New York becomes the Big Snapple

Beverage giant Cadbury Schweppes is paying out more than €140m to turn The Big Apple into the Big Snapple.

In a unique deal with New York, the company’s Snapple drinks are now the city’s official water, juice and iced-tea, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced.

From today, city schools will allow only Snapple machines selling water and fruit juices.

In January, all other city-owned facilities will follow suit, as Snapple becomes the official water, iced tea and chocolate-drink vendor for those outlets.

The city also will help promote the company by putting its logo on ferries and rubbish bins and having Snapple sponsor concerts in parks.

“This agreement is the first in a limited number of high-quality partnerships that we think will greatly enhance our efforts to promote and market New York City,” Mayor Bloomberg said.

Cadbury Schweppes bought Snapple from a US company three years ago.