Who Owns Arizona Iced Tea

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a drink that's as iconic as the Grand Canyon, as refreshing as a monsoon rain, and as mysterious as the Lost Dutchman's Gold. I'm talking about Arizona Iced Tea. Now, you might think, "Who cares who owns it? It's just a drink, right?" Wrong! This is a story of humble beginnings, corporate twists, and a brand that's as American as apple pie. So, grab a glass, fill it with ice, and let's dive in.

Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn...

Picture this: it's the late 1970s, and a guy named Don Vultaggio is living in Brooklyn. Now, Don's no ordinary guy. He's a salesman with a dream, a dream to sell... tea. But not just any tea, mind you. He wants to sell iced tea. In cans. In the 70s. I know, right? The man was a visionary.

So, Don and his buddy, Sanford Goldsmith, decide to give it a shot. They mix up some tea, pour it into cans, and slap on a label. And guess what they name it? Arizona Iced Tea. Why Arizona? Well, because it sounded "exotic" and "different," according to Don. Plus, it was the only state name that started with 'A' and ended with 'Z.' Talk about a lucky break for the other 49 states.

From Brooklyn to the World

Now, here's where things get interesting. Don and Sanford start selling their tea to local delis and bodegas. But they've got a problem. Their tea is so darn good, people are drinking it fast. They can't keep up with the demand. So, they do what any sensible entrepreneurs would do: they sell the rights to a company called Triarc.

But here's the twist: Triarc decides to sell Arizona Iced Tea in bottles. Can you even? The audacity! But it works. The tea takes off, and soon, it's available nationwide. And that, my friends, is how a Brooklyn salesman's dream became a national phenomenon.

Enter the Beverage Behemoth

Now, you might be thinking, "That's a cute story, but who really owns Arizona Iced Tea?" Well, buckle up, because it's about to get corporate up in here. In the late 90s, a company called Cadbury Schweppes snaps up Triarc. Then, in 2008, a private equity firm called KPS Capital Partners buys Cadbury Schweppes' beverage division, including Arizona Iced Tea. And that, folks, is how a humble Brooklyn iced tea ended up in the hands of a big-time investment firm.

Arizona Iced Tea founder continues to commit to 99-cent price – NBC10

But wait! There's more. In 2017, KPS sells Arizona Iced Tea to a company called Authentic Brands Group. ABG, as they're known in the biz, is a brand development company that owns a whole bunch of other brands, like Juicy Couture and Nine West. So, as of today, Arizona Iced Tea is owned by ABG, which is headed up by a guy named Jamie Salter. But don't worry, Don Vultaggio is still involved. He's the chairman of the Arizona Beverage Company, and he's still mixing up that delicious tea.

And That's Not All, Folks

Now, you might be wondering, "What about those crazy flavors? Half & Half? Watermelon? Ginseng Peach Tea?" Well, those are all thanks to Don's son, Warren. Yep, that's right. Warren Vultaggio is the brains behind those wild and wonderful flavors. And let me tell you, he's not afraid to get... creative. I mean, have you tasted the Green Tea with Ginseng? It's like a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited.

So, there you have it. The tale of Arizona Iced Tea, from Brooklyn to the world. It's a story of dreams, deals, and a whole lot of tea. And the next time you crack open a can of Arizona, you can raise it up and say, "Here's to you, Don. You crazy, iced tea-loving dreamer, you."