Strong sales of Dr Pepper Cherry offset declines for the regular and diet versions to help the overall Dr Pepper brand eke out higher sales volume in the first nine months of 2009, according [image-nocss] to the report, citing data from Beverage Digest.
By contrast, the U.S. industry saw a 3% decline, Beverage Digest said.
"If I look at the industry as a whole, if I look at the economy, I think we still have our challenges out there," Young said. "We're seeing an uptick with the consumer, but...the beverage industry has a real close correlation with unemployment. As the unemployment numbers improve we see our business improve."
Dr Pepper, which claims to be America's oldest major soft drink brand, was invented in 1885 at a drug store in Waco, Texas, Young said, adding that its taste is created by blending 23 flavors.
Plano, Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group is an integrated refreshment beverage business marketing more than 50 beverage brands to consumers throughout North America. In addition to its flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, the company's portfolio includes 7UP, Mott's, A&W, Sunkist Soda, Hawaiian Punch, Canada Dry, Schweppes, Squirt, RC Cola, Diet Rite, Penafiel, Rose's, Yoo-hoo, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T and more. It operates 24 bottling and manufacturing facilities and more than 200 distribution centers across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
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