Thinking about jumping into the booming energy drink market? You’re not alone. The demand for energy drinks continues to rise, and whether you want to launch your own brand or start distributing existing products, now is the perfect time. But success requires more than just a cool label and some caffeine.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to start selling energy drinks — from choosing a business model to sourcing products and building a brand that stands out.
Entrepreneur learning how to start selling energy drinks
Understand the Energy Drink Industry
Before you dive in, take time to research the market. The energy drink sector is expected to grow past $100 billion globally by 2030. The main drivers? Young adults, fitness enthusiasts, and shift workers looking for reliable energy on the go.
Some key product types include:
- Ready-to-drink (RTD) cans like Red Bull and Ghost Energy
- Sugar-free or clean-label functional drinks
- White-label and private brand opportunities
Find a niche you can own—whether it’s gym-goers, students, truckers, or gamers—and build from there.
Choose Your Business Model
There’s more than one way to break into this business. You can start small by reselling popular energy drinks, or go big with your own label.
Option 1: Become a Distributor
Buy well-known brands in bulk and sell to convenience stores, gyms, or online. This is a quick way to get started with low branding costs , How to Start Selling Energy Drinks
Option 2: Launch a Private Label
Use a manufacturer’s existing formula but package it under your own brand. You’ll need to design the branding and order in larger quantities, but it gives you more control.
Option 3: Create Your Own Formula
If you want full creative control, work with a beverage development company to create a custom drink. This path requires more money and time but offers the biggest brand potential. How to Start Selling Energy Drinks
Find a Reliable Supplier
No matter your model, sourcing is everything. Work with trusted partners like Bejois Distributing, where you can buy energy drinks wholesale, including top brands like Red Bull, Monster, and Ghost Energy. We ship locally and internationally and support both retail and bulk orders.
If you’re going private label, choose a manufacturer that meets FDA regulations and offers flexible production volumes. How to Start Selling Energy Drinks
Register Your Business and Stay Compliant
Before selling anything, set up your legal foundation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A registered business entity (LLC is a common choice)
- A resale certificate or seller’s permit
- Liability insurance (recommended for all beverage businesses)
- FDA-compliant packaging and labeling if producing your own product
If you’re selling online, ensure your checkout process meets tax and security standards.
Build a Brand That Gets Noticed
Energy drinks compete heavily on branding. Your product needs to catch eyes and speak to your audience instantly.
Consider:
- A memorable product name
- Clear benefits on the label (e.g., “zero sugar” or “enhanced focus”)
- High-impact design
- A story that connects (Who is the drink for? Why should they trust you?)
Don’t cut corners here. Professional design and positioning can make the difference between sitting on shelves and flying off them.
Choose Where to Sell
There are many places to sell energy drinks—your strategy should match your business model.
Some options:
- Local gyms, stores, or supplement shops
- An online store (Shopify, Amazon, eBay)
- Wholesale marketplaces for B2B buyers
- Direct export to international buyers
- Vending machines and food trucks
Start with one or two and expand as your sales grow. Online offers the fastest scale potential with the lowest overhead. How to Start Selling Energy Drinks
Set Up Logistics and Inventory
Efficient logistics ensure customers get your product quickly and in good condition.
Plan for:
- Storage space (keep it cool and dry)
- Shipping partners or freight solutions for large orders
- Order tracking and returns
- Inventory management tools (especially important for eCommerce)
If you’re working with a distributor, ask if they offer fulfillment services.
Promote Your Energy Drink Business
Once you have product on hand, it’s time to build visibility. Marketing is what separates lasting brands from one-hit wonders.
Start with:
- Social media campaigns (especially TikTok and Instagram)
- Sponsoring local events or sports teams
- Wholesale deals or launch bundles to drive early sales
- Creating blog content that answers customer questions
Build an email list early—it’s your most valuable direct marketing asset.
Monitor Performance and Scale Up
Track what’s working so you can scale it. Monitor your costs, margins, best-selling flavors, and customer feedback.
Key performance metrics:
- Cost per acquisition (CPA)
- Average order value (AOV)
- Sell-through rate (wholesale)
- Repeat purchase rate
Use this data to optimize your pricing, marketing, and inventory strategy.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own energy drink business is totally achievable—if you plan smart. Whether you’re reselling popular brands or building your own, success comes down to strategy, consistency, and understanding your customer.
If you’re looking for a reliable supplier or want to stock energy drinks in bulk, Bejois Distributing is here to help. We provide high-demand products, competitive wholesale pricing, and global shipping.
Ready to start selling energy drinks? Reach out to our team and let’s power your business.
