

Carolina Made Beverage Firm Inc. is a proudly Southern-owned beverage company that specializes in craft sodas and functional sports drinks made with real ingredients. Founded in the Carolinas and deeply rooted in local identity, the company began as Carolina Made Beverages LLC, later expanding and restructuring into its current form to meet growing regional demand.

Led by Deondrikk McFadden, also the creator of Merkerz Energy Drink, Carolina Made champions authentic flavor, cleaner ingredients, and community-focused branding. Their beverages are made with real cane sugar, sports drink have no dyes, and a focus on small-batch quality.

🧃 Company Overview & History

Carolina Made Beverages LLC began as a regional craft beverage brand rooted in North and South Carolina. Founded by entrepreneur Deondrikk McFadden—formerly known for launching Merkerz Energy Drink—the company was rebranded and restructured under his leadership, leading to rapid growth in local sales and community support.

Now operating as Carolina Made Beverage Firm Incorporated, the brand offers a lineup of craft sodas and sports drinks made with real cane sugar, squeezed fruits, spices, and fewer artificial additives than typical mainstream sodas. They position their beverages as more flavorful yet lower in sugar than traditional options.

📍 Regional & Distribution Footprint

• Today their products are distributed across approximately 20 locations and four restaurants in both SC and NC—including cities like Sumter, Camden, Columbia, Greenville, Manning, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville—and reportedly expanding beyond.

• Their direct-to-consumer storefront offers a variety of flavors including Black Cherry, Pineapple, Orange, Grape, Raspberry Lime, Ginger Ale, Lemonade, Vanilla Cream, and Sweet Tea 

🍶 Product Line & Philosophy

• The brand emphasizes small-batch craft sodas using real ingredients and avoids high-fructose corn syrup. Cane sugar and natural or fruit flavors are the go-to ingredients, aiming for a more authentic Southern taste.

Flavors include:

• Black Cherry Soda – bold, smooth, made in small batches with real black cherry flavor and cane sugar.

• Pineapple Soda – vivid tropical flavor, balanced sweetness, caffeine-free.

• Additional offerings: Orange Soda, Grape, Ginger Ale, Raspberry Lime, Lemonade, Sweet Tea, Vanilla Cream Soda

🏃 Brand Identity & Mission

• Carolina Made focuses on identity-driven branding, spotlighting local artists, DJs, entrepreneurs, athletes, and producers from the Carolinas who inspire community empowerment and regional pride.
• The mission emphasizes authentic regional roots, innovative flavors, and a community-first approach—including naming and partnerships with local influencers and businesses.

✅ Looking Ahead

Carolina Made Beverage Firm Incorporated continues expanding its footprint in the Southeast with a focus on authentic flavor and culturally resonant branding. While still a relatively young brand, it's gaining traction with fans of craft sodas and regionally driven beverage producers.

Carolina Made Active is a new beverage line for Carolina Made. Which caters more towards athletes. Of all sorts with smash flavors. Like Buddhaberry Kiwi (Blueberry kiwi), Watermelon Grape, Kiwi lemon, and Pineapple Peach. Made with cane sugar as well and no dyes.

🧃 Craft Soda Line

The original line of Carolina Made sodas features bold, nostalgic, and naturally sweet flavors:

• Black Cherry
• Pineapple
• Grape
• Orange
• Raspberry Lime
• Ginger Ale
• Lemonade
• Vanilla Cream
• Sweet Tea

All crafted with cane sugar and minimal processing, appealing to soda lovers seeking an upgrade from mainstream brands.

🏃‍♂️ New: Carolina Made Active

The Athletic Extension of the Brand

Carolina Made Active is a new line of sports and performance beverages created for athletes of all types—from casual gym-goers to competitive athletes. Staying true to the Carolina Made mission, these drinks offer bold flavors, clean hydration, and natural ingredients with no artificial dyes and real cane sugar.

🧨 Featured Smash Flavors:

• Buddhaberry Kiwi (Blueberry Kiwi)
• Watermelon Grape
• Kiwi Lemon
• Pineapple Peach

These flavors are designed to offer a refreshing, energizing, and clean-tasting alternative to traditional sports drinks, focusing on natural taste, electrolyte-friendly ingredients, and recovery support.

📊 The Market Opportunity

U.S. non-alcoholic beverage market = $250B+

Craft soda and functional beverage segments are among the fastest-growing categories

Consumers are shifting to premium, authentic, and functional options

Carolina Made bridges the gap: flavor + culture + performance

Brand Values & Identity

Crafted in the Carolinas: Proudly representing Southern culture, artistry, and flavor.

Community-Driven: Partners with local influencers, creatives, and businesses.

Health-Conscious Formulas: No dyes, no high-fructose corn syrup, and fewer artificial additives.

Inclusive Energy: Sports drink options now cater to athletes, creatives, and everyday grinders alike.