NuGrape facts for kids
NuGrape is a popular brand of grape-flavored soda pop. It has a long history, starting over a century ago. The idea for NuGrape began in 1906. The first bottles of NuGrape soda were sold in 1921.
In April 1933, a company called The National NuGrape Company was officially started in Atlanta, Georgia. Just a year earlier, in 1922, the rights to make and sell NuGrape were given to Olla Bottling Works in Olla, Louisiana. They produced the drink there for many years.
NuGrape was so successful that it led to other popular sodas. In 1938, the company launched the Sun Crest brand. Later, in 1965, they introduced Kickapoo Joy Juice. This drink was inspired by the famous Li'l Abner comic strip.
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NuGrape's Journey Through Companies
Early Ownership and Growth
In 1968, a company called The Moxie Company bought NuGrape, Sun Crest, and Kickapoo Joy Juice. The Moxie Company later changed its name to Moxie-Monarch-NuGrape Company, and then to Monarch Beverage Company.
However, in 1970, Moxie-Monarch-NuGrape stopped selling Kickapoo Joy Juice in the United States. This meant the drink was no longer available domestically.
Changing Hands in the Late 1990s
Many years later, in 1999, NuGrape found a new owner. Big Red, Ltd. of Waco, Texas, bought NuGrape and the Nesbitt's line of sodas. They purchased these brands from Monarch Beverage Company. Big Red, Ltd. placed these brands under its North American Beverages Products division.
The original National NuGrape building still stands in Atlanta, Georgia, at 794 Ralph McGill Blvd. However, it is not open for public visits.
Where to Find NuGrape Soda Today
Current Sales Areas
Today, NuGrape soda is mostly found in certain parts of the southeastern United States. You can often buy it in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It is also sold in northwest Alabama and the eastern half of Tennessee.
It is very difficult to find NuGrape for sale west or north of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This shows how specific its distribution area is.
Past Distribution and Retailers
NuGrape was once bottled and sold in central Kentucky by the Ale-8-One Bottling Company. However, Ale-8-One no longer distributes it. It was also available in the Pacific Northwest through Orca Beverage Company in Mukilteo, Washington.
You can often find NuGrape in small, unique candy stores. Many independent grocery stores also carry it. It comes in different forms, including glass or plastic bottles and cans. In recent years, Cracker Barrel restaurants have started selling NuGrape. They offer it by the single bottle and in six-packs. You might also find it at World Market stores.
