Why Are Carbonated Beverages Called Soft Drinks?

Soft describes the drink category

In everyday usage, soft drinks are non-alcoholic drinks, in contrast to alcoholic or “hard” drinks. The word does not describe the strength of the bubbles. Carbonated drinks are a familiar part of the category, but soft drink and carbonated drink are not interchangeable descriptions.

For purchasing, a category name is only a starting point. A buyer needs the identity and specification of the actual product being offered, rather than assuming that every beverage in a category has the same ingredients, format or labelling.

Specify the assortment

List the brand, product name, flavour and pack size you want quoted. Separate cans and bottles, and distinguish individual units from multipacks and cartons. If a particular formulation or packaging language matters to your range, include it in the request so it can be checked against the offered stock.

Keep alternatives separate from the requested line. A different flavour, sweetener formulation or pack size may suit a different customer even when the brand name is the same. Ask for confirmation before treating two lines as substitutes.

Prepare a wholesale request

Provide the target quantity, destination and preferred shipment format. Ask for the carton configuration, available product information and remaining shelf-life details that your buying decision requires. Availability and the final specification should be confirmed in the quotation; a catalogue listing is an invitation to enquire.