Family-Owned AriZona Pours Into Fashion Collections And Collaborations

Growing up in an urban setting provided familiar staples resonating with the community and its intrinsic cultural artifacts. Besides streetwear fashion and how the garments are worn, the drink choices have developed a familiarity with the communities.

One of those drinks is the AriZona beverage line, renowned for its iconic 22oz cans, it’s Half & Half: Iced Tea and Lemonade blend, dubbed the “Arnold Palmer,” and the many other flavors that became favorites, including a special edition, can that featured NBA legend and part-time DJ, Shaquille O’Neal. Founded in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1992, now, AriZona has become more than just a drink; it’s a lifestyle with apparel to appropriate your sartorial mood.

Embracing boldness and out-of-the-box ideas, a legacy tied to urban communities, the AriZona lifestyle reflects a sense of adventure and authenticity. As this family brand continues to evolve, its foray into the world of fashion and merchandising has captured the essence of this lifestyle, resonating with fans across the globe.

Wesley Vultaggio, Chief Creative Officer, and Spencer Vultaggio, Chief Marketing Officer, also the sons of the founder and owner Don Vultaggio [a 6-foot 9-inch former truck driver], have had the same passion as their father did from day one. They describe it stating, “Producing the AriZona merch has been an exciting journey for us. Our father started it and we’ve kept on with the tradition of introducing exciting merch and point-of-sale items for the trade and consumers. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and delivering relevant products that resonate with loyalists, and new fans of the brand.”

Giving more flavor to their design palette, AriZona, and its c-suite sibling leaders tap into the essence in which the brand validated its essentiality. “Our design process starts with an ear to the street, tapping into current trends and understanding what our consumers are passionate about. We draw inspiration from streetwear, popular culture, and of course, our iconic beverage label creative.”

“From there, it’s all about collaboration and creativity,” the Vultaggio brothers express. “We work closely with talented in-house designers and established Creatives to bring our vision to life, ensuring that each piece reflects the AriZona ethos and aesthetic. Whether it’s a bold graphic tee, a sleek water bottle, or a limited-edition collaboration, every item in our merch lineup is crafted with attention to detail and a passion for style. We like to explore new ideas and push the boundaries for what’s possible. Our goal is to create merch that looks great and inspires our fans to live life to the fullest.”

At the heart of the AriZona lifestyle is a commitment that embraces individuality and celebrates its roots. The Heritage Collection pays homage to AriZona’s iconic status, representing a nod to its origins and timeless appeal. Crafted with care and attention to detail, each product in the collection embodies the heritage while infusing a fresh twist for modern consumers. From classic flavors to timeless designs, the Heritage Collection celebrates what makes AriZona iconic in its bold can designs.

The evolution of AriZona merch has been a journey marked by excitement and creativity. Drawing inspiration from streetwear, popular culture, and the brand’s iconic beverage labels, the design process is a collaborative effort that aims to resonate with loyalists and new fans alike. With an ear to the street, AriZona’s merch lineup reflects the ethos and aesthetic, offering products that inspire fans to live life to the fullest.

Building on its success within skate and surf culture, AriZona’s expansion into the ski/snowboard line is deemed a more natural progression into developing fashion. An active lifestyle and a spirit of adventure capture the essence of this outerwear collection.

The recent launch of the kid’s collection reflects AriZona’s commitment to engaging with the new generation of consumers. As parents themselves, the brand’s founders understand the importance of catering to all ages and demographics. The kid’s collection allows families to share in the AriZona lifestyle together, fostering a sense of community and connection.

AriZona has also collaborated with some of the most iconic brands in the industry, creating significant product drops that connect with fans on a deeper level. From streetwear labels like Anti-Social Social Club to sportswear giants like Adidas, each collaboration celebrates its joint successes and pushes the boundaries of possibilities.

“We’ve had the pleasure of teaming up with some incredible brands to create significant product drops that connect with our fans,” the brothers detail. “Our collaboration with Anti-Social Social Club brought together trending streetwear style with our iconic beverages. Our partnership with Adidas Originals infused our bold flavors into their classic silhouettes. Each initiative has been a celebration of our joint successes.”

By exploring the intersection of art, fashion, and culture, AriZona continues to inspire and excite fans with its innovative partnerships. “Most recently, teaming up with emerging sunscreen brand Vacation Inc., where together we explored the intersection of art, fashion, and classic culture to create a collection that embodied the vintage spirit of AriZona. Collaborations allow us to push the boundaries of what’s possible and connect with our fans in new and exciting ways. We’re always looking forward to what’s next.”

Throughout its evolution, AriZona has remained committed to providing great taste at a great value. As a family-owned and operated business, the brand’s commitment to authenticity and affordability has remained constant. While AriZona has expanded its product lineup and explored new markets, it has stayed true to its roots, delivering high-quality products that resonate with fans worldwide.

“One thing that has remained constant is our commitment to providing great taste at a great value,” the brothers detail. “Again, we’re family owned and operated, so, most often, talking to the decision-makers. Our board meets daily over lunch, [making] our decisions quickly, collectively, and effectively. From the very beginning, our iconic Big Can at 99 cents has been a staple, offering consumers a delicious beverage at an unbeatable price. But while our commitment to affordability has stayed the same, we’ve also evolved in many ways.”

The Vultaggio brothers continue, “We’ve expanded our product lineup to include a wide range of flavors and beverage options, from teas and juices to water[s] and energy drinks – snacks, and adult beverages. We’ve embraced collaborations and partnerships that have allowed us to connect with new audiences and explore new markets. And through it all, remained true to our roots, staying authentic to who we are as a brand and continuing to deliver the high-quality products that our fans know and love.”

For the founders of AriZona, personal style is a mix of highs and lows, reflecting its ethos of authenticity and individuality. From the Heritage Blossom Hoodie to the Black Heritage Field Coat, AriZona merch has become a staple in their wardrobes, embodying the bold spirit of the brand.

Wesley Vultaggio concludes, “[We] love a mix of highs and lows. We create pieces we actually want to wear, and like our Dad (and our employees), we wear AriZona merch because we want to, not because it’s mandated. [Spencer wears] the Heritage Blossom Hoodie all the time, while I love the Black Heritage Field Coat. Our father wears an AriZona shirt every day and has a regular cycle of the t-shirts.”

AriZona’s reputation as a neighborhood drink with a premium allure has fostered its sartorial ventures, inspiring collaborations and partnerships that reflect its style and taste. By drawing inspiration from its diverse cultural influences, AriZona continues to push boundaries on its fashion and merchandise catalog.