Metro-east beverage bottler’s new flavor packs a patriotic punch
The Excel Bottling Company in Breese will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a specially released beverage that will be available starting next week.
Excel’s Freedom Punch is “sweet, but it’s also tart,” nothing like Hi-C or Hawaiian Punch, said Carla Baublitz, marketing manager for Excel.
The carbonated drink, which commemorates the U.S. Semiquincentennial, has a citrus and pineapple flavor and is full of vitamin C, she said, adding that the “flavor will knock you out.”
It’s also not like a typical punch in color. In fact, Freedom Punch has no color at all.
Excel is making an effort to move away from artificial dyes, using natural sources to add color and flavor to its beverages. The entire process is trial and error, from getting the colors right to developing the subtle flavors of the sources.
After asking customers for their thoughts about what the new drink’s color should be, they received one response asking, “Why not just leave it clear?” Baublitz said they hope the Freedom Punch label is flashy enough that no one minds that the drink is clear.
Freedom Punch will be available at the facility Monday and soon distributed to other businesses, likely starting with area CC Food Marts, Baublitz said.
She said Freedom Punch will be available at least through October, depending on demand. The beverage was made in two batches, each of which will last around six months.
Did you know? Fun facts about Excel Bottling Co.
- Best known for producing Ski, Excel Bottling Co. does not actually own the brand. Ski is owned by the Double Cola Co., based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Ski was created by its subsidiary Double-Cola in 1956. Excel is a major producer of the beverage and started manufacturing it in 1961.
- Cherry Ski became popular when area restaurants such as Dairy King in Breese would serve Ski with squirts of cherry syrup. When the Double Cola Co. learned of its popularity, Baublitz said, it decided to start producing it. Cherry Ski made its debut in 1996.
- According to its website, Excel Bottling Co. is the only company in Illinois that still takes return bottles for reuse. Some of the existing bottles are decades old.
- Excel’s brand of sodas are made with pure cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup.
- In addition to sodas, Excel produces teas, lemonade, club soda and tonic, and craft beer.In addition to sodas, Excel produces teas, lemonade, club soda, tonic and craft beer.
- The busiest times of the year for Excel are at Easter, when people who gave up Ski for Lent come back to stock up, and in August, when college students get ready to return to school, Baublitz said.
About Excel Bottling Co.
Excel Bottling Co. is a family business founded in 1936 by Edward “Lefty” Meier, who purchased a bottling machine with reward money he received for helping catch a bank robber.
Meier and his wife, Catherine “Caddy” Meier, established the business in her grandmother’s 1850s home. Caddy worked for the company until age 99.
Their son, Paul Meier, the next president of the company, worked with his brother, Joe Meier. Bill Meier, Lefty’s grandson, is the current president, and his brother, David Meier, is vice president.
The family’s house is now used for offices and still includes the kitchen. The original bottling area is still in use for washing returned bottles, and a larger production facility on the property is the main site of the bottling and packaging operations.
Excel Bottling Co. is located at 488 S. Broadway in Breese. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
For more information, call 618-526-7159 or visit excelbottling.com.
