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The late 1970s, Sunkist entered the soft drink market.
The brand, already known for California oranges, expanded when Sunkist Growers licensed their name to General Cinema Corporation, an established Pepsi-Cola bottler.
This partnership aimed to offer consumers a distinct citrus alternative to traditional colas.
Market research showed orange-flavored drinks ranked third in global soft drink sales.
Mark Stevens, a beverage industry executive, saw an opportunity.
He decided to invent a new orange drink brand to capture this proven market demand.
During 1977 and early 1978, Sunkist's food scientists conducted extensive research to formulate their orange soda.
They tested multiple formulations, adjusting sweetness, orange intensity, and bubble strength.
The breakthrough came from an unconventional choice:
This small addition distinguished Sunkist from other orange sodas and offered drinkers a mild energy boost.
It made it much different than other orange sodas on the shelves.
In 1979, Sunkist made a calculated move to enter New York's beverage market by partnering with the region's major distributors.
The company secured distribution agreements with both the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York City and select Pepsi bottlers—an unprecedented arrangement that joined competing companies under one brand.
This dual partnership gave Sunkist immediate access to New York's established distribution channels and bottling facilities.
With this infrastructure in place, Sunkist positioned itself to compete directly in the nation's largest soft drink market.
The company was ready to introduce Sunkist to New York's millions of consumers.
Sunkist launched with a focused marketing message:
This three-word slogan captured tangible summer experiences—warm sand, cool drinks, and outdoor leisure.
The brand strengthened this summer connection by securing the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" for their advertisements.
A choice that linked Sunkist to California surf culture through one of its most recognizable musical bands.
The song's familiar melody, playing across television and radio, created a lasting association between the beverage and carefree coastal living.
Listeners connected Sunkist with specific, sensory memories:
Sunkist transformed the beverage industry in 1980, just one year after its launch.
The brand captured both the top position in orange soda sales and the tenth spot among all soft drinks in the United States.
Its crisp taste and strategic marketing propelled it beyond the orange soda category, making Sunkist mainstream.
This rapid success pointed to a shift in American drinking habits—consumers were embracing bolder flavors in their sodas.
Del Monte acquired Sunkist Soft Drinks in autumn 1984.
The purchase allowed Sunkist to expand its markshare.
Del Monte's size and industry experience positioned Sunkist for market expansion, bringing both capital resources and operational expertise to fuel the brand's next phase of growth.
Sunkist changed hands in 1986 when Cadbury Schweppes acquired the brand.
During their 22-year ownership, Cadbury Schweppes leveraged their global distribution network to expand Sunkist's market presence.
In 2008, Keurig Dr Pepper purchased Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, gaining control of Sunkist in the United States.
Under Keurig Dr Pepper's management, Sunkist has maintained its position as America's leading orange soda brand.
Throughout these ownership transitions, the drink's signature citrus formulation has remained constant, preserving its appeal across generations.
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