Who Owns Arizona Tea?
Since the 1990s, Arizona Tea has filled millions of people with refreshment and nostalgia. But who exactly owns the popular beverage brand?
The Beverage System
Arizona Tea is a product of The Beverage System (TBS). Since its founding in 2001, TBS has been a privately-held company that is currently headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.
Arizona Beverage Company
TBS was created from the merger between All American Drinks and Kingsbridge International. The combination formed the Arizona Beverage Company in 1991. The focus of their new endeavor was to produce and distribute packaged ice tea.
Initially, Arizona Beverage Company’s founders John Ferolito and Don Vultaggio wanted to call the newly created soft-drink “Teddy’s Tea,” in honor of Ferolito’s father. However, worried that the name had limited appeal, they eventually decided on “Arizona” and the brand was born.
From The Beverage System & Beyond
The Arizona Beverage Company was acquired after a decade of success by The Beverage System in 2001. The merger brought the two successful companies together in order to add strength to their portfolios.
TBS achieved media attention in 2018 when they were acquired by the Fukuoka, Japan-based company Ito En Ltd. Ito En is a tea specialist and is the world’s largest green tea distributor. The acquisition allowed for the immediate global expansion and distribution of the iconic Arizona Tea brand.
Popular Products
Arizona Tea continues to dominate in the soft-drink market with its streamlined look and an array of flavors. With the exception of energy drinks, Arizona Tea has the second-highest dollar share in the category according to Coke-owned Topo Chico. Some of their most popular flavors are:
- Green Tea: a classic green tea blend loved by Arizonians and everyone around the world.
- Watermelon: a tart and sweet tea blend with a juicy watermelon aroma.
- Strawberry Lemonade: a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and refreshing.
- Raspberry: a fruity and only slightly sweet raspberry edge.
- Tea & Lemonade (Half & Half): a classic combination of tea blended with tangy lemonade.
Today, Arizona Tea is owned by The Beverage System and Ito En. Its legacy of providing delicious tastes and refreshing beverages continues to live on.
