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Cheerwine, the iconic Southern soda, has a rich and fascinating history spanning over a century.
From its humble beginnings in 1917 to its current status as a beloved regional beverage, the history of Cheerwine is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of its unique cherry flavor.
Cheerwine was invented in 1917 by L.D. Peeler in Salisbury, North Carolina, using a wild cherry flavor to create a tasty drink with less sugar during a shortage.
The name "Cheerwine" was inspired by the soda's wine-like color and cheerful flavor, despite containing no alcohol.
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In 1920, Cheerwine updated its packaging from paper labels to embossed glass bottles featuring three cherries and the brand name.
Four years later, the company rebranded as Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Company to boost recognition as it grew in western North Carolina.
Following L.D. Peeler's passing in 1931, his son Clifford assumed leadership of the company.
Under Clifford's direction, Cheerwine pursued ambitious marketing campaigns and expansion into new markets.
In the 1940s, President Dwight Eisenhower endorsed Cheerwine, exclaiming "Ike likes!" after trying the beverage.
Throughout World War II, Cheerwine's owner Clifford Peeler supported the war effort by donating the company's scrap metal.
During the 1960s, Cheerwine relocated to its present-day facility and introduced canned products.
The company also launched its inaugural television advertisement, featuring the catchphrase "Deliciously Different."
In the late 1970s, Clifford Peeler's grandsons, Cliff and Mark Ritchie, became part of the family-run business.
Around this time, the company launched Diet Cheerwine and began offering the soda in plastic 2-liter bottles.
In 2010, Cheerwine collaborated with Krispy Kreme to introduce a limited-time Cheerwine-flavored doughnut.
The unique partnership combined two beloved Southern brands into a single sweet treat.
Between 2014 and 2016, Cheerwine expanded its product line with the introduction of several new flavors, including Holiday Punch, Squeeze, and Cheerwine Kreme.
These additions demonstrated the company's commitment to innovation while maintaining its signature taste.
In 2015, the National Barbecue Association designated Cheerwine as its official soft drink, acknowledging the brand's long history of complementing Southern barbecue.
As Cheerwine celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2017, the company remained dedicated to innovation, exemplified by the introduction of Cheerwine Zero Sugar in 2021.
Throughout its history, Cheerwine has stayed true to its distinct cherry flavor and Southern heritage.
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