Orson the Polar Texas mascot and plant manager Mark Woodford are all smiles behind a display of Polar and H-E-B sodas and seltzers at the Temple plant. Polar Beverages purchased Temple Bottling last year and renamed the plant Polar Texas. The plant makes 5.5 million cases of soda a year and expects to quadruple production by 2024. David Stone photo

DAVID STONE | July 27

A Temple-based beverage company that opened less than a year ago plans to double production in 2023 and double it again the following year.

Polar Texas, a division of independent soft-drink giant Polar Beverage Co., purchased the struggling Temple Bottling Co. in September 2021. Right now the company — located in Industrial Park — is making about 5.5 million cases of soda per year.

“Temple Bottling Co. was caught up in supply chain issues,” said Jim Doyle, vice president of operations for Polar Beverages. “They were making soft drinks for H-E-B and couldn’t meet the demand. This prompted some phone calls to discuss the situation, and that led to us purchasing the plant and taking over Temple Bottling’s customer base.”

The move to Texas also allows Polar to take a more aggressive approach to creating partnerships in the soft drink market.

“In Massachusetts, Polar is known for its seltzer products,” said plant manager Mark Woodford. “Right now, Polar is the No. 2 seltzer company in the US behind LaCroix but we are gaining in every major market area.”

Polar now ranks ahead of popular seltzer manufacturers such as Bubly, Topo Chico, San Pellegrino, Canada Dry and Waterloo.

While seltzer is big business at Polar’s other three plants — Worcester, Mass.; Scotia, NY; and Fitgerald, Ga. — the Temple facility primarily co-packs products for H-E-B.

“We’re really in the private label business in Texas,” Doyle explained. “Co-pack means someone else owns the brand and we co-manufacture the product and provide warehousing.”

Like Temple Bottling Co., Polar Texas’ biggest customer is H-E-B. Polar produces dozens of soda flavors under the H-E-B and Hill Country Fare labels.

“About 90 percent of our business is H-E-B,” Woodford said. “But we’re bringing in new business as well. We’re making some substantial investments in equipment, and we’ll be able to increase production.”

Right now, Polar Texas operates a single line and is producing more than 5 million cases per year. A second line has been installed and will crank up in October, doubling the production at the Temple plant. Another line will be added next year that will give Polar Texas the ability to produce 20 million cases of soda every year.

Doyle said the expanded production capabilities will bring more co-packing opportunities.

Zevia, a California-based manufacturer of popular stevia-sweetened sodas, was being tested at the plant today.

“We’re excited to have our product made in Central Texas,” said Tim Wagner, a co-pack manager for Zevia who was at the Temple plant. “We expect to produce about 2 million cases of Zevia in Temple by the end of 2022. We sell a lot of soda in Texas, and producing it here will really cut down on shipping costs.”

Doyle said a popular energy drink, C4 Energy, likely will be made in Temple beginning in October.

“Cranking up the new line will open doors of opportunity,” he said.

In addition to adding a new line for canning sodas, Polar also has replaced a water system that will attract additional business.

“We installed a reverse osmosis system, and by fall we will be producing Austin-based Rambler Sparkling Water,” Woodford said. “The new water system has membranes that remove sodium.”

Polar is still experiencing supply chain issues but hopes those problems will soon be in the rearview mirror.

“We’re getting our cans from a plant in Mexico, and we never know when they are going to arrive,” Woodford said. “Our major can supplier, Envases,  has built a new plant in Waco, and it will begin serving us this year.”

Polar Texas employs 50 people, but Woodford said those numbers will grow as the company ramps up production.

“We will be adding more personnel in 2023, I’m sure,” he said. “Right now, we’re working two shifts Monday through Friday, and on Saturday as needed.”

Doyle said Polar-brand seltzers, waters and sodas will eventually be produced in Temple as well.

“Kuerig Dr. Pepper has the distribution rights to Polar-brand beverages,” he said. “It’s their call, but when we have all of our new capabilities there will be plenty of synergies to capitalize upon.”

The plant has deep roots in Temple. The previous owner, Temple Bottling, was originally a Dr. Pepper bottler located on North 3rd Street, and it operated in Temple for more than 75 years. Polar Beverages was founded in 1882, just months after Temple was formed by the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad.

A canning machine at Polar Texas awaits a flavor change. The company was doing test runs for Zevia zero calorie sodas, a product they like will produce full time starting in October. Right now, 90 percent of the beverages canned at Polar Texas are for H-E-B stores. David Stone photo

Thousands of cases of H-E-B soft drinks await pickup at the Polar Texas plant on Parkside Drive in Temple’s Industrial Park. David Stone photo

Polar joining Temple’s ‘fun side'

DAVID STONE | July 27, 2022

In addition to producing millions of cases of soda a year — primarily for H-E-B but soon for Zevia as well — Polar Texas is also becoming part of Temple’s fun side.

Polar, who bought the former Temple Bottling Co. on Parkside Drive in September 2021, is now the prime sponsor for one of the Temple Chamber of Commerce’s largest events.

The annual Summer Sizzle celebration is now Summer Sizzle Seltzer. One of Polar’s biggest sellers nationwide is flavored seltzer waters.

“This is something we are really excited about,” Polar Texas plant manager Mark Woodford said today. “We will be bringing water and Orson, and we’ll be having a small hiring fair and a lot of fun.”

Orson?

“Orson is our polar bear mascot,” he said. “Actually, we have mini Orson. The real Orson is a massive 25-foot inflatable bear that sits on top of the Worcester plant. He’s been there for decades, and he’s survived years of collegiate mischief.”

“Our Orson is much smaller — a stuffed polar bear,” Woodford said. “We take him to hiring events and Chamber activities. He’s a part of our long company pride. Polar has been making beverages since 1882.”

Summer Sizzle Seltzer will be held August 5 at Santa Fe Plaza, and will feature food trucks and an outdoor market from 6 to 9:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Three4One will perform live. Those attending are urged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Wednesday, July 27

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.

• Chris Austin Martinez live at La Riv Kitchen & Bar. 7 p.m.

• Through My Eyes art exhibit at The Loft. 6-8 p.m. Paintings, sculptures, poems, photos that focus on a person in the Temple/Belton area and it reflects their true beauty and worth. Presented by Feed My Sheep.

• Lunch at the Airport! Flexin’ Texan food truck will be at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport from 11 am. To 2 p.m.

• Trivia at Green Door. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Musician Open Mic Night at Corky’s Wine & Beer

• Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• PreSchool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 11:15 a.m.

• School Age Story Time (K-3rd grade) at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.

• Kid’s Night Movie on the Lawn at Treno’s Pizzeria & Taproom. 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 28

• Through My Eyes art exhibit at The Loft. 6-8 p.m. Paintings, sculptures, poems, photos that focus on a person in the Temple/Belton area and it reflects their true beauty and worth. Presented by Feed My Sheep.

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker.  For tickets and showtimes, visit

  https://templecivictheatre.com

• The Bell County Area Parkinson's Support Group meets Thursday afternoon. We'll join with the large Georgetown GAPS support group by Zoom to learn about physical occupational, and speech therapies for those with Parkinson's. Join us in the meeting room at Garden Estates of Temple, 5320 205 Loop, from 2:30 until 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 28.

• Beachy Beats Open Mic at Knead Peace in Belton.  Bring on those Island Vibes and Beachy Beats! Feel free to dress the part and bring a drum, chair, hammock, picnic blanket, snacks, and cooler. Family friendly event!

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Country Nights at El Puerto de Jalisco. Live music and great food and drinks. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m

• Concert on Main at Salado Civic Center. Salado has been designated a Music Friendly Community by the Governor’s Texas Music Office. To kick off the start of Salado’s Music Friendly Community journey, a free concert will be held for the public featuring Kristyn Harris Food trucks on site.

• Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• PreSchool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 11:15 a.m.

Friday, July 29

• Kyle Reed at Barrow Brewing, 8 p.m.

• Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker.  For tickets and showtimes, visit

  https://templecivictheatre.com

• Academie Musique of Central Texas String Camp Showcase, 1:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 300 N. Main in Temple.

• Summer Sounds Free Concert at Santa Fe Plaza featuring American Merit Band. 7:30 p.m.

• Weldon Henson live at Bo’s Barn. Weldon Henson is to country music what an ice cold beer is on a “long, hard, hot, day” – refreshing. The first few notes out of his mouth and you know your witnessing the real deal. 8 p.m.

• Dementia/Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group: Occurs weekly on Fridays. This group allows your loved ones to join us.  Loved ones will be doing activities while the group of caregivers are joining together to better understand and learn tips and tricks for daily life. 

• Gabe’s Last Shift at FoxDog (for now). Gabe is headed to college at Texas State. Come wish him farewell. 4:30 p.m.

• Sing-A-Long Piano Show at Green Door every Friday at 10 p.m.

• 4-Hour Temple Brew Trail Tour with Tour Temple. 6-10 p.m.

• Karaoke at Corky’s Beer & Wine. 8-11 p.m.

• Chess Club at Temple Public Library. 4-6 p.m.

Calf prices could trend upward because of herd contraction from this summer’s drought. Laura McKenzie/ AgriLife photo

Shrinking cattle herds could mean higher beef prices for Texas consumers

ADAM RUSSELL | JULY 27, 2022

The shrinking Texas cattle herd is likely to translate into higher calf and beef prices years beyond a break in the 2022 drought, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, Bryan-College Station, said Texas cattle producers have culled earlier and deeper than normal this year due to drought. He suspects the number of culls, and the small number of replacement heifers could mean post-drought herd recovery could be longer than the years following record drought in 2011. It could also drive calf prices toward records set in 2014.

“It’s clearly bad out there based on the number of culls we’ve seen,” he said. “Drought is forcing the issue. Whether it is zero grazing, low forage stocks, high feed and hay prices, or running low on water, Texas ranchers are facing tough decisions right now.”

Historically, Texas accounts for a big chunk of the U.S. beef cattle herd. Mother Nature’s impact on Texas ranchers is likely to ripple into sale barns and grocery stores around the country years beyond the drought. The U.S. herd has been shrinking in recent years, and the Texas drought is further reducing cattle numbers.

The U.S. beef cow herd was just over 30 million head in January, down 2 percent compared to last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The total estimated inventory of Texas cows that had calved and heifers was 5.1 million head, down 3 percent compared to 2020.

Anderson said this weather-related contraction is impacting producers negatively. There are no estimates available that quantify the economic hardship Texas’ ranchers have endured so far in 2022, but livestock losses during the 2011 drought were estimated to be $3.23 billion.

Losses included the increased cost of feeding livestock due to the lack of pastures and ranges and market losses. Market losses included the impact of fewer pounds sold per calf and any impact on market prices due to above-normal cattle sale volumes over a short time.

The 2011 drought was a bad time for ranchers, but the years following included historic cow/calf prices as the Texas and U.S. herd numbers recovered.

Anderson said nominal prices are higher now than in 2011 as the drought was taking hold and forcing widespread herd consolidation and liquidations. The weekly weighted average price for 500-600-pound steers at auctions across Texas in 2011 was $139.73 per hundredweight compared to $181.12 per hundredweight so far this year.

Record prices occurred as the beef cattle herd recovered, and the same weight class steers rose to a weighted average of $236 per hundredweight in 2014. Calf prices peaked in late October 2014 at around $283 per hundredweight.

“The beef cattle market isn’t something that turns on a dime,” he said. “It takes time. Cattle are a long-term cycle, and I suspect this will all play out similarly to the years following the 2011 drought.”

Anderson’s concern about the Texas herd this time compared to 2011 is that replacement heifers – the young, future calf-producing cows – are at their lowest point nationally since USDA began keeping numbers in 1973.

The number of beef replacement heifers fell to 4.15 million in July, which represents around 13.7 percent of the national cattle herd, Anderson said. There were more replacement heifers available in 2011, but heifers made up 13.4 percent of the herd at the time.

“That means we are going to see tight supplies of replacement heifers, and were it to rain and break the drought and pastures recover, we’ll see higher replacement heifer prices,” he said. “The absolute numbers of heifers in 2011 through 2014 are interesting because it indicates a lot of Texas heifers were shipped elsewhere. But this year, we’re already looking at the bottom in terms of estimated numbers.”

Central Texas ag report

The region reported no precipitation and record-setting high temperatures. Soil moisture levels were very short and severe drought conditions continued. Pasture conditions were very poor and declining, and stock tanks were dropping with some already dry. Ranchers were reducing livestock numbers due to hay shortages and escalating hay prices. Corn harvest was in full swing with below average yields reported. Few reported corn yields were exceeding 100 bushels per acre, with most acres yielding 50-70 bushels and some yielding below 50 bushels per acre. Sorghum was being harvested as well with decent yields reported. Some specialty crops like double-crop sesame looked surprisingly good. Cotton fields were declining and were developing large areas of chlorosis with patchy necrosis. Crop scouts were actively looking for mites, but no significant infestations were reported so far.