Mission Soda
“Naturally Good”
The company that created Mission soft drinks went through several name and location changes over the years. Initially, California Crushed Fruit in Los Angeles produced the first soft drinks. Their Mission Orange soft drink was so successful that in 1933 they formed The Mission Dry Corporation and started bottling Mission Orange soda in a unique black bottle. By the 1950’s they had become Mission of California, Inc. with offices based in New Haven, Connecticut. Throughout their total history, they manufactured soft drinks from about 1929 to 1970.
Around 1950 they began putting their soda into 1-quart cone top cans. Some of these cans can be very valuable. One website states that in 2000 a Mission Root Beer quart cone top can went for over $3000 at auction. They also put their soft drinks into flat top cans in the 50’s, but they didn’t really catch on with the consumer until the 60’s.
Flavors that Mission soda was available in included Orange, Lemon-Lime, Coco-Pina, Black Cherry, Cream and Root Beer, among others.
The Mission Dry Corporation
Los Angeles, California
Mission soda production was based in California but was bottled all over the US. Do you have a Mission story you’d like to share? If so, please blog-in.
Loved Mission soda – wish it was still being made.
I loved being able to mix and match the flavors of Mission Soda in the cartons at the store. That way, you always went home with your favorite flavors.
does anybody remember shocking pink soda
What ever happened to mission Pineapple Soda? Mission Orange Soda?
Mission sodas were the best value for the money. They were in the largest bottles and had the purest flavor, especially the orange and grape.
I had never heard of it until yesterday I bought a bottle for a dollar. The bottle is in excellent shape and makes a fine addition to my collection.