Milo’s Tea Reaches Milestones, Invests Big in U.S. Footprint

Milo’s Tea Company is picking up speed in its ninth decade (AL.com).

What’s going on: In September the company, which turned 80 this year, announced that it had reached $1 billion in retail sales—ahead of its self-set 2027 deadline.

• “Milo’s has invested about $400 million in its U.S. manufacturing since 2020, tripling production capacity and adding more than 600 jobs.”
• Since 2022, the Bessemer, Alabama–headquartered beverage manufacturer, which began as a hamburger stand after World War II, saw its retail distribution increase by 50% to more than 65,000 U.S. stores.

Why it’s important: Milo’s, which operates four manufacturing and distribution sites, is still a family business, and it puts its employees first, said Chair and CEO (and NAM Board member) Tricia Wallwork, the granddaughter of founders Milo and Bea Carlton (Food & Beverage Magazine).

• “Wallwork credits the run to Milo’s award-winning ‘People First’ culture, a real-ingredient product, a clear company purpose, execution discipline, strong retailer relationships and a loyal fan base.”
• Milo’s invests in the people helping it grow, offering well-paying, meaningful careers and excellent benefits for all associates, such as 100% company-paid health insurance premiums for associates and their families, generous parental leave (12 weeks), 401(k) match, gym stipends, tuition assistance and growth pathways.

The last word: “People are the number-one ingredient in our success, and every strategic decision we’ve made over the last 80 years of this company has focused on putting people first,” Wallwork told the NAM.

• “The biggest priority I own as CEO is our culture, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I don’t take it for granted that each one of our more than 1,000 associates feels comfortable sharing honest feedback with me when I walk the plant floor. That makes our company different and better.”
• “It means a lot to me when an associate shares a Milo’s Moment, like having a new addition to their family, graduating from college through Milo’s tuition assistance or taking advantage of our volunteer time off and associate-led giving funds to contribute to a cause that’s important to them.”