Milo’s, a tea company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is poised to achieve $1 billion in retail sales by the end of this year. This milestone reflects the brand’s rapid expansion and success in the competitive beverage market. According to a recent profile in Forbes, the company, led by third-generation CEO Tricia Wallwork, has made significant strides since its founding in 1989.
Last year, Milo’s earned recognition as the top-selling refrigerated tea brand in the United States, as reported by Nielsen IQ. Its flagship product, a gallon jug of signature sweet tea, garnered the title of the number one selling ready-to-drink tea across American retailers. This impressive performance underscores the brand’s commitment to quality and consumer preference.
Growth and Expansion Strategies
Wallwork attributes the company’s success to a relentless pursuit of growth. “We’ve built a growth company and we want to keep growing,” she stated in the Forbes profile by Chloe Sorvino. “We have our foot on the gas.” This philosophy has driven Milo’s to produce nearly 62 million cases of tea and lemonade annually, offering a diverse range of nine flavors and three size options.
To accommodate this growth, Milo’s has invested heavily in its infrastructure. Over the past five years, Wallwork has overseen the construction of two new manufacturing facilities, including a recent $200 million facility in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. This new site attracted considerable interest, with 23,000 applicants vying for just 129 jobs. Wallwork noted, “Every time the company doubles, I have to triple,” highlighting her evolving role as a leader in response to the brand’s rapid expansion.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Milo’s plans to diversify its product lineup by entering a new drink category and expanding its flavor offerings to 11. The company is also set to launch more seasonal options while enhancing its zero-sugar product line, according to the Forbes report.
As of 2026, Milo’s is valued at $1.7 billion, a testament to its successful business model and market presence. With its focus on innovation and consumer satisfaction, Milo’s continues to solidify its position as a leader in the beverage industry.
