Cheerwine Has Just Bought Sun Drop – Iconic North Carolina Soda Merger

2006

cheerwine buys sundropAccording to the Salisbury Post, Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Co. just announced the purchase of Concord-based Sun Drop Bottling Co., a deal that merges two of the most legendary southern beverages.

The deal means that Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling will now distribute Sun Drop throughout the Charlotte region, including in Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanley and Iredell counties.

The Concord Sun Drop plant at 360 Old Salisbury-Concord Rd is now closing, but Cheerwine said it will be accepting applications from all Sun Drop Bottling employees, and is looking to fill positions.

“As we look forward to Cheerwine’s 100th anniversary next year in its birthplace and home of Salisbury, N.C., we’re excited to deepen our distribution relationship with Sun Drop here in North Carolina. Both iconic soft drinks have much in common, from their loyal followings to their Southern roots, and we’ve enjoyed helping to bring Sun Drop to Carolinians for a while now.” remarked Cliff Ritchie in a statement (current president of Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling).

Sun Drop was first patented on April 15, 1930, and introduced in the Charlotte region under names such as “Sundrop Golden Cola” or “Golden Girl Cola.” The brand is now wholly owned by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

North Carolina’s Cheerwine is slightly older, and will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year.

 

 

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