Our History

In 1949, while riding around St Louis in the family car, Charles Lazier was hit with an idea. He quickly scribbled a recipe for a new soft drink on a small piece of paper, which he handed to his son, Charles Jr. The younger Lazier worked as a lab technician at his father's plant, and soon began work on the formula. Two years later, in 1951, Sun Drop debuted at the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages Conference in Washington, D.C.

The soda was sold under various names throughout the Southeast until 1970 when Crush, who had just acquired the brand, standardized the name, packaging and advertising.

With a new image, Sun Drop sales grew steadily throughout the southeastern United States. In 1980, Procter & Gamble Co. acquired Crush and the Sun Drop trademark. P&G introduced several new Sun Drop flavors in 1985, including a reformulated
Diet Sun Drop brand. A third brand, Cherry-Lemon Sun Drop, was introduced that same year. 

Four years later, Sun Drop joined the Cadbury Schweppes family when Crush was acquired. Since 1989, the brand has continued to flourish as a popular regional brand in the Southeast. With the loyalty of its regional market base, Sun Drop is a "community drink" like no other.

In February 2002, the brand introduced Caffeine-Free Sun Drop to the portfolio after the company received numerous requests from loyal consumers for a caffeine-free version of their favorite citrus soft drink. In January 2011, Sun Drop expanded from its Southeast roots and became a national brand available across the United States.

Today, the Sun Drop is part of Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group, an integrated refreshment beverage business marketing more than 50 beverage brands throughout North America.