On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Faygo soda is posting thank-you messages to customers on billboards across the U.S., even as the Detroit institution works to keep a modern edge. The company
is seeking new brands and products, including enhanced waters, lemonade, teas and energy drinks.
Russian immigrant bakers Ben and Perry Feigenson--who used cake-frosting recipes to
cook up the carbonated soft drink--began bottling fruit punch, strawberry and grape sodas in 1907. The company name was shortened to Faygo because Feigenson was too long for the bottle, says marketing
director Matthew Rosenthal, grandson of Ben.
Once sold only in Detroit, the company established a water purification system to extend shelf life, and now more than 40 flavors are sold
in 32 states. Florida-based National Beverage Corp.--which also owns Shasta, LaCroix and PowerBlasts beverages--purchased Faygo in 1987.
advertisement
advertisement
Read the whole story at Detroit Free Press »