Now restaurants and convenience stores carrying Pepsi on fountain in North Carolina and the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, area can also offer Cheerwine as a fountain beverage option, which will be distributed by Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV) beginning in April.

PBV’s statewide fountain distribution of Cheerwine marks a distribution partnership between two North Carolina soft drinks. Started in New Bern, North Carolina, Pepsi has already partnered with Cheerwine to expand its distribution: In late 2009, PBV introduced Cheerwine into the Salisbury, Maryland, area, followed by a second expansion in early 2010 to increase the depth and breadth of distribution of the base can and bottle business in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“We’re thrilled that the restaurant and store owners who want to meet their guests’ demands for our soft drink will find it easier to do so thanks to Pepsi Bottling Ventures,” says Jeff Huber, senior manager of business development for Cheerwine.

Paul Finney, senior vice president of sales and marketing for PBV, knows that many places will be excited about the partnership. “When you look at the restaurant landscape across the Carolinas, many use local products with flavors unique to the two states. Now restaurants are able to further localize their menu by offering two soft drinks – Pepsi and Cheerwine – that are part of the Carolinas’ legacy.”