US-based privately held juice company Apple & Eve has acquired The Switch Beverage Company, a marketer of 100% sparkling juices, to support the company's plans for growth and expansion in the school nutrition channel.The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.Founded in 2001, The Switch Beverage Company, located in Darien, Connecticut, is one of the leading marketers of 100% sparkling juices in the US. Focused primarily on the K-12 school nutrition channel, The Switch is available in seven flavours of 8oz slim cans. The Switch is also available in grocery, club and is among the top selling juices on Amazon.com."We are excited to add The Switch brand of 100% Sparkling Juices to our portfolio," said Gordon Crane, president and CEO of Apple & Eve. "Our Apple & Eve and Fruitables brands of 100% juices are among the leaders in shelf stable juices in US schools. Adding The Switch provides us [with] the strongest portfolio of brands for all possible school usage occasions."Bill Harrison, VP sales school nutrition at Apple & Eve, said: "The USDA has changed guidelines for foods and beverages sold at schools that go into effect next year that greatly benefit a brand like The Switch. Providing great-tasting beverages that promote health and wellness to US students and school nutrition directors is our No 1 objective. The Switch has proven beyond a doubt to be a best-in-class brand that students love and nutrition directors trust."Source: Apple & Eve LLC
