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Sunkist, also known as Sunkist Soda, is a brand of soft drinks primarily known for its orange flavor. The brand was launched in 1979 and quickly emerged as a competitor to The Coca-Cola Company's Fanta brand. Initially, Sunkist was licensed by Sunkist Growers to the General Cinema Corporation.
The concept for Sunkist originated from Mark Stevens, who recognized the global popularity of orange as the third best-selling flavor in the soft drink market based on market research. Extensive research and development efforts were undertaken, leading to the introduction of Sunkist in New York. Subsequently, leading bottlers of Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola were franchised to produce and distribute the beverage. The year 1980 marked a significant milestone for Sunkist as it became the top-selling orange soda in the United States.
In 1984, Sunkist Soft Drinks was acquired by Del Monte, and production responsibilities were then assumed by Cadbury Schweppes until 2008. Currently, Sunkist is produced by Keurig Dr Pepper in the United States and maintains its position as the most popular orange soda in the country. In other regions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, Sunkist is available under various licenses, with different formulations including caffeine-free versions. In the Philippines, Asia Brewery took over the distribution of Sunkist in 2013.
Beyond its classic orange flavor, Sunkist offers a variety of other flavors to cater to diverse consumer preferences. The brand continues to be recognized for its refreshing and vibrant beverages, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the soft drink market.
History[]
The story of Sunkist Orange Soda dates back to the establishment of Sunkist Growers, Inc. in 1893. A cooperative formed by citrus growers in California, Sunkist Growers aimed to market their high-quality oranges under the Sunkist brand. The cooperative soon gained a reputation for delivering top-notch citrus fruits to consumers.
In the 1970s, recognizing the popularity of carbonated beverages, Sunkist Growers decided to expand their product line beyond fresh fruit. Leveraging their well-established brand and the association with oranges, they ventured into the soft drink market. The objective was to create a unique citrus soda that captured the refreshing and tangy taste of real oranges.
In 1979, Sunkist Growers successfully launched Sunkist Orange Soda, introducing a citrus-flavored soda that delighted consumers. The soda quickly gained popularity and became a prominent player in the soft drink industry. Its unique combination of citrus flavors and effervescence appealed to a wide range of consumers, solidifying its position as a favorite among citrus soda enthusiasts.
Building on the success of Sunkist Orange Soda, the brand expanded its product portfolio to include various citrus-flavored beverages. This diversification led to the introduction of Diet Sunkist, Sunkist Lemonade, and Sunkist Grapefruit, catering to different consumer preferences and expanding the brand's market reach.
Over the years, Sunkist Orange Soda has enjoyed significant brand recognition, becoming synonymous with the flavor of oranges. The brand has also collaborated with other companies to create cross-promotional products, including Sunkist-flavored ice cream and Sunkist-flavored candies.
To stay relevant in an ever-evolving market, Sunkist Orange Soda has introduced product innovations. This includes the development of low-calorie and zero-sugar versions of the beverage, aligning with changing consumer preferences. Additionally, the brand has made packaging updates to enhance convenience and appeal to a broader audience.
With its growing popularity, Sunkist Orange Soda has expanded its presence globally. Today, the soda is available in numerous countries worldwide, resonating with consumers who appreciate its vibrant citrus taste and refreshing qualities.
