Polar keeps Worcester on the map

Founded 135 years ago as a whiskey and seltzer company, Polar Beverages has been innovating ever since Prohibition forced the Worcester manufacturer to switch to carbonated beverages. Its latest success has been a string of popular seasonal flavors – like Watermelon Margarita, Pineapple Grapefruit, Strawberry Sunrise, Raspberry Rose and Mango Berry, debuting this summer – in addition to its now decades-old efforts to bottle, can and distribute carbonated drinks for other drink brands.

While employing 1,000 people in Central Massachusetts, the beverage company sells its products in 40 states and operates three bottling plants, including one in Georgia. Out in the community, the company’s workforce volunteers at events like playground construction.

Read about the other Family Business Awards honorees

Finalists: New Family Business Award

• Commit Fitness
• Putts & More Family Fun Center

Finalists: Small Family Business Award

• DiLeo Gas Inc.
• Provo Financial Services Inc.

Finalists: Midsize Family Business Award

• Insurance Marketing Agencies
• Monster Movers

Finalists: Large Family Business Award

• Atlas Distributing, Inc.
• Woodmeister Master Builders Inc.