In an industry dominated by disposable plastics, Wisconsin-based Twig’s Beverage maintains a century-old packaging tradition that has all but vanished from the American marketplace. While approximately 127 billion plastic bottles are purchased annually across the United States, this family-operated enterprise continues to sell its signature Sun Drop citrus soda in returnable glass bottles through a deposit system that dates back to pre-1960s America.
Founded in 1951 by Floyd Hartwig, Twig’s operates as an independent bottler within Shawano County despite Sun Drop being owned by beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper. The company’s distinctive approach involves charging customers a $20 deposit per case of 24 bottles, refundable when containers are returned to either retail locations or directly to the Twig’s factory. Remarkably, some bottles still in circulation bear manufacturing dates from the 1960s, demonstrating the durability of this sustainable packaging solution.
Beyond its environmental distinction, Twig’s maintains historical production methods by using real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup—a formulation choice that has become increasingly rare in the soft drink industry. The company additionally produces its own line of fruit sodas in flavors ranging from root beer to black cherry, which it now aims to distribute across the Midwest through an expanding network of distributors.
Now in its third generation of family leadership under Ben Hartwig and his siblings, Twig’s has become woven into the cultural fabric of Shawano—a community of 9,000 that hosts annual Sun Drop Dayz celebrations. The company maintains an on-site museum and offers production tours, highlighting its handcrafted manufacturing process.
Despite challenges including fluctuating sugar prices and competition from major brands, Twig’s has achieved approximately $6.5 million in annual revenue while employing 20 local staff. The American Beverage Association notes that such family-owned enterprises represent a significant segment of the industry, with many maintaining generational traditions despite market consolidation.
Hartwig attributes the company’s 75-year longevity to community loyalty and family dedication, expressing hope that future generations will continue both the returnable bottle system and the company’s commitment to traditional soda craftsmanship.