Twig's Beverage: A Family Tradition in Glass Bottles

In the heart of Shawano County, Wisconsin, a family-owned beverage company is making waves by sticking to an old-school tradition: selling soda in returnable glass bottles. Twig's Beverage, known for its signature drink Sun Drop, is not just preserving a piece of history; it's also carving out a niche in a market dominated by plastic packaging. Here's a closer look at how this company is keeping the past alive while looking toward the future.

• Twig's Beverage has been selling Sun Drop in returnable glass bottles since its founding in 1951.
• The company charges a $20 deposit for a case of 24 bottles, which customers can return for a refund.
• Twig's is one of the few manufacturers still using real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup in its drinks.
• The company is celebrating its 75th anniversary and aims to expand its brand across the Midwest.
• Owned by the Hartwig family, Twig's has become a staple in the Shawano community, hosting events and tours to engage locals.

Every year, Americans purchase an astounding 127 billion plastic bottles, leading to a significant environmental challenge. However, Twig's Beverage is countering this trend by reviving the nostalgic returnable glass bottle system that was once commonplace before the rise of plastic. In Shawano County, customers are encouraged to embrace this eco-friendly option by paying a deposit for their bottles, which they can return for a refund. This system not only promotes sustainability but also fosters a sense of community and nostalgia among long-time customers.

The tradition of returnable glass bottles dates back several decades when it was standard practice in the soda industry. Customers would pay a deposit for sturdy glass bottles, and upon returning them, they would receive their money back. This circular system allowed bottles to be washed and reused multiple times, significantly reducing waste. Twig's Beverage has managed to uphold this practice, providing a refreshing contrast to the current trend of single-use plastics.

Ben Hartwig, the vice-president of Twig's Beverage and grandson of the company's founder, recalls how some families cherish their vintage bottles, which have been passed down through generations. "Cases get passed down and the next family member gets to bring them in," he explains. Many of the bottles still in circulation were manufactured as far back as the 1960s and 70s, a testament to their durability and the company's commitment to quality. Hartwig expresses his appreciation for the loyalty of long-time customers, saying, "That nostalgic feel is something that long-time customers love; they cherish those cases like gold."

Twig's Beverage was founded in 1951 by Floyd Hartwig, who conceived the idea while recuperating in a Tokyo hospital after being wounded during the Korean War. The beverage industry was just beginning to boom in post-World War II America, and Floyd saw an opportunity to create a family business that would thrive in this new economic landscape. Today, the company is still family-owned and operated, with Ben, his brothers Jake and Luke, and his wife Annelies at the helm.

The company's signature drink, Sun Drop, is a citrus-flavored soda that has been a favorite since the 1940s. Although the brand is now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, Twig's Beverage continues to produce it under license for sale in Wisconsin. This unique arrangement allows Twig's to maintain its independence and uphold its family-centric values while still delivering a beloved product. Twig's is among the last manufacturers of Sun Drop to utilize returnable glass bottles, a rarity in an industry that has largely shifted to plastic.

In addition to Sun Drop, Twig's Beverage produces a variety of its own fruit sodas, including root beer, black cherry, orange, and lime. While the company is thrilled to expand its product line, it faces challenges in distributing outside its home state due to the logistics of the returnable bottle system. Hartwig notes, "If the people purchasing them are from a different state, it's very unlikely they'll bring them back." Instead, customers in other states will be encouraged to recycle their bottles, which is a more practical solution given the circumstances.

As Twig's Beverage celebrates its 75th anniversary, the company looks to the future with optimism. Hartwig has ambitious plans to expand the brand across the Midwest, slowly building a network of distributors. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the company's core values while also adapting to the changing beverage landscape. "We hope to get Twig's throughout the entirety of the Midwest and go from there," he states. This expansion will include a continued commitment to using quality ingredients, such as real sugar, which sets Twig's apart from many competitors who have opted for high fructose corn syrup.

The beverage industry is often perceived as dominated by large corporations, but there are many family-owned businesses like Twig's Beverage that have been around for generations. According to a spokesman for the American Beverage Association, "The beverage industry is actually a system of small, independent businesses, some of which have been in the same families for generations." These companies often produce beloved local brands that resonate deeply with their communities.

In Shawano, Twig's Beverage is more than just a soda company; it's a vital part of the local culture. The company hosts Sun Drop Dayz, a community fundraiser featuring live music and activities, which has been a staple event since 2017. Additionally, visitors to the company can tour its on-site museum, where they can learn about the rich history of Twig's and witness the handcrafted soda-making process. This engagement with the community reinforces the brand's presence and fosters loyalty among customers.

Despite the challenges of fluctuating ingredient prices, especially for sugar, Twig's Beverage remains committed to its mission. Hartwig explains that the company constantly seeks ways to keep prices stable without compromising quality. "We are always looking at ways to avoid increasing our prices such as by working with different sugar manufacturers," he says. The relationships they have built with suppliers over the years have become personal, making it difficult to navigate price changes.

As the family prepares for the next chapter, Hartwig expresses hope that his own children will carry on the family legacy. "Our biggest success is keeping on the traditions we have had over the last 75 years, and seeing them passed down from generation to generation," he reflects. The future looks bright for Twig's Beverage, as it continues to embrace its heritage while expanding its reach. With a strong foundation built on passion, community, and quality, this family-owned soda company is poised to thrive for many years to come.

The story of Twig's Beverage is one of resilience and dedication to tradition in a rapidly changing world. As the company navigates the complexities of modern business, it remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. By prioritizing returnable glass bottles and real sugar, Twig's Beverage not only honors its past but also sets a standard for future generations in the beverage industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues and seek out sustainable options, Twig's Beverage stands out as a beacon of hope for a more eco-conscious future. This commitment to quality and community is what truly sets Twig's apart in an industry often dominated by mass production and disposable products.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjm289ye4mo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss