PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 28: Cali Chiki wears glasses a pale blue oversized pullover from Asos, drinks an Arizona iced tea beverage in a metallic can, on February 28, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
One thing about the Arizona Iced Tea: it’s been a staple snacking beverage in the Black community since the cans first hit store shelves in the early 90s!
Over three decades later, it remains one of the few drinks to retain its $0.99 price tag. Its founder, Don Vultaggio, is now clearing the air on whether he plans to keep the canned drink’s price below $1 or hike it up!
Don spoke on the subject in a new interview Today shared on Wednesday (June 26). NBC reporter Savannah Sellers asked Don why his company hasn’t raised the price of its Arizona Iced Tea cans, suggesting it would increase profits. The founder kept his response simple.
“We’re successful. We’re debt-free; we own everything. Why?” Don replied.
Additionally, he said, “Why have people who are having a hard time paying their rent had to pay more for our drink?” To Don, their price tag is maybe his “little way to give back,” and he doesn’t have any plans to raise it, at least “not in the foreseeable future.”
“We’re gonna fight as hard as we can for consumers,” Don shared.
So, there’s your answer, roomies. The 23-ounce Arizona Iced Tea can drinks will remain the same affordable $0.99 they’ve always been. And that’s coming straight from the founder’s mouth!
For context, Forbes reports that Don’s company earns approximately $4 billion annually from selling tea, juice, water, and alcoholic drinks. Meanwhile, the man himself is worth a reported $6.6 billion.
But selling drinks didn’t always earn him BIG bank! In fact, the outlet reports that Don got his start selling beer and soda from the back of an old van in the 1970s. He made a name for himself by servicing neighbors in Brooklyn that others wouldn’t.
Then, in 1992, he launched Arizona Iced Tea from a Brooklyn warehouse, standing out with his tall cans, flashy designs, and cheap price tag.
Now in his early 70s, Don Vultaggio has ensured that the business is family-oriented. His wife designed their signature canned drink — the turquoise one with yellow accents and pink flowers.
Additionally, his sons serve as the brand’s chief creative officer and chief marketing officer. Don says working with his kids has been “great” and recommends that other parents do the same. “I get to see them all the time,” the founder shared.
See Don’s full interview about his Arizona Iced Tea business below.
Speaking of snacking and summer essentials, the Food & Drug Administration recently recalled over 60 ice cream products, including from brands like Hershey’s, LaSalle, and Dolcezza Gelato.
