Tervis Tumbler
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Drinkware manufacturing |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | John C. Winslow |
| Headquarters | Florida , United States |
| Products | Tumblers, mugs, water bottles |
Tervis Tumbler Company is a U.S.-based producer specializing in insulated tumblers featuring double-wall construction. Their unique design incorporates a permanently bonded inner liner within an external shell, forming an air gap that minimizes condensation and helps preserve the temperature of beverages longer than standard non-insulated drinkware.
History
The innovation originated in 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, thanks to engineers Frank Cotter and G. Howlett Davis. The company’s name, Tervis, was created by merging the final three letters of each inventor’s last name. During the 1940s, John C. Winslow obtained the product rights, and the business was officially established as a corporation in 1967.
In January 2018, Trinity Graphic USA Inc. initiated a federal lawsuit claiming that Tervis breached a non-disclosure agreement, resulting in damages exceeding $25 million.
On September 5, 2024, Tervis sought protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to declining sales following a pandemic-related surge, increased operational expenses, and unprofitable retail locations. The company intends to complete its restructuring and emerge from bankruptcy before the end of the year as part of its strategic recovery plan.
Products
Tervis’ product lineup includes tumblers, mugs, and water bottles.
Additionally, the company licenses its branded drinkware to all four major U.S. professional sports leagues (MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL), nearly every major NCAA college and university, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, along with various corporate partners.
Conservation efforts
The company has actively supported efforts to reduce single-use plastics. In 2018, it distributed 10,000 reusable tumblers to customers who committed to eliminating disposable cup usage. The following year, Tervis collaborated with 4ocean on a beach cleanup initiative at Siesta Key in Florida.