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1947
Founding
Allen Beverages, Inc., was founded in August 1947 by Cleve Allen and began as Spur Bottling Company in Gulfport, Mississippi, with the Canada Dry franchise for the six southernmost counties in Mississippi. The first delivery was made in September 1947, just one day before the 1947 hurricane. The fleet consisted of one army surplus truck.
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1955
Joining the Pepsi Family
In 1955, the Pepsi-Cola franchise was obtained from the Pepsi-Cola Company.
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1969-1972
Early Adversity
Hurricane Camille in 1969 left the plant virtually unscathed, however a disastrous fire completely destroyed the plant located on Hewes Avenue across from the old airport terminal in 1972. The plant was rebuilt at the same location.
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1975
2nd Generation
Cleve Allen was joined in 1975 by his son, Drew Allen.
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1987
Moving Day
In 1987, the plant moved from Hewes Avenue to its present location on Dedeaux Road in Gulfport.
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July 1991
Passing the Torch
Drew Allen becomes President and CEO shortly before the death of his father in July 1991.
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1997
Milestones
In 1997, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary in business!
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2005
Disaster
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the the MS Gulf Coast. Left with 25% of our workforce, Allen Beverages provided bottle water delivery to all disaster areas to assist in recovery.
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2010-2012
3rd Generation
Drew Allen's son Andrew and daughter Grace join the company.
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2014
Bottler of the Year
Allen Beverages wins the Donald M. Kendall Pepsi-Cola Bottler of the Year award.
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2017
Passing the Torch again
Andrew Allen becomes General Manager of Allen Beverages, Inc.
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2020
Death in the Family
Drew Allen passes away suddenly. Andrew Allen becomes President and General Manager of Allen Beverages, Inc.
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2021
Bottle of the Year
Allen Beverages, Inc. wins Pepsi-Cola Bottler of the Year for the South Division and is nominated for National Bottler of the Year.
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2022
75 Years Strong
Allen Beverages, Inc. expands their warehouse at Dedeaux Rd and celebrates 75 years as the MS Gulf Coast's local beverage provider.