Jaindl Companies acquires A-Treat Soda brand

Jaindl turkeys have been a staple at family Thanksgiving dinners for generations, and now David Jaindl says he looks forward to being a part of family summer picnics, as well.

The Lehigh County turkey farmer, land owner and developer now can add soda manufacturer to the many titles he holds.

Jaindl Companies will be acquiring A-Treat Soda, with plans to initially produce and bottle the traditional Allentown beverage at the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of the Lehigh Valley in Bethlehem. Production could start next month.

Jaindl bought the soda brand name, trademark, flavor formulas and related intellectual property.

While Allentown businessman Paul Eifler had also been in talks to buy the soda brand, and had reportedly had an agreement of sale at one point, Jaindl said he had been in talks with A-Treat’s owner since the Union Boulevard soda plant closed abruptly in January.

Jaindl said he is very pleased that he will be taking over the iconic soda brand.

“We think it’s a good opportunity,” Jaindl told Lehigh Valley Business this afternoon. “And I’m a fan. My mother has been drinking A-Treat for 80 years and she’s never felt better, so we think it’s a good thing.”

Thomas Garvey, former A-Treat president, said he is pleased to see Jaindl taking over the more than 100-year-old brand.

“Jaindl represents deeply rooted history and heritage in the Lehigh Valley and they are dedicated to serving our community, a mission synonymous with A-Treat,” Garvey said. “We are looking forward to working with the Jaindls to assure a smooth transition as they grow and develop the brand.”

Fans of the local favorite won’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on one of A-Treat’s flavors.

Jaindl said he expects to begin production in August with the hope of having the soda back on the market by early September.

Story by Stacy Wescoe originally appeared on lvb.com