Don Vultaggio & family

Early Life

Domenick "Don" Vultaggio was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1952. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, his father managed an A&P supermarket. From a young age, Vultaggio displayed an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to succeed.

Rise to Success

Vultaggio started his career in the beverage industry in the 1970s as a local beer distributor. Partnering with John Ferolito, he gained experience in navigating the competitive market. In 1992, Vultaggio and Ferolito co-founded the Arizona Beverage Company in Brooklyn. The company's early success was driven by the innovative 23-ounce "Big Can" of iced tea, sold at a 99-cent price point. This strategic pricing, coupled with bold branding, quickly captured market share and made AriZona a household name.

Key Business Strategies

A pivotal moment in Vultaggio's career was the decision to focus on the ready-to-drink tea market. He maintained control of the business and has kept the company family-owned. Vultaggio's commitment to offering value to consumers, particularly by maintaining the 99-cent price for the iconic AriZona Iced Tea cans despite inflation, has cemented the brand's popularity and fostered customer loyalty.

Philanthropy

Vultaggio's philanthropy includes donations to education and community causes.