Cheerwine, commonly called the “Nectar of North Carolina,” originated in Salisbury, North Carolina and has quite the quaint little history.
History
In Salisbury, North Carolina, L.D. Peeler bought a small company, which he renamed as Carolina Beverage Corporation. This company originally produced the popular Mint Cola. However, in 1917 Peeler wanted to create a soda of his own and while traveling in St. Louis he came across a unique cherry flavor. From this, he experimented mixing this cherry flavor with various other flavors and soon enough Cheerwine was born. By 1924, Cheerwine was outselling the Mint Cola and thus they changed the bottling company’s name from Mint Cola Bottling Co. to Cheerwine Bottling Co.
This soda has made national news as presidents including Dwight Eisenhower and Bush have famously enjoyed this soda. In 1953 Eisenhower travelled to Salisbury to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Rowan County. He became the first President to publicly enjoy this local beverage. It is rumored that he even recounted the phrase “Ike Likes!”
Moving into the 1960s Diet Cheerwine was introduced. However, sales at Salisbury’s local big and tall type stores quickly declined. The diet soda did not gain much popularity and was soon phased out. In the 1970s, L.D.’s great grandsons took over the business after they finished college. Cliff Ritchie became the manger of the Greensboro facility while his brother began working as a field rep in 1979.
By the 90s Cliff Ritchie became President of Cheerwine Bottling Company as his brother Mark became President of Carolina Beverage Corporation. During the 90s, the soda experienced its height of national popularity. In 2002 its geographic distribution accelerated even more as it gained national attention when Food Finds produced and aired a feauture on Cheerwine. Shortly after it aired, the company received letters from Food Network watchers nationwide and in 2006, Cliff Peeler was inducted into the Beverage World Hall of Fame. In recent news, the soda is expected to sold in all 50 states by 2017.
Fun Facts about the Soda
· It also comes in donut form and Popsicle form. Combining with another North Carolina commodity, Krispy Kreme now produces a donut with Cheerwine filling.
· The local favorite also has sponsored two Avett Brothers concerts. The Avett Brothers, a now famous band also originating in North Carolina, were sponsored by the soda for the Legendary Giveback concerts.
· Some say its original bottle design featuring three clustered cherries inspired the now classic symbol for good luck in casinos.
