New York Ag Connection - Welch's and Global Beverage to Expand Soda Business

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Welch's and Global Beverage to Expand Soda Business
New York Ag Connection - 08/18/2017

Welch's, the iconic brand famous for its grape juice, and Global Beverage Corporation, a New Jersey-based soft drink company, announces their collaboration to expand the Welch's soda line with new flavors and formats that will bring Welch's to the forefront of the carbonated soft drink industry.

Combining Welch's trusted brand with Global Beverage's extensive experience in the soda industry presents an exciting opportunity to revitalize the iconic Welch's soda at retail and food service outlets. The parties intend to start the soda re-launch with classic Welch's flavors like grape, white grape, strawberry, fruit punch, orange, pineapple and peach. From there, they will branch out into new flavors and concepts.

Welch's will provide the ingredients for the soda, including Concord grapes grown by its family farmer owners. Global Beverage will bring its entrepreneurial spirit and decades of beverage industry experience. Together, the companies expect to bring Welch's soda once again within reach to consumers across the US.

"Working with Global Beverage is an exciting opportunity for our business. Global Beverage's expertise in the industry and distribution excellence combined with our brand make this collaboration good business, and more importantly will bring consumers access to more of their favorite soda," said Brad Irwin, Chief Executive Officer for Welch's.

Anthony Pessolano, President and CEO of Global Beverage Corporation and a 35 year veteran of the soft drink business, is equally enthusiastic about the potential for Welch's Soda. "We did extensive consumer research, and the feedback is as strong as anything I have ever seen. Clearly the consumer has a strong affinity for the Welch's trademark that translates to strong carbonated soft drink purchase intent. With flavored soft drinks projected to grow double digit over the next 5 years, we are extremely excited for the future," said Pessolano.

Welch's is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Located across America and in Ontario, Canada, the cooperative is made up of approximately 900 family farmers who own the company and grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grapes used in Welch's juices and other grape-based products. Welch's products are sold throughout the United States and in 40 countries around the globe.

Global Beverage Corporation (GBC) is a privately held soft drink marketing and distribution company with its headquarters located in Oradell, N.J. Focusing on regional and national soft drink brands utilizing consumer insights and trends, GBC looks to bring new, relevant and emerging carbonated soft drinks to strategic customers and markets.

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