Milo's Tea Sets Ambitious $1 Billion Sales Goal by 2027, Driven by Growth Strategies
Milo's Tea Company, known for its high-quality teas and lemonades, is not only crafting delightful beverages but also strategically targeting an impressive $1 billion in retail sales by 2027. This initiative has positioned it as a significant player in the competitive consumer packaged goods (CPG) beverage industry. Founded in 1946 by Milo and Bea Carlton, the company has remained steadfast in its commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and customer feedback, which has been instrumental in its growth over the decades.
A Landmark Announcement
Recently, the spotlight was on Milo's as it announced the opening of its fourth manufacturing and distribution facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This $200 million state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment that will employ around 200 people when fully staffed. With this expansion, Milo's has increased its manufacturing footprint to four locations, facilitating a rapid scale-up from 50 to almost 1,000 associates over the past ten years. This growth reflects a broader retail reach, with Milo's products now available in over 55,000 retail outlets across all 50 states. Some of the noteworthy retailers carrying Milo's products include Whole Foods, Walmart, Sam's Club, Kroger, and Target.
Growing Household Penetration
In addition to its retail expansion, Milo's has achieved the highest household penetration in its category, doubling the average rate. Reportedly, their household penetration has increased by 102% since 2020. This trend is remarkable considering the beverage industry is dominated by larger corporate entities. Milo's remains uniquely positioned as a family-owned business that has thrived under the leadership of its third-generation CEO, Tricia Wallwork. Inspired by the founding family’s vision of utilizing high-quality ingredients while prioritizing customer satisfaction, Wallwork continues to uphold the company's values and mission-driven approach.
Focused on Quality
Tricia Wallwork shared, "The fact that we have this incredible milestone in our sights is a testament to the passion of our team, the loyalty of our customers, and our commitment to quality. As we grow, we will always prioritize purpose-driven scaling that delivers simple, great-tasting beverages to more fans across the country."
Innovation and New Products
Part of Milo's growth strategy includes accelerated innovation, which has recently led to the introduction of three new flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, and Lemon Sweet Tea. These new offerings, characterized by their 100% natural ingredients and absence of preservatives or artificial flavors, have already seen impressive market acceptance. Early feedback indicated that these new lemonade varieties surpassed velocity targets by over 60% at Walmart within their first two months on the shelves. Dan Weingart, Chief Growth Officer at Milo's, emphasized the significance of consumer demand for clean-label refreshment options, remarking, "We have the highest repeat purchase rate in the category. When people try our products, they come back for more."
Looking Ahead
Future product launches are already in the pipeline, including a Zero Sugar Lemonade, set for release later this year. As Milo's continues to innovate and expand, it remains focused on aligning new product releases with evolving consumer preferences, promising new flavor experiences and healthier choices. These efforts will contribute to maintaining and amplifying its presence in the market.
Community Commitment
Milo's Tea Company is more than just a beverage manufacturer; it is a community-focused entity dedicated to giving back. The organization pledges to donate at least 1% of its profits to causes related to education, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief. Additionally, it proudly holds a TRUE Platinum Zero Waste certification and was recognized as the third most-loved workplace in America by Newsweek in 2024.
In summary, as Milo's aims for a landmark $1 billion in sales by 2027, its focus remains rooted in its original values, customer loyalty, and purpose-driven growth. With an expanding portfolio of beverages and an unwavering commitment to quality, Milo's Tea Company exemplifies what it means to thrive in today’s competitive landscape without losing sight of core principles.