One thing about Arizona Iced Tea: It’s been a staple snack drink in the black community since cans first hit store shelves in the early ’90s!
Three decades later, it remains one of the few drinks to retain its $0.99 price. Its founder, Don Vultaggionow clarifies the question of whether he plans to keep the price of the canned drink below $1 or raise it!
Here’s tea in cheap canned drinks
Don addressed the issue in a new Today interview published Wednesday (June 26). NBC reporter Savannah Sellers asked Don why his company hasn’t raised the price of its Arizona ice cans, assuming it would boost profits. The founder’s answer was simple.
“We are successful. We have no debt; we own everything. Why?” – Don answered.
He also said: “Why do people who have trouble paying rent have to pay more for our drink?” For Don, their price may be “a small way of giving back” and he has no plans to increase it, at least “in the foreseeable future.”
“We’re going to fight for consumers as hard as we can,” Don shared.
So here’s your answer, neighbors. Arizona Iced Tea 23-ounce cans will remain as affordable as ever at $0.99. And this comes straight from the founder’s mouth!
Arizona Iced Tea Started as a Humble Family Business
For context, Forbes reports this that Don’s company makes about $4 billion a year selling tea, juice, water and alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, the man’s fortune is estimated at $6.6 billion.
But selling drinks didn’t always make him BIG money! In fact, the outlet reports that Don started selling beer and soda out of the back of an old van in the 1970s. He made a name for himself by serving his Brooklyn neighbors in ways others wouldn’t.
Then, in 1992, he launched Arizona Iced Tea in a Brooklyn warehouse, featuring tall cans, colorful designs and a cheap price.
Now in his 70s, Don Vultaggio has ensured the business is family-oriented. His wife designed their signature canned drink—turquoise with yellow accents and pink flowers.
Additionally, his sons are the brand’s creative director and marketing director. Don says working with his kids has been “great” and encourages other parents to do the same. “I see them all the time.” the founder shared.
Watch Don’s full interview about his Arizona iced tea business below.
Speaking of snacks and summer essentials, the Food and Drug Administration recently recalled more than 60 ice cream products, including from brands like Hershey’s, LaSalle and Dolcezza Gelato.
RELATED: Ouch! FDA Announces Nationwide Recall of More Than 60 Ice Cream Products
What do you think, roommates?
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