With Arizona’s tough new anti-immigrant law undoubtedly sparking national uproar over the last week, poor old AriZona Iced Tea seems to have been swept up in the storm–at least that’s what the brand’s founder/chairman Don Vultaggio would have us believe. In light of recent events, Vultaggio has been on the defensive, taking to his company’s website to hammer home the fact that AriZona is actually from New York, Long Island to be exact (read the full message after the jump).
Of course, this hasn’t stopped comedians like George Lopez from making jokes at the tea brand’s expense, forcing AriZona’s corporate arm to reply to him on Twitter, “We’re BIG fans! Just wanted to let you know that AriZona is and always has been a NY company and would (heart) to send you some tea!”
While Vultaggio & Co. are going to great lengths to drill their New York heritage into our heads, they should just be thankful they’re not one of several actual Arizona-based companies that face boycotts. According to the New York Daily News, these include Cold Stone Creamery, Dial soap, PF Chang’s, Fender guitars, U-Haul, Go Daddy, Sky Mall, US Airways and Best Western.
Via Gothamist
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To All Our Friends, Customers and Loyal Fans,
We have become aware of misinformation being circulated about AriZona Beverages and we would like to make sure statements about our company are correct. As many of you know, AriZona Beverages proudly traces its origins back to New York. In 1992, two hard working guys from Brooklyn with a dream created AriZona Iced Tea. Since then, and despite the wonderful success AriZona has enjoyed throughout the United States and internationally, we have remained loyal to our family run business based in New York. For the last 16 years our headquarters have remained on Long Island where we continue to sell and distribute AriZona Iced Teas and beverages.
We are very proud to be an American company with roots in New York and we look forward to continuing to provide you with the high quality and value driven products we’ve been making for the last 18 years.”
Don Vultaggio, Founder and Chairman
AriZona Beverages