Peoria-based Momentum Distribution Inc. is bringing a new energy drink to the Arizona market, introducing Golden Eagle Energy Drink to Valley consumers.
Peoria-based Momentum Distribution Inc. is bringing a new energy drink to the Arizona market, introducing Golden Eagle Energy Drink to Valley consumers through local business partnerships, free sampling and a community-focused approach.
The company is leading the beverage’s U.S. expansion, beginning in metropolitan Phoenix before potentially moving into other Western states. Golden Eagle, which originated in Kosovo in 2006, is already sold in approximately 37 to 38 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Momentum Distribution General Manager Florim Yuri said the company sees an opportunity to introduce an affordable alternative to established energy drink brands.
“We want to prove to everybody else that you can get great value, great taste at a great price,” Yuri said.
Yuri, who also operates a trucking company with a fleet of 55 trucks, became involved with Golden Eagle after connecting with the beverage’s manufacturer through a mutual acquaintance.
He said the partnership presented an opportunity to build another business while supporting job creation and bringing a product with an established international presence to American consumers.
Phoenix was a natural starting point because Yuri already operates businesses in the area.
“The idea is to start here for the next six months, possibly a year, and then expand to the whole Western region,” Yuri said.
The company’s longer-term expansion plans include Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and California over the next two years.
For now, Momentum Distribution is concentrating on establishing Golden Eagle throughout the Valley.
Yuri said the beverage is currently available at approximately 55 to 60 retail locations, including several businesses operating multiple stores. The company is also pursuing opportunities with larger grocery chains, including Fry’s and Safeway, although those agreements have not been finalized.
A team of five sales representatives is visiting convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, bars and independently owned businesses to expand the company’s retail presence.
“We’re working in two directions,” Yuri said. “The first direction is going to the small businesses, mom-and-pop shops, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants and bars.”
Momentum Distribution’s Peoria operation serves as a distribution hub for Arizona and the West Coast. Golden Eagle is manufactured in Europe, shipped to the United States in containers and transported to the company’s warehouse before reaching retailers.
While securing shelf space is a priority, the company is also introducing the beverage directly to consumers through its street and promotional teams.
Megan Van Lewen, a sales representative who leads the street team and promotional efforts, said Golden Eagle ambassadors are traveling throughout the Valley, offering free cans and building relationships with residents.
Representatives have been active in communities including Peoria, Surprise and Laveen.
“When you see us, just come up and grab a can from us,” Van Lewen said. “We’d love to give you one.”
Van Lewen said the company hopes to expand its promotional presence through community events and partnerships with local organizations.
Although larger event activations are still being developed, she said the team is particularly interested in opportunities that bring residents together.
“We really want to support the area that we’re in and we want to show Phoenix that not only do we have this amazing drink, but we’re here for you,” Van Lewen said.
That community connection has already produced memorable experiences.
Van Lewen recalled visiting a mechanic shop with samples and watching employees gather to try the beverage.
“All of a sudden, every single mechanic came out,” she said. “Everybody was wanting one and I made their day.”
For Yuri, those interactions are essential to introducing an unfamiliar product in a competitive industry.
“The biggest challenge is getting brand recognition and having consumers try the product,” Yuri said.
Beyond sampling, the company is emphasizing personal relationships with retailers and customer service as it grows. Van Lewen said representatives regularly visit businesses simply to check in, rather than focusing exclusively on sales.
“We are 100% relationship-based,” she said. “Anything that we can do to assist, anything we can do to help our clients and our customers, we’re going to do it.”
Yuri hopes that approach will distinguish Momentum Distribution as its retail network expands.
Within six months to a year, the company aims to secure placement in two or three major grocery chains and reach approximately 750 to 1,200 individual retail locations.
Van Lewen has an additional goal: making Golden Eagle a recognizable name throughout Arizona.
“I would like to see in the next six months to a year that Golden Eagle becomes a household name, ” she said.
Yuri believes the company’s combination of affordability, customer relationships and community engagement can help it achieve those ambitions.
“We’re excited,” Yuri said. “We’re ready to move forward into the next few steps.
“I believe in three to six months we will have a great presence.”
