AriZona Beverages Debuts Fan-Picked Flavor Exclusively at 7-Eleven® to Celebrate Its 20th Anniversary

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The results are in. Cherry Lime Rickey has been selected by consumers as the official 20^th-anniversary AriZona Beverages USA, LLC flavor and will debut exclusively at participating 7-Eleven® stores in September. A first for the New York-based company, AriZona Beverages turned over flavor selection and label design to its fans. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120827/NY63598)

The beverage company created a 20^th anniversary website, where fans could vote in April for the favorite among three flavors. The Cherry Lime Rickey flavor, a slightly carbonated, well-balanced mix of sour, tart and sweet flavors, bested Orange Creamsicle and Chocolate Fudge Float in the flavor-off.

But that was only the first hurdle to creating the celebratory beverage. After the winning flavor was selected, AriZona Beverages issued a call May 1 for can designs from artists. Thousands were submitted from around the world. Narrowed by a hand-picked design team, the five finalists were then voted on by fans of the beverage last month. Kenny Vidinich of One Vibe Creative Studios in Honolulu submitted the winning can design.

The AriZona Beverages' fan-favorite flavor and design can be tasted, admired and "scanned" exclusively at participating 7-Eleven stores from Sept. 5 through Nov. 11. The 20^th anniversary can also features the company's first quick response (QR) code. When scanned on a smart phone, the code will unlock prizes like free product, branded merchandise and the grand prize – an American SUV with a trunk full of AriZona Beverages.

"Like AriZona products, 7-Eleven is an American-founded company and has a loyal consumer following – particularly beverage consumers," said Jackie Harrigan, Global Communications Director. "AriZona is the 'go-to drink' for consumers, and 7-Eleven is the 'go-to place' for thirsty Americans. With their wide variety of products, these two brands' similarities make the convenience retailer the ideal partner for introducing the new 20^th anniversary flavor."

AriZona Beverages is the number one ready-to-drink tea in the country. For more information on the sweepstakes/contest, company history or any AriZona product, visit www.drinkarizona.com.

About AriZona
AriZona Beverages USA, LLC was founded in Brooklyn in 1971 by Don Vultaggio and John Ferolito and to this day remains a privately held and family-run American business based in Woodbury, NY. AriZona Beverages—makers of AriZona Iced Tea, waters, juices, energy drinks, sports drinks and powdered tea mixes —is the number one ready-to-drink tea in North America and has begun worldwide expansion starting with South America, Europe and Asia. AriZona's mission is to create the highest quality products, that not only look great, but taste great and are affordable for people to buy. For more information, visit www.drinkarizona.com.

About 7-Eleven, Inc
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses approximately 9,400 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are some 47,300 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2011, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $76.6 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Forbes magazine's 2011 list of Top Franchises for the Money; #3 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2012, #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start, and #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven received the 2010 Retailer of the Year honor from PL Buyer because of the company's private-label brand initiative. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

SOURCE AriZona Beverages USA, LLC