History of Jarritos

THE UNKNOWN HISTORY OF JARRITOS: FROM SMALL JUG TO GLOBAL FAME

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Jarritos, the beloved Mexican soda brand, has a fascinating history that spans over seven decades.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as an international icon, Jarritos has captured the hearts of consumers around the world.

ORIGINS OF JARRITOS

Source: Jarritos

Jarritos, a Mexican soft drink brand, was founded in 1950 by Don Francisco "El Güero" Hill.

Initially, the soda was coffee-flavored, but Hill soon experimented with fruitier flavors.

This transition to fruit flavors helped Jarritos gain popularity and market share in Mexico.

A SCIENTIST BEFORE A FOUNDER

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Don Francisco "El Güero" Hill, the visionary founder of Jarritos, was not only a successful entrepreneur but also an accomplished chemist.

Hill's scientific background played a crucial role in the creation and development of Jarritos, as he applied his knowledge to craft unique and appealing flavors.

His dedication to experimentation and innovation was evident in the numerous notes scattered throughout his home.

NAMING THE SOFT DRINK

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The brand name "Jarritos" is derived from the Spanish word "jarrito," which translates to "little jug."

This name is a nod to the traditional Mexican practice of storing and serving refreshing drinks in small clay pottery jugs.

By naming the brand Jarritos, the founder aimed to evoke a sense of authenticity and connection to Mexican culture.

TAMARINDO FLAVOR INNOVATION

Source: Jarritos

Shortly after Jarritos' launch, founder Francisco Hill innovated by creating a process to extract tamarind juice.

This allowed him to introduce Jarritos Tamarindo, which became the first tamarind-flavored soft drink in Mexico.

Tamarind remains one of Jarritos' most popular and iconic flavors to this day.

NEW FLAVORS & EXPANSION

Source: Jarritos

Following the success of Jarritos Tamarindo, Francisco Hill rapidly expanded the brand's flavor lineup to include Mandarin, Lemon, and Fruit Punch.

These new flavors helped Jarritos capture a larger share of the Mexican soft drink market.

By 1960, just a decade after its founding, Jarritos had achieved distribution in 80% in all of Mexico.

EXPORTING TO THE USA

Source: Jarritos

Jarritos began exporting its products to the United States in 1988, introducing the brand to a new market.

The popularity of Jarritos grew rapidly in the U.S., and by 2009, an impressive 6,000 bottles were being shipped across the border every minute.

INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION OF JARRITOS

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Jarritos has expanded its global presence and is now available in 42 countries around the world.

Although the brand has achieved international success, Jarritos remains true to its Mexican roots, with production still taking place in Mexico.

Novamex, a large independent bottling company based in El Paso, Texas, owns and operates the Jarritos brand.

NIKE COLLABORATION

Source: Nike & Jarritos

In May 2023, Jarritos partnered with iconic sportswear brand Nike to release a special edition Jarritos-themed colorway of the popular Nike Dunk sneaker.

This collaboration showcases Jarritos' ongoing cultural relevance and its ability to connect with younger generations.

The Jarritos x Nike Dunk release highlights the soft drink brand's enduring appeal and its status as a beloved icon of Mexican culture.

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