Tastemonials

Hi I was at EAT Vancouver 2008, where I got my 1st taste of BlackFly Coolers and their Spiked Ice......... can I just say phenomenal job guys!!!! It's the best natural fruit juice cooler I have ever drank! Me and my friends kept coming back to your booth, b/c your stuff was addictive!! I'm definitely going to let all my friends and family know about your product!!! It's only Monday and I feel I've already told the world about BlackFly!!

from Sunny - Very Satisfied Customer!!

Sunny
Vancouver, British Columbia

I absoultely love your coolers as well as your "spiked ice"! We were at your

booth at Eat Vancouver at least 4 times trying each kind of spiked ice(strawberry/rhubarb is our favourite). A week later we walked to our local liquor store at newport village in port moody and bought a package of the spiked ice and had some friends over to try it (they thought it was the best concept they have ever seen). Since then, spiked ice and the vodka cooler are the only drinks I can have ...probably due to the very minimal amount of sugar in your coolers. I will continue to purchase your drinks and spiked ice because they are awesome!

One of your most dedicated customers!

Karla
Port Moody, British Columbia

I just wanted to let you know how much we like your coolers. It has become a favourite drink at our family cottage. We actually drink more Blackfly now than we do beer...and by a great margin! As a family, we do not normally drink coolers but we happened to try your drink at the Cottage Life Show this past spring (our pictures are on your website...the Safety Cleat crew...our booth was just one isle over from the dock party) and we were pleasantly surprised. Normally, coolers tend to be very sweet, but your drink is tart and very thirst quenching. As we have had visitors at our cottage, we have gotten them hooked too! I also like how you have 'freezes in the same flavours. What a great idea. They are a nice treat if you want to cool off from a day down by the dock. One other feature that I like about the products is that they are Canadian and well...that just makes me feel good....like having a few of your coolers :)

Anton
Blackstone Lake, Ontario

I am an employee of the LCBO and I am a BIG fan.

I started buying your Spiked Ice last summer, and recently I have tried your coolers in an "in store tasting". I am already a fan as your are the only cooler that comes in a plastic bottle and I own a pool with strict enforcement of a no glass rule.

I am curious as to why the Strawberry Rhubarb are not available in four packs (or at least they aren't at my store). These are my favorite in the Spiked Ice flavors so I expect I will like those the best out of the party pack I just purchased.

The reason for my email is mostly to let you know that whenever I see someone purchasing your spiked Ice, I let them know to take them out of the box to freeze, and I also give them a tip I learned last summer. I always cut the spiked ice from the bottom where the packaging is narrower.

Word of mouth is definatly a great engine for promotion, and let me tell you, I prmote your products!

I am pretty much a walking advertisement for you and hopefully give others tips to keep them coming back for more. I suggest them every chance I get and steer customers in your direction all the time. Keep up the good work!

Joy
Orangeville, On

Thank you so much for the glowing review and for your kindness in sharing your love of Black Fly & how to comsume SPIKED ICE tips with your friends and customers. You are right that word of mouth is a powerful and wonderful way for a small producer like us to have people discover our unique Ontario products.

With regards to bringing strawberry/rhubarb to market in four packs. . . we wish we could right away! The LCBO's idea was to introduce our newest flavour through a 12 pack & at the moment you can only find our new flavour there. Hopefully we will continue to receive great reviews and requests for strawberry/rhubarb 4-packs, and 4-packs will follow in the future.

Wow!

Finally a cooler I can call my own...I hate the sugary ones...yours ROCKS! I will definitely convert all my gal pals...( and maybe some of the guys;-)

Can't wait to try some of the new flavours you mention...

Keep em coming...Awesome!!! ( and I love the fact they are all Cannuck! )

Michelle
Parry Sound

It is so nice to finally find a cooler that is not sweet, well done.

Alice
Quesnel, British Columbia

I just wanted to say thanks for making these coolers.

I don't like sugary coolers and can't drink beer. Your Blackfly coolers are perfect.

Anyway, thats all I wanted to say..

Maureen

I learned of your product last year through the National Post. So when I spied a four-pack on the shelves of my local BClcb, I wasted no time buying it and bringing it home. I then checked your website address, and followed the "where to buy" link. I was fascinated to learn that BC liquor stores maintain a DAILY online list of quantity of products in stock, but much to my chagrin, my outlet only has 17 (!) units of BF Cooler. I am/was a loyal customer of another high-end vodka cooler, but 17 cases won't last very long, especially once word gets out. Help!!!!

PS Congratulations on your brilliant business idea--Canadians are "thirsty" for something we can call our own and drink with pride.

Best regards

Lynn
somewhere in British Columbia

Well hello!

I just wanted to let you know that I am sitting and drinking a "BlackFly" YES!!!!! It has been two months since our local Liquor Store has had them and I have been having withdrawals.( ha ha) Yes the Amherst Liquor Store just got them in yesterday. YES!!!!!!!

I called all my fellow "Black Fly" drinkers and there was a mad dash to the store. I had a call from one friend and when she got there this afternoon they were out. Oh My Gosh! What does that tell you . They are the best and all my friends agree with me as you can see.

Thanks again for such a great Cooler .

A true "Black Fly" drinker.

"Black Flyer"

Susan
Amherst, Nova Scotia

Hello!

I simply LOVE your coolers. Not too sweet, taste that flirts with your mouth, very accommodating bottle, great price! I am going to ask the local bars up here in Northern Ontario to start carrying them!

Helene
Hearst, Ontario

We had the opportunity to try Black fly at the spring cottage life show....Loved it...

As promised, due to the fact that yankees.LOL That when the cabin gets opened we would purchase some.

Had a bit of fun chasing the elusive Black fly down from South River to Sundridge but we caught it....Still a great product

Keep up the great work and Thanks again !!

Thomas
Medina, NY / Deer lake, Ont.

I have been hooked since the first time I tryed it! The Cranberry Blueberry are my favorite. Although on a regular basis am faced with our entire city being sold out and back ordered! So, it seems you have hit

the jackpot with these super delicious drinks. Please make and ship

more!!!!

A Blackfly fan in Thunder Bay, ON.

THANKS!

Angie
Thunder Bay, Ontario

Hi Angie:

Thanks so much for taking the time to email us your rave review - and thanks for giving us the heads up on store stock outs in Thunder Bay.

We are always busy filling the warehouses and stock outs are definitely not happening because of any production issues at Black Fly. We will take action because of your email.

LCBO warehouse, store managers and staff have been amazingly supportive of our small Ontario company, so please continue to ask at the stores you shop at for more Black FLy on the shelves. We hugely appreciate it, and I think you will find LCBO staff very responsive.

Please keep in touch, and let us know if you continue to experience any trouble finding Black Fly.

We will do our thing too.

I was so incredibly surprised when I received your quick response to my e-mail! Thank you so much!

I don't require you to respond again....I just wanted to thank you and tell you that it was so wonderful to actually hear back from a company who cares about their clients! I am thoroughly looking forward to the release of the new strawberry/rhubarb flavour and convenient 12 packs. I will definately keep up the buying on my end!

Again....thanks.

Angie
Thunder Bay, Ontairo

You guys are great, and a treasured part of the city of London!

Alex
London, ON

Please help, my friends and I have become rather smitten with this product just to be told that our LCBO is no longer going to carry it??

What now?

Please help - summer is not even here yet -it will suck without this amazing product.

Liz
Campbellford, Ontario

SPIKED ICE has not been discontinued by us at Black Fly. SPIKED ICE is currently sold in over 415 LCBO throughout Ontario. Most LCBO managers and staff are very supportive of us as a local producer and most stores now carry our non-sweet vodka coolers as well as SPIKED ICE.

That said, we are not in every single LCBO, so we will call the Campbellford store right away see if they will begin stocking SPIKED ICE again.

We are thrilled that you and your friends have been loving SPIKED ICE and hugely appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate that and YES we certainly did tell Campbellford LCBO employees that we wanted them to stock the ICE. I actually started drinking Black Fly coolers last year and now all my friends enjoy them as well. What an amazing drink. I am so happy that the Spike Ice is not discontinued as the summer is just beginning.

Thanks once again

A loyal customer

Liz
Campbellford, Ontario

We just wanted to let you know that we got your Black Fly freezies and they are fantastic! We can't decide which flavour we love the most. The only problem is we're at the cottage for a sunny Canada Day weekend and we're out!

Thanks for making such a great boozy popsicle.

Go Canada!

Jaime & Amanda
Northbrook, ON on the Kashwakamak lake

I was just speaking to my boss about Black Fly. He and I have been die hards of another "Vodka Ice" drink for quite some time now but I'm over them and I'm about to convert him too!!! I said I was going to look you up on the net and, low and behold, to my surprise, not only are you Canadian but from London!! My hometown!! This makes indulging all the better. I had no idea I was being patriotic too. Ha Ha!

I am truly a convert….I love the fact that it's not overly sweet and is significantly less acidy. Someone at the LCBO mentioned it was low carb too…true? Anyway - keep up the good work! Congrats on this and future success and, if you're looking to hire….. :-) (That's how much I love it!).

Now - if you could only sell it in 24s!!! For us true Canadian campers!

Cara
Toronto, Ontario

Thanks for the fabulous review - for pledging to convert your boss and for your patriotic support of all the Canadian businesses who supply Black Fly with fine ingredients and packaging.

Good news on the 24 front - Black Fly is sold by the case of 24 - in a closed cardboard carton with handles, easy to carry and totally non-breakable!

I had been working on "The Little Black Dress" for the past 3 years as part of a Christmas tradition my sister-in-law and I have. We work throughout the year to come up with the signature cocktail to commemorate each Holiday Season; don't get me started on The Year of the Coconut Sled Dog!! I was in search of The Little Black Dress - something that was appropriate for all occasions. I tried Blackfly and "Eureka!!".

Half Champagne and half Blackfly and The Little Black Dress is born!! This cocktail is great for brunch, lunch and sipping on the patio as well as being sparkly and fun!!

It can be dressed up (I've tried the mid-to high range champagnes) or dressed down (Asti works well) and because your product is not "sickly-sweet" and has true flavors nothing is lost in the translation!! I can't wait to try it with your new Black currant/Blueberry version.

Your coolers are my favourite by far but when I want something a bit different its easy to accessorize. Thank you, thank you!!

cheryl
thunder bay

I just picked up a 4 pack of your BlackFly. Awsome, someone has finally made a cooler that does not taste like eating a spoon full of suger. Great refreshing cooler. Do you have any plans on launching different flavors?

You have a customer for life.

Great Product

Chris
somewhere in Ontario

New flavours are definitely coming down the bottling line. Watch for a new flavour in a new multi-pack. It will be on the LCBO shelves by end of mid July 2008!

Dear Blackfly Makers!

We bought your product last night at the LCBO store Grantham Plaza in St. Catharines ON. We are originally from London and Forest On and decided to try it instead of (2 other brands). Asked the cashier if she had tried it and she said yes but wasn't as sweet as the others and wasn't too sure about the taste. Well, we cracked open a couple this afternoon and I can very honestly tell you that I am very much enjoying your product at this very moment! It's got a great taste without that sicken sweet taste of the others. We also watched Venture when you guys were on it. Appreciate your hard work and dedication and thank goodness for all your supporters! We are also small business people starting our second year and both have full time jobs. Busy but worth it so far. Anyways I just wanted to say thankyou for an excellent Sunday sipper…Lovin it a lot… may have to send the other half for a few more this aft. Take care and keep them coming …will let all our friends know!.

Tracey
St. Catherines, ON

Hi, my name is Sean and i don't like beer or wine which leaves me with one choice, COOLERS.So that is what I drink. I live in Quebec City and when I came to visite my mom, in New Liskeard, Ontario, this past summer, I went to the L.C.B.O to get some coolers and saw this new cooler called BLACK FLY. So I asked someone who worked there how they tasted and a customer jumped in and said they taste great and no sugary taste to them. So I bought a 4 pack and sat on the porch on a beautiful summers day and opened my first BLACK FLY cooler and was amazed at the taste, and sure enough no sugary taste. I love your friggin drink, but one problem I live in Quebec City so my question to you is; "will you be selling your product in Quebec some day?" Thank you for listening.

Sean
Quebec City

Hi,

I just tried your product for the 1st time and was very pleased.

I rarely drink coolers except for the occasional hot summer day, but last year I found ONE. What I really like about THIS OTHER COOLER was that it wasn't nearly as sweet as other coolers I had tried. Regular coolers, I can only drink one. This one was light, refreshing, perfect for summer.Last weekend I looked from THAT LESS SWEET COOLER only to find it had been delisted bythe LCBO.

Once the clerk knew I was looking for a lower sweet cooler, she immediately recommended your product. She said when the LCBO had a employee testing and everyone loved it like they hadn't loved anything before.

I grabbed your product and ANOTHER BRAND. Hands down - you rocked!!! THE OTHER BRAND, while it had low calories and low carbs, it had a bad after taste.

I really, really, really liked Black Fly. Yum, Yum. I will definetly buy again (this weekend in fact) PLUS tell all my friends

Thanks!

Joron
Mississauga

Customer relations department (that means you)

I just want to drop a line and tell you how I absolutely love your ice! I have been telling all the customs officers and brokers at the Fort Erie border, and when I tell my family about it, I laugh until I cry, they all live stateside and, gee, they cant get your product over there!! It gives them a good excuse to come over here and spend their hard earned money and buy some. The strawberry rhubarb is my fave.

thank you for giving adults another glimpse of childhood with the freezies, but making them just for us, with no kids allowed in our treehouse (they have cooties)!

Yvette
Fort Erie Ontario

Was just in London for the last ten days and I was introduced to Black Fly. Being from Alberta I had to bring a case home with me to give to some friends to try. So far everyone has enjoyed it. Question is will you ever ship any Black Fly out this way? Our liquor stores are privately owned and are not run by the goverment.

Thanks for making Black Fly.

Cheryl
Alberta

We've had lots of inquiries from friends of the fly in Western Canada. Yes we have plans to be in Alberta as soon as we figure out the black fly migration routes.

About six months ago my wife and I had seen a t.v. show that showcased black fly, It explained the trials and tribulations that you had went through putting your product on the market. Thank Goodness you persivered,because what a great product.

Congratulations for taking the cooler world by storm. Seeing your program made us realize, That with hard work and dedication anything is possible. My wife and I have moved from Hamilton to the London area, and have started our own business. "Badger Daylighting". Thank you for the insperation !. Indulging in black fly coolers helps take away the every day stress that goes along with buissness. Thank you

George and Jody
London, Ontario

Hello there blackflies. I just watched the piece about you on Venture and am totally impressed by your inovation and dedication. I would like to support your venture and was woundering about availability of your product. I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario and was hoping you could let me know if your product is available in this area as I would be very happy to support such great Canadian business people.

Thanks for your time

Bobbi
Thunder Bay

You bet - Black Fly is in every warehouse in Ontario including Thunder Bay.

Hi!!!

I have finally found MY cooler. Black fly is

AMAZING!!!!!!

Thanks

Cathy
Toronto

On the weekend a large group of our ladies golf membership had the pleasure of

discovering Black Fly! We loved it so much we decided we would like to have a"Black Fly Hole" in our final ladies golf tournament. We have different pit stops at every hole . . . We plan on talking to our golf course management and get them to stock up with "Black Fly".

Thanks

Lori
Morriburg, ON

Hello!

Just checking in to see if you had any apparel available. I would love a shirt for my wife and friend. So far this sumer, we have purchased 19 4-packs; and we promote your product where ever we go. We will be stocking up for our 2 week vacation in Haliburton begining this Sunday. Sooo.if you have any womens t-shorts available in sizes Large and Medium please let me know how I can obtain them ASAP. I would like the *girls* to wear them for our vacation.

Joff
Holland Landing, Ontario

Fly Gear is available for purchase online. great flex-fit Hats, mens and womens T's with more styles coming. Great quality, great fit, all sizes.

Hello, I just saw your company on CTV. I would be interested in trying your cooler but I take it you're only in Ontario currently. I like that your company is a truly Canadian company . . .

I would totally buy your cooler over any American or other even if it didn't taste as good. Anyways I just thought I'd mention my interest in your products, and possibly sway you into another market.

Andrew
Manitoba

Wow - You are truly a patriotic Canadian!! Cheers.

Hello there!

Saw your business story on Venture tonight...Great to see a startup that is doing well in the market!

The competition is tough but its good that you found your niche...

Now, I haven't seen your products here in Atlantic Canada yet...Hope to see them soon!

Andres
Atlantic Canada

Coming this spring to Nova Scotia!

I would like to tell you I really have enjoyed tasting your new product Blackfly. As you advertise it is not to sweet but has just the right amount of sweetness.

I first tried your product at the Braz for cause event and was really glad to see your display at the Wine tasting event on Sat. Both times my company really enjoyed your product also.

I do know this will be one of the coolers I will be buying on a regular basis.

Thank you for starting your business. I like to support small business people as my husband & I have our own business and starting up on your own can be trying in this day!!

Jewel
Kintore, Ontario

I saw your company on venture last night and wanted to write to tell you it was very impressive that someone would give up landscaping to become an entrepreneur, and compete in a very tough arena. I have not tried your product yet but will and the vodka freezes was an awesome idea!. I love great stories of people going up against all odds in the beliefs that they can do better, congratulations and all the best in future endeavors!

David
location unknown

First of all I must say that I seen your story on Venture last night and congratulations on your accomplishments. I didn't know that Black Fly was made by a small independent here in Ontario like yourselves. I myself like to have a Black Fly during the summer months, but my wife is a big advocate of it year round, as she's never liked the sweetness of other coolers. I'm normally a beer guy in the summer months.

Thanks for your time and good luck in all your future endeavors.

Len

Hey many a beer lover enjoys a Black Fly now and again. Cheers to you and your wife and thanks for the support.

Hey there,

I saw a special on CBC one evening which had a segment on how your company began. My girlfriend and I both dislike sweet coolers and Blackfly really sparked our interest. We've looked all over Calgary and can't find anything!

I'm just wondering if you have any plans to bring your drink out to the west? I would love to get my hands on a case!

Thanks

Chris and Leanne
Calgary

Inquiries like yours from all over Canada are inspiring us to take Black Fly right accross the country!

I have had the opportunity to try your coolers, and thought they were absolutely fantastic.

I am greatly interested in offering your coolers to our membership, and was wondering if it were possible for you to provide me with some POS or marketing assistance to promote your products to our members. Anything you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your assistance!

Kate
Ingersoll Golf and Country Club

. . . And thanks to members and staff at Ingersoll Golf and Country Club who are serving and enjoying Black Fly this golf season.

Hi,

I was speaking to (you guys) at the JLC at the Great Big Sea concert 2 weeks ago. We live very close to downtown and noticed Black Fly right from the start - I spent many summer afternoons enjoying a cold one thanks to you guys! I was asking (you guys) about the tshirts you guys have - I want one and need to know how to get one? Can you help me out?

Thanks

Kim
London, Ontario

Your coolers were wonderful especially since they aren't sweet. The sweetness is the reason I don't usually drink coolers. I will tell all my friends to try your coolers and I will definitely look for the Spiked Ice on the Labour Day weekend.

Keep up the great work and thank you for being a great Canadian company.

Your new follower,

Shannon
Guelph

Your idea of a "grown-up freezie" is pure genious !!! That, AND the fact that all three flavours taste absolutely fabulous make this THE perfect hot-weather refreshment! My brother who has lived in Muskoka for the past 25 + years, introduced us to your coolers earlier this summer and it's now a hit down here in Windsor with our friends. And these freezies? OUTRAGEOUS!!! Thanks !

Nancy
Windsor, Ontario

Thank you so much for the compliments and the support, we're really pleased that you love our BlackFly products!!! We hope to have you continue to grow with us and continue to enjoy our bevs year round.

Big BlackFly Shout Outs to all of our Windsor Pals!!!

WHAT AN INSPERATON !

About six months ago my wife and I had seen a t.v. show that showcased black fly, It explained the trials and tribulations that you had went through putting your product on the market. Thank Goodness you persivered,because what a great product. Congratulations for taking the cooler world by storm. Seeing your program made us realize, That with hard work and dedication anything is possible. My wife and I have moved from Hamilton to the London area, and have started our own buissness. "Badger Daylighting". Thank you for the insperation !. Indulging in black fly coolers helps take away the every day stress that goes along with buissness. Thank you

George and Jody
London, ON

I own a restaurant( Benedict's Steak House) a pub( The Tunnel Pub) and a cold beer and wine store ( the Tunnel Beer and Wine). We just brought in you spiked ice, and everyone had a try. they all loved it.

We allso sel your coolers, and i think that they're the hit of the season. people buy them all the time and we have a shortage of them in the area once in a while.

ryan
British Columbia

Thanks for the heads up & the support in carrying Black Fly at all three of your locations. We are thrilled that Black Fly is a hit at your restaurant, pub and store. Black Fly is certainly taking off in the west, and we are shipping more product more frequently. We'll pass on your comments to those who oversee warehouse inventory in BC, to ensure that Black Fly is well stocked for you and your customers.