Purchasing Resources for Soft Drink Distributors And Wholesalers

Soft Drink Distributors and Wholesalers Key Terms

Learn the lingo before you start selling soft drinks
By Emily Lugg As a soft drink distributor or wholesaler, you need to know more about soft drinks than just their brand name. It is important to know the market you are selling to as well as the manufacturing process. To help you make the right choices for your business, familiarize yourself with some soft drink distributors and wholesalers key terms.
 

Aspartame

Aspartame is a no calorie, synthetic sweetener used to sweeten diet soft drinks.
Try: The Calorie Control Council provides information on the many uses of aspartame.

Cola or kola nut

The cola or kola nut is from of tree native to Africa. The nut is a natural source of caffeine and was once used in many soft drinks. Currently, only a select few still use the nut instead of artificial flavoring.
Try: Botanical.com details the history and evolution of the cola nut.

Saponins

Saponins are used in some soft drinks to increase the amount of foam on top.
Try: Phytochemicals describes the specifics of saponins.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer resin used to make many soft drink bottles. The material is shatter-proof making it ideal for beverage bottling.
Try: Technology Student explains plastics that are used for a variety of purposes, including PET.

Soda, pop, or coke

Soft drinks are also referred to as soda, pop, or coke depending on the area of the country. The term soda references soda-water, coke is a term used in reference to the popular soft drink can refer to soft drinks in general, and pop came from the "popping" of the cork when soft drinks were first introduced.
Try: Alan McConchie did extensive research on generic terms for soft drinks that are used around the country.

Proportioner

The proportioner keeps the soft drinks flowing during the manufacturing process and assures that the proportions of all of the ingredients in the beverages stay in the appropriate ranges.
Try: How Products Are Made describes the process of making soft drinks and how proportioners fit into the process.