Don Vultaggio
Don Vultaggio is the co-founder and chairman of AriZona Beverage Company, maker of the iconic AriZona Iced Tea. A Brooklyn native, he started in beverage distribution before launching the company in 1992 with the famous 99-cent tallboy can that remains unchanged today.
Don Vultaggio's Bio
Domenick "Don" Vultaggio co-founded Arizona Beverage Company in 1992, creating the iconic AriZona Iced Tea. A Brooklyn native born February 26, 1952, Vultaggio entered the beverage industry in the 1970s, partnering with John Ferolito in 1971 to build a distribution business.
On May 5, 1992, the two Brooklyn beer distributors launched Arizona from a warehouse with a simple formula: a big can, cool design, and a 99-cent price. That price has never changed, even as costs rose, and remains central to the brand's identity. Vultaggio built the company without outside investors, keeping it privately held and family-run.
Under his leadership, Arizona grew into a $6.5 billion empire with headquarters in Woodbury, New York. His sons Wesley (Chief Creative Officer) and Spencer hold important positions in the business.
Vultaggio is known for his consumer-friendly philosophy—charging less rather than more—while maintaining quality and values. The company has since expanded into juice cocktails, energy drinks, and organic teas, but the original AriZona Iced Tea remains exactly as it was in 1992. That consistency, driven by Vultaggio's conviction that a great product doesn't need constant change, defines both the brand and his legacy.
Career Timeline
1952 — Born
Domenick "Don" Vultaggio was born on February 26, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York.
1971 — Started Beverage Distribution Business at Ferolito & Vultaggio
Partnered with John Ferolito to open a beverage distribution business, gaining industry experience that would later inform Arizona Iced Tea.
1992 — Founded Arizona Beverage Company
Launched Arizona Beverage Company on May 5, 1992, from a Brooklyn warehouse with the iconic 99-cent tallboy can and the first AriZona Iced Tea flavor.
2010 — Company Expansion and Family Leadership at Arizona Beverage Company
Brought sons Wesley Vultaggio (Chief Creative Officer) and Spencer Vultaggio into executive roles, cementing family control of the privately held company.
2020 — Company Valued at $6.5 Billion at Arizona Beverage Company
Arizona Beverage Company's valuation reached approximately $6.5 billion, cementing Vultaggio's status as a billionaire while maintaining the brand's 99-cent pricing promise.
