On February 4th, 1958, Richard F. Tomlinson and Donald E. Tomlinson of Chester Borough, New Jersey, sold their soda distributing business at 347 East Main Street to Herman W. Fischer of Bedminster Township and Robert F. Thompson of Oldwick, both of New Jersey. The new company name was Fischer-Thompson Beverages, Inc., and Eleanor Thompson became Secretary/Treasurer. As part of the agreement, Messrs. Fischer and Thompson purchased franchise rights to Cott, Dad’s, Neidick’s, and Yoo-Hoo, along with various equipment: a 1949 Studebaker 1 ½ Ton soda truck, a 1949 Chevrolet 1 ½ Ton Flat Bed truck, a 1950 Chevrolet ½ Ton Panel truck, a 1951 Chevrolet 2 ton soda truck, a pallet lifter, a cash register, a roller conveyor, and product inventory.

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In August 1961, Herman W. Fischer left the business, but the company name remained unchanged. In February 1964, a fire destroyed the office at 347 East Main Street, Chester, destroying all the beverage inventory. The damage was repaired, new inventory obtained, and the business continued. 1974 was a landmark year for Cott Natural Flavors as they dominated the market.

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In 1974, Robert S. Thompson joined the company full-time. In the late 70s and early 80s, a New Age beverage craze began when Orelia, Evian, Juice Bowl, Gatorade, Old Tyme, and Dr. Browns joined our distribution brands.

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In 1987, Fischer-Thompson started distributing Snapple Juice and Soda. Douglas Thompson joined the company full-time in 1989. Snapple’s growth led to a move to larger headquarters at 27 Ironia Road, Flanders, in December 1990. Distribution rights to RC and Diet Rite Cola brands were added in 1991.

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In 1992, the company’s officer structure was formalized:
• Robert F. Thompson (CEO)
• Robert S. Thompson (President)
• Douglas E. Thompson (Vice President)
• Eleanor F. Thompson (Secretary/Treasurer)

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November 1995 marked the passing of business founder and CEO Robert F. Thompson. Robert S. Thompson became President, and Douglas Thompson became Vice President. In 1996, due to continued growth, the old Dynepco facility at 25 Ironia Road, Flanders, was purchased. Renovation began in spring 1997, and we moved to the new facility in August 1997.

The business grew in 1998 when we acquired distribution rights to Mistic and Stewarts. Over the next decade, Fischer-Thompson added major brands like Sobe, Fiji Water, Polar, Vitamin Water, Smart Water, Muscle Milk, and Monster. However, the industry consolidated, with V-8, Monster, Vitamin Water, and Smart Water bought by Coca-Cola, and Sobe, Muscle Milk, and Gatorade by Pepsi.

August 2007 marked Eleanor F. Thompson’s passing. In 2008, the company struggled to replace lost cases and sought new brands, securing Sunny D, Nesquik, Vita Coco, and Xyience Energy. As we recovered, we added snacks to our portfolio, starting with Deep River Chips and expanding to Dirty Chips, Pop Chips, and Gringo Jacks.

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In November 2011, Fischer-Thompson implemented a complete organizational overhaul, including the 3rd generation of the Thompson family. Robbie Thompson joined as administrator, and Molly Thompson joined the front office staff.

In November 2012, the company heavily reinvested in software and hardware, optimizing its route to market.

We remain open to exploring new products and ideas to continue Fischer-Thompson Beverages’ successful traditions.