The Sweet Taste Of 150 Years Archers Soft Drink And Proserpine

For close to 120 years, Archers Soft Drink has been creating, bottling and distributing their products across the region, and with Proserpine’s 150th birthday, Archers are proud of their stamp on the township.

Steeped in history and lush with connection, Archers continues to be integral to Proserpine and the wider Whitsunday region.

Allan and Michael Horsford are the helm of Archers Soft Drink, and have been since 1977, when their dad took on the business.

So here’s a bit of this massive history.

In 1906, Archers established Archers Soft Drink in Proserpine, creating and distributing a wide variety of glass-bottled soft drinks.

In 1917, Archers Soft Drinks moved to Bowen and set up business. In the late 60’s Archers amalgamated with Unwin Brothers in Bowen and all production moved to Bowen.

In 1977, Allan and Michaels father purchased the business and kept the business going

In 2009, Allan and Michael moved Archers Soft Drink from Bowen to Proserpine.

The move to Proserpine coincided with the brothers deciding to switch focus and focus on producing and distributing spring water across the region.

“80 per cent of our business was in Proserpine and it’s where we started, so it felt like a good move,” Michael explained.

Currently, Archers bottles and distributes over 12,000 litres of water daily, supplying many of the islands, as well as many of the tourism operators.

“We are proud of everything we do and proud of what Proserpine has become. We have a lot of history, both professionally and personally.”

In fact, Allan and Michael’s father was the Proserpine Mayor for six years and with Sir Reginald Ansett was instrumental in getting the Proserpine Airport tarmac bitumen coated.

“We are incredibly proud of Proserpine and we are excited for the 150th anniversary. Proserpine has grown, changed, and prospered.”