May 13, 2005 - For Immediate Release (for Food Editors)

GRAPETTE SODA — IT'S BACK!
Contact: Thoma Thoma Public Relations Department (501) 664-5672 or TTPR@thomathoma.com

Malvern, Ark. - The smell of Grandma's apple pie, mom's cinnamon rolls and the smooth, cool taste of a Grapette soda. Aaaah, the memories. But for years all we could do WAS remember. Without a trace, Grapette soda had strangely vanished from American grocery store shelves and soft drink machines. But now, thanks to the vision of the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart, Grapette is back.

The beloved drink of the 40s, 50s and 60s can now be found as Sam's Choice Grapette in all Wal-Mart stores nationwide (more than 3,000) from the smallest to the largest markets. Wal-Mart now offers Sam's Choice Grapette and Sam' Choice Orangette in cans and two liter bottles. The same Grapette and Orangette names - the same great tastes customers grew to love years ago.

The story of this soft drink's incredible and fascinating path back to the consumer, with twists and turns, is a nostalgic feast and a great case study of the enduring value of a great brand.

"To this day, we get e-mails with wonderful stories about the childhood memories associated with Grapette," said Paul Rice, president of Grapette International, Inc. "Everything from stories about going fishing and drinking a Grapette with Grandpa to pulling a Grapette from a big cooler full of crushed ice at the corner gas station - just to name a few."

"Now with U.S. distribution exclusively through Wal-Mart stores, the Grapette and Orangette brands that have been around since the 1940s will be re-introduced to the American consumer," said Rice. "No other company could possibly offer the distribution level that Wal-Mart brings to the table."

"Wal-Mart saw the value of the authentic formula and the lasting quality of its brand and re-introduced it under the Sam's Choice label," adds Rice. "The consumers who have remembered us through the years, Wal-Mart, and Grapette International, Inc. are all winners in this co-branding effort."

"Bringing our customers quality selections is the focus of the Sam's Choice brand," said DeDe Priest, Wal-Mart vice president of Supercenter food division. "The history of Grapette and Orangette shows us there's a demand for these items and we're proud to offer them to Wal-Mart customers to enjoy and share with a new generation who may have missed these offerings the first time around."

So what's the fascinating story behind this "retro" product making it to your local Wal-Mart?

By the mid-1950s Grapette was the seventh best selling soft drink in the U.S., exceeding all

other grape flavored soft drinks. Part of the charm of the product was the drink's deep purple color.

The Grapette Company was later sold and through a series of acquisitions became controlled by the manufacturer of a rival grape drink in the late 1970s. Sadly, the soda so beloved by so many kids and adults from the 40s, 50s and 60s essentially vanished from the U.S. market. When the Grapette Company was sold, Grapette International, Inc. continued production of the original formulas in the U.S. and focused on selling its products overseas in Latin America, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim countries.

But the memories remained through Grapette and Orangette floats, cakes and even barbeque sauce.

The story is part of our American culinary culture and history. And for Grapette soft drink, that's history spanning more than 65 years. The important thing for soft drink consumers is - Sam's Choice Grapette and Orangette are back just in time for upcoming seasonal celebrations.

For more information about Grapette International, Inc. visit www.grapette.com.

Grapette BBQ Sauce

Wet Ingredients

Mix in large bowl:


Dry Ingredients


Heat wet ingredients in a large pan on high until just ready to boil. Add dry ingredients.
Immediately lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir often to avoid sticking.