How Arizona Has Kept Its Iced Tea 99 Cents | Still Standing | Business Insider

AriZona Beverages iced tea cans have cost 99¢ since the company was founded more than 30 years ago. But if the price were adjusted for inflation, those cans would be around $2.30 today. The company was founded by Don Vultaggio and John Ferolito in 1992, and back then, the competition was stiff with Snapple leading the market, and other powerful beverage brands launching their own iced teas, like Lipton and Nestea. At the time, these brands were all selling iced tea for around one dollar, but in 1997, AriZona decided to put its price directly on the can, making it awkward if individual store owners decided to increase the price. While prices for other brands, and even other AriZona products, have risen with inflation, AriZona's cans still have the 99¢ printed on them. But the price the brand is now famous for was under threat when Vultaggio and Ferolito had different plans for the company's future. Ferolito wanted to sell the company against Don's wishes. Selling could have meant more corporate pressure and increased pricing. Eventually, Vultaggio and Ferolito went to court in what became New York's longest dissolution case in the state's history. In addition to putting the price on the can, the company also made sure the design of the cans would stand out. They relied on bright colors and vivid imagery that mirrored a Southwest motif. Now the brand has a cult following, inspiring fans of the brand, called Zonies. Hannah Mead is a "Zonie" who designed her car to look like a can of AriZona green tea, ginseng, and honey. 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Arizona’s Beginnings 01:57 - How Arizona Stood Out 03:46 - Arizona’s Commitment To 99 Cents 04:36 - Arizona’s ‘Zonie’ Fanbase 07:03 - Controlling The Price 08:11 - The Legal Battle 10:17 - Adjusting To New Challenges 13:17 - A New Era for Arizona 13:54 - Credits ------------------------------------------------------ #Arizona #tea #stillstanding #businesssuccess #beverage MORE BUSINESS INSIDER VIDEOS: Axel Springer CEO Talks Trade, Trump, AI, And The Future Of Media | Business Insider    • Axel Springer CEO Talks Trade, Trump, AI, ...   Money Lessons From Self-Made Millionaires Who Retired In Their 30s    • Money Lessons From Self-Made Millionaires ...   Exposing The Dark Side of America's AI Data Center Explosion    • Exposing The Dark Side of America's AI Dat...   Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: https://www.businessinsider.com Business Insider on Facebook:   / businessinsider   Business Insider on Instagram:   / businessinsider   Business Insider on Twitter:   / businessinsider   Business Insider on Snapchat:   / 5319643143   Business Insider on TikTok:   / businessinsider   How Arizona Has Kept Its Iced Tea 99 Cents | Still Standing | Business Insider