Arizona Iced Tea Founder Explains Why The 99-Cent Price Has Not Increased In 30 Years

April 20, 2022

As gas prices soar, along with everything else, a large 23-ounce can of Arizona iced tea still costs 99 cents — the same price it has been since it hit the market 30 years ago.

arizona ice tea 99 cents
Credit: Arizona Iced Tea / Facebook

The reason is simple.

Arizona Beverages' chairman and co-founder Don Vultaggio says he doesn't want to raise prices like everyone else.

"Everything (people are) buying today there's a price increase on. We're trying to hold the ground and hold for a consumer who is pinched on all fronts," Vultaggio told Today. "I've been in business a long time and candidly I've never seen anything like what's going on now. Every single thing has gone up, and I call it 'from a paper clip to a too-big filling machine.'"

And by keeping the price at 99 cents, he's making a lot less money. The cost of aluminum for the can has doubled in recent years, and distribution costs have increased with rising gas prices.

"I'm committed to that 99-cent price — when things go against you, you tighten your belt," Vultaggio told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't want to do what the bread guys and the gas guys and everybody else are doing. Consumers don't need another price increase from a guy like me."

Vultaggio, a Brooklyn native, founded Arizona Beverages 30 years ago.

Today, he co-owns the company in its entirety with his sons, Spencer and Wesley.

arizona ice tea 99 cents
Don Vultaggio with his sons

You might like: Costco's hot dog has remained $1.50 since it was first introduced in 1984.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoSisters Ask Mom To Send A Cardinal Once She's In Heaven. Watch The Miracle!

feel good storiesRemembering Judge Frank Caprio: The World’s Kindest Judge

feel good storiesPeanut The Famous Turtle Is Turning 41 — And She’s Having A Party!

feel good storiesTeen Mom Shares The Note A Nurse Left for Her At 16 — Years Later, The Story Comes Full Circle

feel good storiesReal People Recall The Moments That Brought Them The Purest Joy

feel good storiesTaylor Swift’s High School Ex Had The Funniest Take On Her Engagement News

feel good videoBaby Giraffe Gets The Zoomies And We Can't Get Enough

feel good videoWoman Shares Voicemail From Dermatologist And We're In Tears Laughing

feel good videoBackyard Visitor: Woman Welcomes Majestic Deer With Incredible Antlers

feel good videoYoung Mariners Fan Goes All-In On Popcorn — And Wins The Internet

feel good videoTeen With Cerebral Palsy Brings Crowd To Their Feet With Inspiring Walk Across Stage

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me