The Birmingham-based tea company, Milo’s, is projected to achieve $1 billion in retail sales by the end of this year, according to a recent profile in Forbes featuring CEO Tricia Wallwork. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the brand, which was recognized last year as the top-selling refrigerated tea brand in the United States by Nielsen IQ. Its signature sweet tea, sold in one-gallon jugs, has become the leading ready-to-drink tea across American retailers.
Milo’s success stems from a continuous commitment to growth, as Wallwork emphasizes. “We’ve built a growth company and we want to keep growing,” she stated in her interview with Chloe Sorvino of Forbes. “We have our foot on the gas.” Established in 1989, Milo’s produces nearly 62 million cases of tea and lemonade each year, offering nine flavors along with three size variations for each type.
Expansion and Future Plans
As of 2026, Milo’s is valued at approximately $1.7 billion. To support its rapid expansion, Wallwork has overseen the establishment of two new manufacturing facilities within the last five years. The most recent addition is a $200 million manufacturing and distribution facility situated in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. This facility attracted considerable interest, receiving 23,000 applications for just 129 available jobs.
“Every time the company doubles, I have to triple,” Wallwork reflected on her evolving leadership role. “I’m a very different leader than I was when I first started.” This adaptability has been crucial to navigating the challenges of a growing business landscape.
Looking ahead, Milo’s plans to diversify its product range by entering a new drink category. Additionally, the company aims to expand its offerings to 11 flavors, launch more seasonal options, and grow its zero-sugar line, as highlighted in the Forbes feature.
Milo’s journey from a local favorite to a billion-dollar enterprise illustrates the potential for growth in the beverage industry. With Wallwork at the helm, the company is poised for continued success in the competitive market.
