NORTHERN NECK, VA – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) announced his letter to Mr. James Quincey, Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, regarding the production of Northern Neck Ginger Ale. This letter follows the discontinuation of Northern Neck Ginger Ale during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Coca-Cola Company.
“The efforts of thousands of Virginians to restart production of the iconic Northern Neck Ginger Ale shows how important the beverage is to the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” writes Congressman Wittman in the letter. “I strongly urge the Coca-Cola Company to make this cherished Northern Neck beverage available to Virginians.”
Congressman Wittman has consistently advocated for Northern Neck Bottling Co., the community-based business in the town of Montross that used to distribute Northern Neck Ginger Ale. Click here to watch Congressman Wittman’s video about Northern Neck Bottling, Co during his hometown video series in 2020.
To read Congressman Wittman’s full letter, scroll below or click here.
December 19, 2022
Mr. James Quincey
Chief Executive Officer
The Coca-Cola Company
1 Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
Dear Mr. Quincey:
Today, I write to you regarding the production of Northern Neck Ginger Ale. The efforts of thousands of Virginians to restart production of the iconic Northern Neck Ginger Ale shows how important the beverage is to the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I strongly urge the Coca-Cola Company to make this cherished Northern Neck beverage available to Virginians.
Northern Neck Ginger Ale was first produced in 1926 when Arthur Carver cultivated its unique family recipe and opened a Coca-Cola Bottling Company franchise in my hometown of Montross, Virginia. The ginger ale quickly gained widespread notoriety and due to its quality product, became a regional staple. In 2001, Coca-Cola purchased the recipe and moved production to the Richmond suburbs. In July 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Coca-Cola Company temporarily ceased production of Northern Neck Ginger Ale and later that year the company discontinued Northern Neck Ginger Ale.
My constituents on the Northern Neck take immense pride in this iconic beverage. Northern Neck Ginger Ale remains a beloved product across this unique and treasured region of the Commonwealth. Coca-Cola Company’s decision to discontinue Northern Neck Ginger Ale has been met with a great outpouring of support for the restart of production of Northern Neck Ginger Ale, even a petition with thousands of Virginians has been circulating urging Coca-Cola to rescind the decision of sell the formula.
I strongly urge the Coca-Cola Company to find a way to continue the production and sale of Northern Neck Ginger Ale. Moreover, I urge you to work with local Northern Neck residents and stakeholders to find a way to return this classic beverage to the people of the Northern Neck of Virginia. Thank you for your consideration to this issue.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Wittman
Member of Congress
