For some emerging brands, selling to a large corporation like Coca-Cola is the ultimate goal. For others, pursuing alternative growth opportunities while remaining independent is the most fruitful move.
At BevNET Live 2025, Polar Beverages president and CEO Ralph Crowley – who has been at the helm for more than three decades – walked attendees through the 134-year-old company’s growth from $18 million to over $1 billion and shared best practices for independent brands seeking to build a similar lasting legacy. Polar’s diverse operations range from co-packing for major brands like C4 and Poppi to manufacturing private label brands.
“To me, measurement of success isn’t being acquired. It’s having a company that can last, in our case, for 143 years,” said Crowley. “There’s a whole different network other than Coke, Pepsi and KDP, such as us independents. You can make your brand, grow it and have something for the future.”
Watch the full video to hear how Crowley assesses potential growth opportunities, where he sees the “modern soda” category going (and how to stay on top of beverage trends), and what it takes to be a part of Polar’s network.