Cheerwine Expands Its Reach Further Across the Nation
Last week, the “legendary” North Carolina soft drink, Cheerwine, announced a partnership with Pepsi Beverages Company which will double its market size throughout the nation as it expands its distribution in Florida, Atlanta and Memphis. This is a huge announcement for the tastebuds of Cheerwine lovers that live outside of North Carolina because it has only recently been easier to find Cheerwine on the shelves outside of the Old North State. The initial expansion of distribution will just be for glass bottles of the original 1917 formula which uses real cane sugar as well as 12-packs of cans (not sure if that includes the diet version or not…although I hope it doesn’t…).
You have probably read a post or two where I profess my love to the cherry flavored cola that was created in Salisbury and how it has been a part of my life since before I can remember. I have tried it in almost every form from Cheerwine Slushies to Cheerwine Ice Cream to Cheerwine Doughnuts but nothing compares to Cheerwine in a glass bottle or when it is poured over pebble ice (probably my favorite).
I lived in Chattanooga, TN for four years in the early 2000′s and the lack of Cheerwine was a definite problem while I was there. It was nearly impossible to find Cheerwine for sale anywhere in Tennessee back then so I had to bring back about eight to ten 12-packs every time that I went to visit my family in North Carolina. My supply wouldn’t last long because I’m a generous person. If I find out that you had never tried Cheerwine, I would make it a point to get a cold one in your hand as soon as possible so you could give it a try and I could see the smile hit your face.
I have been a pretty avid promoter of Cheerwine and even got my little cousins hooked on it down in Florida and my family always have to save room in the car for a 12-pack when we drive down there for Thanksgiving. I’ll still try to remember to toss some in the car this Turkey Day but I am excited to know that they can find it down there sometime soon.
Not having Cheerwine readily available would be a nightmare for many North Carolinians. We are so used to having it almost everywhere that it is almost hard to imagine a place where you couldn’t find it. I had that happen when I moved to Tennessee (although it is a neighboring state so it wasn’t too far away). It is somewhat like moving to Florida and losing real sweet tea. #NIGHTMARE
However, Cliff Ritchie, the president and CEO of Cheerwine (and great grandson of the L.D. Peeler), wants to change that. His goal is to have nationwide distribution for Cheerwine by 2017 which just happens to be the 100th Anniversary of Cheerwine which was first developed by his great grandfather in 1917.
Until then, it looks like people who don’t live in the current distribution will either have to beg their friends who did live in a distribution area to bring them some or order it online from a few different retailers (even from Cheerwine.com) but the price plus shipping can start a pretty expensive addiction for you.
