HERMITAGE, Pa. - In 2019, Hermitage's very own Cynthia Torrence's low-sugar, low-calorie tropical fruit drink, Tropical Flamingo Niu began commercial production and distribution. Now in 2021, the drink has been announced to be sold in select vending machines.

Torrence held a ribbon cutting ceremony in Hermitage Tuesday, celebrating the release of her drink in vending machines.

Torrence's company, NIU by TALLS has partnered with Hermitage-based healthy snack vending company, Dean Natural Vending to offer the drink in the company's vending machines.

"As we continue to expand our company, we appreciate the support of our many partners such as Dean Natural Vending who have helped us to continue growing," Torrence said.

According to the company's website, Dean Natural Vending machines can be found in Butler, New Castle, Pittsburgh, Murrysville and Cranberry Township, PA.

"The marketplace is growing in that space quite substantially and the beverage is really outstanding so I see big things for it," said Robert Dean, CEO of Dean Natural Vending. "It could be a national distribution."

Two flavors will be sold in the vending machines including the original Tropical Flamingo flavor, as well as the recently released Berry Blast flavor.

Additionally, according to Cynthia's mother, Dr. April Torrence, a new flavor called "Eden" is set to be released in the coming months. According to Dr. Torrence, the new flavor will taste like a "low-sugar orange creamsicle." 

Dr. Torrence says she's so excited to see her daughter continue to expand the company.

"It's awesome to have a daughter who is an entrepreneur and a CEO and someone who is able to expand her brand throughout the region," Dr. Torrence said.

Future plans for the company include securing additional retail outlets throughout the U.S., grow its e-commerce market in non-retail markets and increase annual production by 300%.

"There still is a lot of competition and a long way up," Torrence said. "It's a very male dominated industry so we have a very female dominated team right now and we're working as hard as we can."

Torrence plans to eventually sell the business while still earning royalties. She heads to college in 2022 where she wants to become an attorney.