MINGES BOTTLING GROUP SELECTED 2019-2020 PITT COUNTY INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR
Greenville, NC (February 7, 2020) – Minges Bottling Group has been selected as the 2019-20 Pitt County Industry of the Year. Each year, the Pitt County Development Commission recognizes a manufacturer or distributor that best represents our community as a model corporate citizen.
The Minges family is known as one of the first families of Pepsi bottlers in the United States, and has become a 4th generation family-owned bottling company, serving 13 counties in eastern NC which includes New Bern NC, the birthplace of Pepsi Cola.
M.O. Minges started the business in 1923, opening a bottling operation distributing Orange Crush and other flavored beverages. In 1935, he purchased the franchise rights for distribution of Pepsi Cola in the same 13 counties. The business grew very quickly and in the 1950’s, the 2nd generation of Minges was managing two additional independent companies and expanding the business throughout eastern NC.
After 50 years of operation, the 3 bottling companies merged in 2001 as the Minges Bottling Group, led by the 3rd generation, Jeff and Tom Minges. The strategic merger aimed to maximize efficiency, provide an enhanced working environment for employees, and keep the company competitive while also preserving more than 225 jobs. A new facility was built in 2003, occupying 20 acres in Minges Corporate Park in Ayden. The new headquarters, spanning over 100,000 sf, was designed to be a state-of-the-art distribution center and to facilitate the next phase of expansion for the company. Today, the company distributes 200 brands and continues to be a leader in sales.
The legacy of hard work, dedication and commitment from past generations are challenging the next leaders of the company. Minges Bottling Group now has a 4th generation executive team led by brothers Miles and Landon Minges.
Minges Bottling Group is committed to providing excellent service as well as delivering a quality product to all of its customers. Part of its mission statement entails taking great pride in being a good corporate citizen and giving back to those communities that have supported them since 1935. Some of the recipients of their contributions include the ECU Educational Foundation and East Carolina University, the Thomas E. Minges Memorial Scholarship Fund, Children’s Miracle Network, Boys and Girls Club of Eastern NC, Vidant Children’s Hospital, Vidant Cancer Center, East Carolina Heart Institute, Museum of the Marine and Pitt Community College.
In 2018, Minges Bottling Group was recognized nationally and nominated alongside of 2 other finalists for the coveted “Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award” given by PepsiCo. A year later, East Carolina University awarded the Minges family the “Chancellors Amethyst Award” for philanthropic endeavors and service to the University.
The Pitt County Development Commission is proud to honor Minges Bottling Group for its long history in Pitt County, its visionary leadership, and its many contributions to the local community. The Industry of the Year will be presented at the annual Existing Industries Reception on February 11, 2020. The reception is sponsored by the Pitt County Development Commission and Greenville Utilities Commission.
