Nestlé and Polar Beverages to manufacture, distribute and sell cans under both brand names through new partnership.

A distribution agreement has been made between Nestlé Waters North America Inc. and Polar Beverages, Inc. to produce cans under Nestea and Poland Spring brand names. The agreement is being called “Polar Strategic Ventures,” and it will become effective July 15, 2015 and will cover the Eastern U.S.

“This agreement allows us to combine our strong premium brands with one of the premiere can manufacturers and distributors in the U.S.,” said Tim Brown, president, CEO and chairman of Nestlé Waters North America. “It will advance our goal of having our products available for immediate consumption in all formats, at anytime and anywhere.”

Polar Beverages and Nestlé Waters have a 20-year history of working together.  Polar currently co-packs some Nestlé Waters sparkling and tea products and is distributing several Nestlé Waters products in New England.

The new strategic alliance will be jointly led by longtime Nestlé Waters veteran Jeff Weston as chief operating officer, reporting into Tim Brown, CEO Nestlé Waters North America, and Ralph Crowley Jr., president and CEO of Polar Beverages.

“We look forward to strengthening our long partnership with Nestlé Waters and adding Nestea and Poland Spring cans to our strong brand portfolio,” added Ralph Crowley.