June 15, 2011

Grapette soda was developed by Benjamin Fooks in Camden (Ouachita County) in 1939. Sold in six-ounce clear bottles, it became one of the best-selling non-cola soft drinks in the United States. Sold to a competitor by the 1970s, the drink virtually disappeared from the market by the 1990s. In 2000, Grapette International in Malvern (Hot Spring County) re-acquired the trademark. Grapette is distributed nationwide in Wal-Mart stores as one of its store-brand soft drinks. In 2020, the company began a licensing deal with National Fruit Flavor Co. to manufacture branded lines of syrups, concentrates, and cocktail mixes.

Share

SUPPORT THE EOA

Support the Encyclopedia of Arkansas with a one-time donation or a recurring monthly gift.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

LATEST POSTS & ENTRIES

Get emails from the Encyclopedia of Arkansas to be notified about the latest blog posts, newest entries, and more.

SUBSCRIBE