Jones Soda Q3 revenue surges 204%
On November 10, Jones Soda Co. posted a dramatic financial leap in its third quarter, tripling its top-line revenue and swinging well into positive net income. The craft soda maker saw revenue jump 204% year over year to a record $13.7 million for the period ended Sept. 30, up from $4.5 million during the same period last year.
Gross margin widened to 34% compared to 29% a year earlier, helping generate operating income of $400,000 against an operating loss of $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2025. Net income from continuing operations finished at $471,000, while adjusted EBITDA hit $869,000.
For Canadian convenience store operators tracking cold-vault performance, the company's aggressive rebound signals shifting consumer appetite for specialty beverages, zero-sugar alternatives and high-profile brand collaborations that drive impulse basket sizes.
Pop culture tie-ins and zero sugar drive shelf velocity
A significant part of the momentum comes from clever consumer crossovers and expanded regional lineups. Jones Soda recently rolled out a Zero Sugar lineup across Western Canada, responding directly to shoppers seeking reduced sugar without giving up the premium craft taste profile.
The company also capitalized on gaming and nostalgia fandoms by launching an exclusive variety pack featuring Nuka-Cola flavours from the Fallout franchise, alongside a limited-edition collaboration with Crayola to mark its 30th anniversary.
"Revenue grew 204% year over year to a record $13.7 million, gross margin expanded to 34.4% and we generated $400,000 of operating income compared with a $1.4 million operating loss a year earlier," said Scott Harvey, chief executive officer of Jones Soda. "These results reflect the progress we are making in expanding distribution, strengthening our product portfolio and improving operating leverage."
Harvey noted that these licensing agreements and targeted regional rollouts are critical for drawing younger shoppers and collectors into the brand's orbit.
READ: Jones Soda relaunches limited-edition Fallout-themed soda pack ahead of Fallout Day
Eyeing the functional beverage boom
Looking ahead, Jones Soda plans to venture beyond traditional carbonated soft drinks into functional health. The company is preparing gut-health innovations under its new Jones Labs umbrella.
That shift directly reflects current buying patterns in Canadian c-stores, where functional sodas, prebiotics and wellness drinks continue to steal valuable shelf space from legacy soda brands. Retailers who allocate cooler doors to functional wellness stand to capture higher price points and premium ring totals from health-conscious consumers on the go.
Steady outlook for full-year 2026
Jones Soda reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, forecasting total annual net revenue above $45 million and positive adjusted EBITDA. Through the first nine months of the year, revenue reached $36.3 million, up 167% from the $13.6 million reported during the first three quarters of 2025.
For neighbourhood c-stores and regional chains, Jones Soda's surge highlights an important merchandising lesson: Refreshing your cold vaults with limited-edition collaborations and better-for-you formulations can turn casual foot traffic into profitable impulse sales.
