Nick Caporella | $1B+
Get in touch with Nick Caporella | Nick Caporella, founder and longtime chairman of National Beverage Corp., built one of the most distinctive players in the U.S. beverage industry by betting early on healthier, flavor-forward drinks. After acquiring the company in the 1980s, Caporella focused on brand-led growth rather than scale-for-scale’s sake, turning LaCroix into a cultural phenomenon and a leader in sparkling water. Known for frugality, tight control, and unconventional strategy, he created outsized value with a small portfolio and an intense focus on margins and brand equity.
Nick Caporella is the chairman and CEO of National Beverage, which he founded in 1985; it's best known for its LaCroix brand of sparkling water.
The Pennsylvania native started out as a contractor and worked as the CEO of telecom firm Burnup & Sims before founding his soft drinks business.
He kickstarted National Beverage by buying soda brand Shasta, then later added LaCroix to the portfolio in 1996.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company, which trades under the ticker FIZZ, has faced increased competition from rivals like PepsiCo and other brands selling flavored fizzy water.
The son of Italian immigrants, Nick Caporella was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, a rural mining community. His father worked long days as a coal miner to support the family. His mother helped by running a dairy bar and sandwich shop. By the age of 11, Caporella worked at odd jobs such as collecting scrap metal to sell to junkyards, operating a bicycle reconditioning business, and running a hauling service for farmers.
When he was in high school, Caporella's father took a construction job in Florida, and the family moved into servants' quarters behind a private house in West Palm Beach. Eventually, his parents saved enough to buy a home, but when they needed a second mortgage, Caporella assumed responsibility for it.
At 22, Caporella was working for $1 an hour as an oiler on a crane in southern Florida. He met a man who was selling a $9,000 excavating machine used in construction site preparation, and Caporella persuaded the owner to sell it for a $250 down payment, his entire savings. Caporella opened his own construction firm, operating his dragline day and night for two years. When a long rainy season threatened to throw his company into bankruptcy, Caporella landed a contract in Puerto Rico. He moved his family there, and his business thrived. Soon he purchased a second business, a small sand and gravel company. At 30, he sold his Puerto Rican enterprises and retired as a millionaire.
Within seven months, he had formed another firm, naming it Caporella & Sons in honor of his father. Soon it was Florida's largest site preparation company. Ten years later, in 1972, he sold his company to Burnup & Sims, Inc., a large Florida-based national telecommunications service firm. He was named president of the new Burnup subsidiary. In 1976, he became Burnup's president and CEO.
In a strategy to avert a hostile takeover, Caporella formed National Beverage Corp. in 1985 and bought Shasta Beverages. In addition to Shasta, National Beverage also owns recognized brands such as Faygo, La Croix water, and Everfresh juices. In 1994, National Beverage and Burnup & Sims permanently ended their common equity ownership positions, allowing Caporella to focus on bringing National Beverage to $1 billion in sales by the end of 1999.
One of Caporella's favorite activities is piloting a Falcon jet, which allows him to attend several business meetings in various locations throughout the United States on a daily basis. Known for his support of numerous civic, religious, and community programs, Caporella was named Italian-American Businessman of the Year in 1983. Of the many awards he has received, his Horatio Alger Award, which has always meant a great deal to him, is the only one he lists on his resumé. When speaking of his success, he says, "An entrepreneur must possess four qualities: self-confidence, perseverance, compassion, and desire. If you don't want something badly enough, you aren't going to get it."
National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: FIZZ) is an American holding company incorporated in Delaware in 1985 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that develops, produces, markets, and distributes a portfolio of non-alcoholic beverages including sparkling waters, juices, energy drinks, and carbonated soft drinks.[1][2] Founded by Nick A. Caporella, who has served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since inception, the company focuses on innovative, "better-for-you" options with low or no calories, emphasizing creative flavors, packaging designs, and a commitment to sustainability.[3][4]
The company's flagship brands include LaCroix sparkling water, Rip It energy drinks, Shasta and Faygo carbonated soft drinks, as well as juice lines like Mr. Pure and Everfresh.[5] All products are manufactured in the United States across multiple facilities, supporting thousands of local jobs and reducing carbon emissions compared to imported alternatives, with over 80% packaged in recyclable aluminum cans containing 71% recycled material.[5][6]
National Beverage originated from a 1980s corporate dispute involving Burnup & Sims Inc., where Caporella established the entity to safeguard beverage assets amid acquisition threats.[7] Since then, it has expanded through acquisitions and product innovation, becoming a significant player in the beverage industry with fiscal 2025 net sales of $1.20 billion, reflecting 0.81% year-over-year growth.[8] The company also engages in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic.[5]
Company Profile
Founding and Headquarters
National Beverage Corp. was founded on November 5, 1985, by Nick A. Caporella, who was then the president and CEO of Burnup & Sims Inc., a telecommunications and cable company.[9] The establishment of the company arose amid a protracted corporate dispute involving a hostile takeover attempt by investor Victor Posner, who had been acquiring significant stakes in Burnup & Sims since the 1970s.[7] To counter this threat, Caporella formed National Beverage as a strategic entity, leveraging it to acquire assets and dilute Posner's influence, ultimately securing Burnup & Sims' independence.[10]
The company was incorporated in Delaware in 1985 as a holding company structured to oversee various beverage-related subsidiaries.[2] Its headquarters are located at 8100 SW Tenth Street, Suite 4000, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serving as the central hub for executive operations, strategic decision-making, and coordination of nationwide distribution activities.[11] This facility supports the company's core functions, including oversight of manufacturing, marketing, and sales for its portfolio of non-alcoholic beverages.
From its inception, National Beverage focused on developing, manufacturing, and distributing flavored soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages through its subsidiaries.[12] This early emphasis positioned the holding company as a platform for consolidating and expanding within the competitive beverage industry, emphasizing innovation in carbonated and flavored products.[7]
Leadership and Ownership
National Beverage Corp. is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nick A. Caporella, who has served in these dual roles since founding the company in 1985. At 89 years old, Caporella possesses over 50 years of business experience, including positions as President and CEO of Burnup & Sims Inc. from 1976 to 1994 and as Chairman from 1979 to 1994; he provides his services through Corporate Management Advisors, Inc., a firm he owns.[13]
The company's President is Joseph G. Caporella, Nick Caporella's son, who assumed the role in 2002 after joining National Beverage in 1988; now 65, he oversees operational leadership and received a 2025 salary of $925,000 plus a $900,000 bonus. Key executives also include George R. Bracken, who serves as Executive Vice President of Finance and similarly provides services via Corporate Management Advisors, Inc., without direct cash compensation from the company.[13]
National Beverage maintains majority control within the Caporella family and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol FIZZ since 1986. As of August 18, 2025, Nick A. Caporella beneficially owned 68,494,571 shares, representing 73.2% of the 93,620,246 outstanding shares, primarily through his control of IBS Partners Ltd., which holds 66,604,492 shares; Joseph G. Caporella owns 959,520 shares (1.0%).[13]
The board of directors comprises five members divided into three classes, with four directors qualifying as independent under NASDAQ standards despite the company's status as a controlled entity due to Caporella family ownership. In 2025, long-serving director Cecil D. Conlee retired at the annual meeting on October 3 following 16 years of service, and at the annual meeting on October 3, Stanley M. Sheridan and Glenn J. Waldman were elected as Class II directors for terms expiring in 2028.[13]
Historical Development
Formation and Early Challenges
The origins of National Beverage Corp. trace back to a contentious corporate dispute in the late 1970s involving Burnup & Sims Inc., a Fort Lauderdale-based cable and telecommunications company, and investor Victor Posner. Posner began acquiring shares in Burnup & Sims, increasing his stake to 29% by 1982, which led to internal conflicts with company leadership, including Chairman Nick A. Caporella. In response, Caporella temporarily resigned but returned after securing a restraining order against Posner to protect the company's interests. By 1985, Posner's ownership had risen to 43%, prompting Caporella to orchestrate the creation of National Beverage as a separate entity to safeguard beverage-related assets and dilute Posner's influence.[14]
National Beverage was incorporated in Delaware in 1985 as a holding company focused on beverage operations, effectively separating these assets from Burnup & Sims. A key transaction involved acquiring the Shasta Beverages division from Sara Lee Corp. for $40 million in cash plus 1.8 million shares of Burnup & Sims stock, which reduced Posner's stake to 35% and positioned National Beverage as a 55% owner of its former parent. This structure allowed National Beverage to retain control over Shasta's flavored soft drink brands while leveraging Burnup & Sims' resources, marking the entity's initial separation and operational independence. Further share issuances in 1986 diluted Posner's holdings to 23%, and he fully divested in 1988 when sold to investor Carl Lindner. In 1990, a plan was announced to separate National Beverage from Burnup & Sims, which was completed in September 1991 with 23% of the company sold publicly, achieving full operational independence.[14]
The early years were marked by significant challenges, including ongoing legal tensions from the Posner dispute and the complexities of disentangling from Burnup & Sims. Intercompany debts and shared management costs strained finances, while positioning in the highly competitive soft drink industry—dominated by giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo—required careful navigation of distribution and branding hurdles. National Beverage faced scrutiny over its close ties to Burnup & Sims, which complicated asset allocations and drew regulatory attention to potential conflicts of interest. These obstacles limited aggressive growth, forcing a focus on stabilizing core operations amid a market share of less than 2%.[14]
From 1985 to 1990, National Beverage established its foundational subsidiaries and product lines without pursuing large-scale expansions. The acquisition of Shasta provided immediate access to bottling facilities and a portfolio of low-calorie, fruit-flavored sodas, while the 1987 purchase of Faygo Beverages from Tree Sweet Products Corp. added 12 additional plants and expanded regional distribution in the Midwest. The company concentrated on producing private-label carbonated drinks and building a basic lineup of flavored beverages, achieving annual output of about 1.5 million cans by the late 1980s and surpassing $300 million in revenues. This period emphasized operational efficiency and niche market penetration over diversification.[14]
Expansion and Key Acquisitions
In the 1990s, National Beverage Corp. pursued strategic acquisitions to diversify beyond its core carbonated soft drinks, acquiring Everfresh Beverages Inc. in 1996, which expanded its portfolio into juices and positioned the company as a significant player in non-carbonated beverages.[15] That same year, the company purchased WinterBrook Corp., incorporating the LaCroix sparkling water brand—originally launched in 1981—along with other water products like Cascadia and WinterBrook Clear, marking an early entry into the growing healthier beverage segment.[14] In 1999, the company acquired Home Juice Company, incorporating the Home Juice and Mr. Pure brands into its juice offerings.[15] These moves supported diversification into regional sodas and alternative beverages, leveraging Shasta's established distribution network to reach broader markets east of the Mississippi River.
Entering the 2000s, National Beverage continued its acquisition strategy with the purchase of Beverage Canners International Inc. in September 2000, adding the Ritz and Crystal Falls carbonated soft drink and sparkling water brands to its lineup and enhancing production capabilities in Florida.[12] In 2004, the company internally developed and launched Rip It, its first energy drink line, targeting the emerging market with affordable, high-caffeine options that quickly gained traction through a U.S. Department of Defense contract for military distribution.[16] This period also saw the 2002 rebranding of LaCroix to appeal to health-conscious consumers, setting the stage for future growth in sparkling waters.[17]
The 2010s marked a boom for National Beverage, driven by the surging popularity of LaCroix amid rising demand for low-calorie, naturally flavored sparkling waters aligned with wellness trends; by 2016, LaCroix sales had propelled the company's revenue past $700 million annually, establishing it as the top U.S. sparkling water brand.[10] Rip It further expanded in the energy drink category, becoming a staple in military rations and contributing to National Beverage's positioning as a value-oriented alternative to premium competitors like Red Bull.[18]
In the 2020s, National Beverage adapted to evolving consumer preferences for functional and innovative beverages, acquiring American Pure in September 2022 to bolster its water and purification offerings under Josh Tarter Companies.[19] The company launched new LaCroix variants in Q4 2025, including the Sunshine flavor—a citrus-tropical sparkling water blend—alongside Cherry Lime and Blackberry Cucumber, reflecting a focus on flavor innovation to capture premium shelf space amid functional beverage shifts.[20] These developments sustained growth, with net sales reaching $1.20 billion in fiscal 2025, emphasizing lifestyle-oriented products over traditional sodas.[21]
Product Portfolio
Sparkling Waters
National Beverage's sparkling water lineup centers on the flagship LaCroix brand, which emphasizes natural refreshment without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Introduced in 1981 by the G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, as a non-alcoholic extension of its brewing operations, LaCroix was acquired by National Beverage Corp. in 1996, integrating it into the company's growing portfolio of healthier beverage options.[22][23] This acquisition positioned National Beverage to capitalize on the emerging demand for carbonated alternatives to sugary sodas.
LaCroix sparkling waters feature natural essences for flavoring, delivering zero calories, zero sodium, and no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, making them a popular choice for health-focused consumers seeking hydration with a twist. Available primarily in recyclable 12-ounce aluminum cans, the brand offers an array of flavors, including the exotic Pomme Bayá—a blend of apple and subtle bay leaf notes—and the tart Razz-Cranberry, which combines raspberry and cranberry essences. Variants such as LaCroix Curate, launched in 2017, provide bolder infusions of fruits and botanicals like mango Clementine, while NiCola, introduced in 2015, offers a zero-calorie cola-inspired option without caffeine or aftertaste.[24][25]
The rise of LaCroix has been instrumental in elevating sparkling waters within the health-conscious beverage segment, where consumers increasingly opt for low- and no-calorie options amid concerns over sugar intake. This positioning has driven substantial market penetration, with LaCroix becoming a leading brand in the U.S. sparkling water category. In fiscal year 2025, ending May 3, 2025, National Beverage achieved record net sales of $1.2 billion, with sparkling waters spearheading the growth through strong volume performance in the fourth quarter.[26][27] These products accounted for the majority of the company's revenue, underscoring their pivotal role in overall financial success.[28]
Innovation remains a cornerstone of National Beverage's sparkling water strategy, with 2025 marking several flavor launches to refresh the LaCroix lineup and address prior sales softness. New additions included Cherry Lime, blending vibrant cherry and zesty lime for a balanced tartness; Blackberry Cucumber, offering a crisp, refreshing profile with subtle berry notes; and Sunshine, a citrus-tropical fusion evoking sunny vibrancy. These developments, supported by enhanced marketing, reversed several quarters of decline and boosted category momentum.[28][29]
Energy Drinks
National Beverage's flagship energy drink brand, Rip It, was introduced in 2004 to capitalize on the emerging market for caffeinated beverages that support physical and mental performance.[30] Designed for consumers seeking quick energy boosts, Rip It features a diverse lineup of flavors in 16-ounce cans, including Power (original citrus), F-Bomb (cherry), Yolo (pineapple), Citrus X, G-Force (grape), Sting-er Mo (strawberry lemonade), Skr'eech In (strawberry-peach), and Tribute Cherry Lime, with many available in sugar-free formulations using sucralose and acesulfame potassium.[31] The brand also offers compact 2-ounce energy shots in select flavors like G-Force and Citrus X, catering to portable consumption needs.[32]
Rip It's formulations emphasize functional ingredients to enhance alertness and endurance, typically including 160 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving—comparable to about 1.5 cups of coffee—alongside taurine (around 2,000 mg), inositol (200 mg), guarana seed extract, and B vitamins such as niacinamide and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).[33][34][35] These components are blended with carbonated water, citric acid for tartness, and natural or artificial flavors, positioning the drink as a supportive option for active lifestyles without excessive calories in sugar-free variants (0 calories, 0 carbs).[36]
Targeted primarily at young adults, athletes, and professionals with high-energy demands, Rip It appeals especially to military personnel through themed variants like the Tribute series, which honors service members and is distributed via exchanges.[37][38] The brand's marketing highlights its role in fueling "full sends"—intense activities like extreme sports or long shifts—while supporting military initiatives, such as donations and sponsorships.[39] This focus differentiates Rip It in the competitive energy drink landscape by emphasizing affordability and reliability over premium pricing.
Rip It has been a key driver of National Beverage's growth in the functional energy segment, with unit volume increases leading overall sales gains, particularly in higher-margin products.[40] Its popularity among U.S. service members has bolstered military sales channels, contributing to sustained performance amid broader market expansion.[41]
Distribution emphasizes accessibility through convenience stores, foodservice outlets, military commissaries, and direct online sales via the Rip It website, enabling broad reach in the on-the-go energy category.[32][31] This multichannel approach has supported Rip It's positioning as a value-driven option in the $19.58 billion U.S. energy drinks market as of 2025.[42]
Carbonated Soft Drinks
National Beverage Corp. maintains a portfolio of carbonated soft drinks centered on its heritage brands Shasta and Faygo, which emphasize affordable, flavorful options with strong regional followings. Shasta, originally launched in 1931 with its first product as a ginger ale, has evolved into a lineup featuring classic flavors such as cola, root beer, and cream soda, alongside fruit varieties like strawberry and tiki punch.[14] Faygo, established in 1907 by Russian immigrant brothers Ben and Perry Feigenson in Detroit, Michigan, began as a way to repurpose baking flavors into sodas and now includes iconic options like grape, red pop, and rock & rye, with additional fruit-forward profiles such as cotton candy and firework.[43][14] These brands were acquired by National Beverage in 1985 for Shasta and 1987 for Faygo, integrating them into the company's broader operations while preserving their nostalgic appeal.[14]
The product characteristics of National Beverage's carbonated soft drinks highlight a variety of flavors designed for broad consumer tastes, including both sugar-sweetened formulations and diet or zero-sugar alternatives to accommodate health-conscious preferences. Shasta offers options like Zero Sugar Cola and Zero Sugar California Dreamin', providing low-calorie versions without artificial aftertastes, while Faygo includes Zero Sugar Red Pop and Zero Sugar Cotton Candy for similar reduced-sugar experiences.[44] These drinks maintain a regional appeal, with Faygo particularly entrenched in the Midwest, especially Michigan, where it holds cultural significance, and Shasta distributed nationwide but popular in budget-oriented markets.[45][5]
Following their acquisitions, National Beverage has adapted these heritage brands for modern markets through innovations like the introduction of zero-sugar variants in fiscal year 2025, responding to rising consumer demand for lower-sugar beverages amid health trends. For instance, Shasta launched new zero-sugar flavors, including Zero Sugar Cho.co·lat De, to expand its low-calorie lineup originally pioneered in the 1950s.[39] Faygo similarly rolled out zero-sugar versions of classics like Creme Soda and Rock & Rye, enhancing shelf life and market relevance without altering core flavor profiles.[44] These updates build on the brands' historical foundations, ensuring they remain competitive in an evolving industry.[39]
Sales of National Beverage's carbonated soft drinks primarily occur through grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and regional distributors, targeting nostalgic consumers and budget segments where value pricing drives loyalty. The company employs direct distribution to major retailers, facilitating efficient supply chains and localized availability, such as Faygo's strong presence in Detroit-area outlets.[46] This approach underscores the brands' niche positioning, appealing to those seeking affordable, flavorful sodas over premium alternatives.[5]
Juices and Functional Beverages
National Beverage's juice offerings primarily include the Everfresh and Mr. Pure brands, which provide 100% fruit juices and juice-based products such as apple, orange, grape, and various blends like cranberry apple and fruit punch.[5][47] These products are made from natural juices, often from concentrate, ensuring a fresh taste while delivering essential vitamins and nutrients inherent to fruits, such as vitamin C from oranges and antioxidants from cranberries.[48][49] The Everfresh line, produced by Sundance Beverages—a subsidiary of National Beverage—emphasizes wholesome, all-natural ingredients without artificial preservatives, appealing to consumers seeking straightforward nutritional hydration.[50]
Complementing the pure juices, Clear Fruit represents National Beverage's entry into enhanced waters, offering non-carbonated, fruit-flavored beverages in flavors like grape, cherry blast, and fruit punch.[51][52] These drinks are crafted as a crisp, clear alternative to sodas, using natural fruit flavors and sweeteners to provide refreshment with a subtle fruit essence, though they contain calories from added sugars rather than being zero-calorie.[53] Available in convenient bottle sizes like 16.9 oz and 20 oz, Clear Fruit integrates into the company's Power+ Brands portfolio, which targets active and health-conscious individuals by promoting hydration through fruit-inspired options.[5][54]
These juices and functional beverages cater to health-oriented consumers prioritizing natural ingredients and nutritional benefits over sugary indulgences, forming a key non-carbonated segment of National Beverage's diverse lineup.[5] In line with evolving wellness trends, the company announced plans in early 2025 to expand its portfolio with new functional beverage categories, including nutritional blends and plant-based options designed to enhance consumer health and vitality.[55] This strategic focus aims to strengthen market positioning among demographics seeking fortified, low-processed drinks for daily wellness.[4]
Brands and Subsidiaries
Major Brands
National Beverage's major brands are categorized into Power+ brands, which focus on healthier, functional beverages for active consumers, and traditional carbonated soft drinks that maintain strong regional appeal. The Power+ lineup drives the bulk of the company's innovation and growth, emphasizing low-calorie, natural-flavored options like sparkling waters, energy drinks, enhanced waters, and juices. These brands drive growth through targeted marketing on health benefits and flavor variety.[56][39]
LaCroix, the flagship sparkling water brand, originated in 1981 as a product of G. Heileman Brewing Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin; it was acquired by WinterBrook Springs in 1992 and then by National Beverage in 1996 following WinterBrook's bankruptcy. It features zero calories, natural essences, and flavors such as lime, berry, and pamplemousse, positioning it as a soda alternative that propelled National Beverage's expansion into the premium sparkling water market. Rip It, launched in 2004 as National Beverage's first energy drink, gained prominence through U.S. military contracts, offering affordable, high-caffeine formulas in flavors like original and A.M. to support active lifestyles and long shifts.[17][16] Clear Fruit, a non-carbonated enhanced water beverage introduced in the early 2000s, provides clear, fruit-flavored hydration with natural essences and low calories, appealing to consumers seeking a sweetened yet soda-free option in varieties like grape and orange. Everfresh, acquired in the mid-1990s as Everfresh Beverages Inc., specializes in 100% juices and juice blends from concentrates, including fruit punch and apple, supporting the portfolio's shift toward nutrient-focused products.[7][51]
The traditional brands, while smaller in scale, foster regional loyalty and provide diversified revenue through nostalgic, affordable sodas. Shasta, established in 1889 in Hayward, California, as one of the earliest flavored soft drink makers, was acquired by National Beverage in 1985 and offers classic flavors like root beer and cola, remaining the company's largest traditional brand with national distribution. Faygo, founded in 1907 in Detroit by Russian immigrant brothers Ben and Perry Feigenson as Feigenson Brothers Bottle Works, evolved from bakery flavor experiments into a lineup of fruit-flavored sodas like redpop and grape, acquired by National Beverage in 1987 to tap into Midwest heritage markets. Big Shot, a regional favorite originating in the 1930s in New Orleans, Louisiana, features bold flavors such as sarsaparilla and cream soda; it was acquired by National Beverage in 1993, preserving its local icon status with updated packaging while expanding distribution.[57][43][58]
As of 2025, National Beverage's portfolio encompasses more than 15 brands, blending Power+ innovation with traditional staples to balance national trends and localized preferences. Marketing strategies prioritize product innovation, such as zero-sugar variants and limited-edition flavors for Power+ lines, alongside community engagement for traditional brands to sustain loyalty in key regions like the Midwest and South.[59][12]
Operating Subsidiaries
National Beverage Corp. functions as a holding company, with its operations conducted through a network of wholly owned subsidiaries that specialize in various aspects of beverage production, marketing, and distribution. As of the fiscal year ended April 2025, the company reports 15 significant subsidiaries, all owned at 100% voting stock, primarily incorporated in Delaware except for Faygo Beverages, Inc. in Michigan. These entities enable segmented management of product lines, from sparkling waters to juices and soft drinks, supporting the overall corporate strategy without direct financial details disclosed in operational overviews.[60]
Among the key operating subsidiaries, LaCROIX Beverages, Inc. manages the production and marketing of sparkling water products, playing a central role in the company's healthier refreshment segment. Faygo Beverages, Inc. oversees the manufacturing and regional distribution of carbonated soft drinks, with a focus on Midwest markets including Detroit. Everfresh Beverages, Inc. handles juice production and supply chain logistics for juice-based beverages.[5][61][50]
Subsidiary Name Jurisdiction Primary Role
LaCROIX Beverages, Inc. Delaware Production and marketing of sparkling waters
Faygo Beverages, Inc. Michigan Manufacturing and distribution of carbonated soft drinks, especially in the Midwest
Everfresh Beverages, Inc. Delaware Juice manufacturing and supply chain management
Big Shot Beverages, Inc. Delaware Production and distribution of carbonated soft drinks
National Retail Brands, Inc. Delaware Manufacturing of soft drinks and carbonated waters for retail channels
Shasta Beverages, Inc. Delaware Production and distribution of carbonated soft drinks
Additional subsidiaries, such as Shasta Sales, Inc., National Beverage Vending Company, and PACO, Inc., support ancillary functions like sales, vending operations, and specialized production, contributing to a total of more than six active entities. This structure allows subsidiaries to focus on category-specific expertise, such as regional soda distribution or juice supply, while integrating under the parent company's centralized oversight for innovation and efficiency.[60][63]
Business Operations and Performance
Manufacturing and Distribution
National Beverage Corp. operates twelve manufacturing facilities strategically located across ten states in the continental United States, including two each in California and Michigan, as well as sites in Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Washington, Maryland, and Florida.[64] These facilities, totaling approximately two million square feet, enable the company to produce a substantial portion of its beverages in-house, providing control over production processes and quality standards.[64] All products are manufactured domestically, supporting local employment and minimizing reliance on external bottlers.[5]
The production process is vertically integrated, encompassing raw material procurement, flavor development, and finished product bottling for both canned and bottled formats in various sizes.[64] Quality control is maintained through uniform standards across the in-house network, with research and development laboratories at multiple facilities ensuring compliance and innovation.[64] Sustainability efforts emphasize resource efficiency, including minimization of water and energy use at plants, and the use of packaging with high recycled content—over 80% of products are in aluminum cans containing 71% recycled material, all of which is 100% recyclable.[5]
Distribution occurs nationwide through a hybrid model combining warehouse-based systems for take-home channels like grocery and club stores, and direct-store delivery for convenience outlets and food-service locations.[64] The company partners with independent distributors and major national retailers, such as Walmart, to reach consumers efficiently.[64] Internationally, distribution is limited primarily to Canada, with select products available on a restricted basis in other markets.[60]
Logistics are managed via a company-owned and leased fleet of trucks and vans, enhancing supply chain efficiency and supporting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through domestic production and optimized warehouse operations.[64] This approach contributes to a lower overall carbon footprint compared to brands relying on imports.[5]
Financial Overview
National Beverage Corp. reported net sales of $1.201 billion for fiscal year 2025, ended May 3, 2025, marking a 0.8% increase from $1.192 billion in fiscal 2024.[65] This modest growth was driven primarily by higher average selling prices and a favorable product mix, despite a 0.9% decline in case volume.[65] The company's revenue is predominantly derived from its Power+ Brands portfolio, which includes sparkling waters such as LaCroix, along with energy drinks and juices, while carbonated soft drinks like Shasta and Faygo contribute a smaller portion.[65]
Profitability remained strong, with gross profit reaching $443.9 million, yielding a gross margin of 37.0%, an improvement attributed to reduced packaging costs and pricing adjustments.[65] Operating income rose to $235.5 million, reflecting efficient cost management, while net income increased to $186.8 million.[65] The effective income tax rate stood at 23.6%, consistent with prior periods and aligned with statutory adjustments.[65]
The company's shares trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol FIZZ, with a market capitalization of approximately $3.08 billion as of November 7, 2025.[66] National Beverage has a history of paying special cash dividends irregularly, including a $3.25 per share distribution totaling $304.1 million paid on July 24, 2024, but maintains no ongoing regular dividend program.[65][67] On October 30, 2025, the company announced the commencement of open market repurchases of its common stock.[68]
In recent quarterly performance, for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 ended August 2, 2025, net sales reached a record $331 million, up slightly from $329 million in the prior year, supported by innovation in product offerings.[69] Operating income grew to $71 million, underscoring continued focus on growth through new beverage developments.
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