Southern Champion - BuzzBallz Sells 1 Million Ready to Drink Cocktails in 2019, CEO Merrilee Kick

Whether you like your Ballz small, big or tall BuzzBallz has a ready to drink – RTD cocktail to fit everyone’s choice of size. And with a combination of 13 different flavors mixed with a variety of spirits there’s a BuzzBallz for every pallet.

Ok, let’s admit it, the purest at your distillery may balk at these Ballz but the CFO will be high fiving their success.

BuzzBallz are made by Southern Champions in Carrollton, Texas. This woman owned company closed out 2019 by celebrating the 1 million cases sold mark. And if you are thinking they just caught on to the ready-to-drink bubble you would be wrong. BuzzBallz was founded in 2009 by high school teacher Merrilee Kick. As Founder and CEO of BuzzBallz she says she’s been working toward this goal for 10 years.

Today, Kick is the only female owner of a combined distillery and winery in the United States, operating the business with a team of more than 100 men and women. What was once a small, family-owned-and-operated business has grown to a midsized, alcohol manufacturer, managing distribution across the US and internationally.

BuzzBallz - Merrilee Kick CEO and Founder of BuzzBallz
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BuzzBallz Founder and CEO Merrilee Kick

RTD cocktails are a growing trend and BuzzBallz has been at the head of the pack. These cocktails are 15 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and made with all-natural juices and creams, providing the craft cocktail taste on the go. At the core of the business is the buzz that has been created by their loyal customer base who spread the word about the convenience and multiple flavors.

“I believe customer awareness and demand are at the core of our expansion, as well as chain retail exposure,” remarked Kick.

Kick’s strides in business and tenacity have garnered her and the company local and national “buzz.” In February, Kick was selected as a top 10 finalist for the National Women Business Owner of the Year Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners. BuzzBallz was also ranked the 60th fastest growing company in the North Texas region by the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University (SMU) and is nominated for an Innovation Award by D CEO magazine.

Southern Champion is a family and woman-owned distillery with distribution in 47 states and abroad.

See all Texas Distilleries.

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