Rockstar (branded ROCKST★R) is an energy drink created in 2001. With 14% of the US market in 2008, Rockstar is a leading energy drink brand. Rockstar is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. As of January 2013, Rockstar Energy Drink is available in over twenty flavors, and is in over thirty countries.

 

History

Nissan 240SXcompetition car from the 2011 Montreal International Auto Show listing Rockstar's logo.

 

Founded in 1998 by Russell Weiner,the son of conservative talkshow host Michael Savage, Rockstar launched into the fastest-growing segment of the US beverage market at the time, energy drinks.In addition to featuring different ingredients, which it claimed were "scientifically formulated to speed the recovery time of those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles—from athletes to rock stars,"Rockstar sought to differentiate itself from the market leader, Red Bull, by using a 16 oz can size (against Red Bull's 8 oz can) and marketing itself as "twice the size of Red Bull for the same price."

 

By 2007, Rockstar was one of the top three energy drink brands in North America, (having enjoyed a 155% growth in sales in 2004,reaching $48 million) and had sold over a billion cans.It had 14% of the US energy drink market in 2008, and as of 2009 was available in over 20 countries, in addition to the United States. Rockstar switched distributors from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo in the summer of 2009.

 

Events

Like its competitor Red Bull, Rockstar sponsors a range of action sports and music events, including the Mayhem Festival, a metal and rock festival touring the United States in July and August; the Uproar Festival, a rock festival touring the United States in September and October.

 

Products

Rockstar cans are known for their bright distinct colors, the various Rockstar flavors are frequently referred to by the color of the can more so than the specific name (e.g. "Zero Carb" is "Blue Rockstar", "Recovery Lemonade" is "Yellow Rockstar", "PerfectBerry" is "Pink Rockstar"