In the picturesque Shawano County, Wisconsin, there exists a charming soda company that has successfully preserved a slice of history that many have forgotten. This family-owned business continues to embrace the nostalgic appeal of returnable glass bottles. While the world is increasingly inundated with plastic—127 billion plastic bottles are sold annually in the U.S. alone—Twig's Beverage stands out as a refreshing reminder of sustainability and tradition.
Let us take a moment to journey back to the 1960s, a decade when soda bottles were not merely disposable items but valuable treasures that customers would return to the store for a refund. In those days, consumers would pay a deposit for a robust glass bottle, and once they had finished enjoying their drink, they would return it to the shop, reclaim their money, and the bottle would be cleaned and reused. This was a beautiful cycle of sustainability that made perfect sense—until plastic emerged and altered everything.
However, Twig's Beverage shines brightly as a beacon of hope in this changing landscape. Established in 1951 by Floyd Hartwig, the company has remained unwavering in its commitment to using returnable glass bottles. Imagine this: customers in Shawano County pay a $20 deposit for a case of 24 bottles, and if they are feeling adventurous, they can even visit the factory to refill those same bottles. Some of these bottles are vintage, still operational after 60 years! They serve as a time capsule of soda history.
Ben Hartwig, Floyd’s grandson and the current vice president of the company, shares that they have witnessed families returning for generations. “Cases get passed down,” he remarks, “and the next family member gets to bring them in.” It is heartwarming, isn’t it? Those bottles are not just containers; they are cherished relics, almost akin to family heirlooms. When you examine the bottom of those 16oz bottles, you might discover dates from the 1960s and 70s. This is a testament to durability and tradition, and Ben’s enthusiasm for preserving this legacy is palpable.
Now, let’s delve into the soda itself. Twig's signature drink, Sun Drop, is a citrus-flavored soft drink that originated in the 1940s in Missouri. Today, while the brand is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, Twig's continues to produce it under license for their Wisconsin territory. What is even more impressive is that they are the last manufacturer of Sun Drop still utilizing returnable glass bottles instead of the ubiquitous plastic. Additionally, they use real sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup, which is increasingly rare these days.
In addition to Sun Drop, Twig's offers a delightful assortment of fruit sodas, ranging from root beer to black cherry, and orange to lime. However, as they contemplate expanding their reach across the Midwest, they encounter a minor obstacle. While they plan to continue using glass bottles, they will not be returnable outside their home area. Why, you may wonder? Ben explains, “If the people purchasing them are from a different state, it’s very unlikely they’ll bring them back.” This is a practical decision, but it does raise questions about sustainability and consumer habits.
As Twig's celebrates its 75th anniversary, it is fascinating to reflect on how this journey began. Floyd Hartwig conceived the idea for the soda-bottling business while recuperating in a Tokyo hospital after being injured during the Korean War. This adds a remarkable twist to the story! The post-World War II era was a time of prosperity, and the demand for take-home drinks was on the rise. Fast forward to 1986, when Floyd’s son, Dan, took over the family business to ensure it remained within the family. Now, it is managed by Ben, his wife Annelies, and his brothers Jake and Luke, employing around 20 people and generating annual revenues of approximately $6 million.
Twig's Beverage is not merely a business; it is interwoven into the fabric of Shawano, a close-knit community of just over 9,000 residents. The company hosts an annual event called Sun Drop Dayz, a community fundraiser filled with live music and activities, which has become a local tradition since 2017. Visitors can also tour the on-site museum to learn about the company’s history and observe the handcrafted soda being made. It is a celebration of community, nostalgia, and traditional soda-making.
However, like many small businesses, Twig's faces challenges. The fluctuating prices of ingredients, particularly sugar, pose a constant threat. Ben candidly shares, “We are always looking at ways to avoid increasing our prices, such as by working with different sugar manufacturers.” It is a delicate balance, especially when many of their suppliers have become friends over the years. The hurdles are real, but the family dynamic at Twig's allows them to come together, brainstorm, and find solutions.
In a world dominated by massive corporations, it is easy to overlook the small, independent businesses that continue to thrive. According to a spokesperson from the American Beverage Association, the beverage industry is actually a network of small, family-owned companies, many of which have been passed down through generations. This serves as a beautiful reminder that there is still a place for tradition and community in today’s fast-paced market.
Looking ahead, Ben hopes that his own children will carry on the family legacy. “Our biggest success is keeping on the traditions we have had over the last 75 years, and seeing them passed down from generation to generation,” he reflects. Despite the challenges, the passion for their brand and the community remains the driving force behind Twig's success.
So, as we enjoy our sodas, let us take a moment to appreciate the stories behind those fizzy drinks. Whether it’s a vintage glass bottle or a family-owned business, there is a world of history and tradition waiting to be celebrated. And who knows? Perhaps one day, we will find ourselves passing down our own cherished bottles to the next generation, keeping the spirit of Twig's alive and bubbling for years to come.