After weeks of speculation, social media teasers and plenty of consumer curiosity, South Side Hard Soda has revealed its latest flavour: Watermelon Twist.
The new release brings a juicy watermelon profile to the South African RTD market, combining crisp flavour, balanced sweetness and a natural watermelon taste without an artificial finish.
It is a colourful comeback for a brand that has spent recent months building momentum behind the scenes.
Watermelon Twist enters the South Side family
South Side describes Watermelon Twist as one of its most anticipated flavour launches in months.
The flavour delivers the crisp, juicy sweetness associated with ripe watermelon while staying true to the personality that has helped South Side establish itself in the ready-to-drink category.
It is refreshing, bold and designed to be easy drinking.
But there is more to the launch than simply adding another flavour to the shelf.
Watermelon Twist marks the latest chapter in South Side’s rapidly developing story in South Africa.
From comeback to national expansion
The launch comes only weeks after South Side announced its national expansion across more than 2,000 retail doors.
The brand has also announced significant investment in local production, strengthening its ability to build on its growing presence in the market.
That makes the arrival of Watermelon Twist particularly significant.
South Side is not simply returning to shelves. It is using its return to build a bigger national footprint.
The latest flavour also follows a deliberate period of anticipation, with the brand using a subtle teaser campaign across social media to keep consumers guessing about what was coming next.
Now the mystery has been solved.
Watermelon Twist is here.
“We’ve been listening to our community”
According to South Side Director Trent Varejes, the new flavour has been shaped by what consumers have been asking for.
“We’ve been listening to our community, and the demand for new flavours has been loud and clear.”
For Varejes, Watermelon Twist is also a signal of where the brand is heading.
“Watermelon Twist proves we’re not slowing down. We’re evolving, staying irreverent and giving our community exactly what they’ve been asking for. This is just the warm-up.”
That final line could prove important.
South Side says its expanded distribution, strengthened production capabilities and appetite for pushing boundaries point to what could be its most exciting phase yet.
A new flavour for a growing RTD player
South Africa’s ready-to-drink market has become increasingly competitive, with consumers looking for convenient drinks that deliver distinctive flavours and personalities.
South Side is positioning Watermelon Twist as an extension of its existing identity rather than a departure from it.
The result is a flavour built around watermelon, but wrapped in the brand’s familiar attitude.
For consumers who have been waiting to see what South Side would do next, the answer has arrived.
And judging by the brand’s comments, there could be more surprises on the way.
Where to find Watermelon Twist
South Side Watermelon Twist will be available at selected retailers nationwide, including:
- Tops at SPAR
- Pick n Pay Liquor
- Norman Goodfellows
- Ultra Liquors
- Liquor City
- Selected retailers nationwide
Consumers can use the South Side store locator to find participating retailers.
The next chapter has officially begun
Watermelon Twist is more than a new flavour for South Side.
It arrives at a moment when the brand is expanding its national presence, investing in local production and responding directly to demand from its community.
After the teasers, speculation and wait, the newest member of the South Side family has finally stepped into the spotlight.
Watermelon Twist has arrived — and South Side says this is only the warm-up.
