While many associate Georgia peaches with the experience of biting into fresh, juicy fruit on a summer day, for some, the true taste of a Georgia peach comes in the form of a soda—Peach Nehi.
First introduced in 1924, Peach Nehi is a nostalgic favorite across the South, known for its bright peach flavor and bold, sweet fizz. For many who grew up in Georgia or took long road trips through the region, the soda holds a special place in their memories. Grabbing an ice-cold bottle from a gas station cooler, pouring it over ice in a Styrofoam cup, and pairing it with fried chicken or hot dogs became a familiar summer tradition.
Peach Nehi’s origin traces back to Columbus, Georgia, where it was created by Claud A. Hatcher, a local grocer and pharmacist. Hatcher founded the Chero-Cola/Union Bottle Works, aiming to compete with Coca-Cola by offering fruit-flavored sodas. The company’s first products included root beer and ginger ale, but by 1915 it had introduced a cherry cola. In 1924, the company launched the Nehi line with peach, orange, and grape flavors. The name “Nehi”—pronounced “knee-high”—was inspired by the height of the original glass bottles.
Nehi quickly gained popularity for its bold flavors and colorful branding. In the 1990s, its bright, retro-style labels—especially the coral and green Peach Nehi design—became iconic for fans growing up during the Nickelodeon era.
Over time, the brand evolved. The company eventually rebranded as Nehi Corporation, and in 2008 it became part of the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, now known as Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. Today, Peach Nehi is still widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets, often stocked in plastic bottles or 12-pack cans.
Though Peach Nehi began as a regional favorite, its reach now extends well beyond Georgia. Fans from neighboring states like Tennessee also fondly recall the soda as part of their childhood.
For many, Peach Nehi is more than a soft drink. It’s a symbol of Southern summers, long drives, and simple pleasures. While fresh peaches may be Georgia’s most famous export, it’s this sweet, carbonated tribute to the fruit that continues to deliver a taste of home.
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