Hyman Golden

Hyman Golden
Born	(1923-06-11) 11 June 1923 Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	14 September 2008(2008-09-14) (aged 85) Great Neck, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Co-founder and chairman of Snapple Beverage Corporation

Hyman Golden (June 11, 1923 – September 14, 2008) was a co-founder and chairman of the Snapple Beverage Corporation, now integrated into the Dr Pepper Snapple Group. He played a pivotal role in elevating the company's profile across the United States during the late 1980s through its popular juice and tea products.

Biography

Born into a Jewish family of Romanian immigrant descent in Passaic, New Jersey, Golden spent his formative years in Middle Village, Queens. After serving in the United States Air Force, he engaged in various occupations before partnering with his brother-in-law Leonard Marsh to establish a maintenance business.

In 1972, Golden, along with Marsh and Arnold Greenberg, launched Unadulterated Food Products, targeting health food retailers with fruit juices. The "Snapple" brand name, inspired by a carbonated apple juice beverage, emerged in the early 1980s. The introduction of iced tea products in 1987 marked a turning point that substantially increased revenue.

Initially headquartered in Brooklyn, the firm later moved its base to Valley Stream, New York. In April 1992, Snapple was purchased by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners for $140 million; however, Golden and his associates retained a one-third ownership share. The company went public later that same year and was subsequently acquired by the Quaker Oats Company in 1994 for $1.7 billion. Eventually, Snapple became part of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group. Golden stepped down as chairman in 1995.

He died on September 14, 2008, in Great Neck, New York following complications related to a stroke.