Swire Coca-Cola, USA, Draper, Utah, announced the signing of a distribution agreement giving the company and other Coca-Cola franchise bottlers the rights to distribute Monster products throughout Arizona and in limited areas of New Mexico and Colorado.

The terms of the deal give Swire Coca-Cola, USA along with Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Deming Coca-Cola, and Durango Coca-Cola distribution rights for Corona, Calif.-based Monster Energy Co. products. The agreement was finalized March 15.

"The acquisition of the rights to build upon our distribution of Monster products is exciting and an excellent fit for Swire's business model," said Jack Pelo, president and chief executive of Swire Coca-Cola, USA, in a statement. "Monster has been a great partner for us throughout our 13-state territory, and we look forward to deepening our relationship in the Southwest. We also know Monster has the brands that consumers want in the energy drink category."

Energy drinks are one of the fastest growing categories in the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink industry. Monster is widely recognized as one of the world's most innovative beverage companies. It enjoys a fiercely loyal following in the United States and increasingly, across the globe.

The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, holds a minority interest in Monster Energy Co.

"Our team in Arizona is enthusiastic about the addition of Monster to our broad portfolio of beverages. This acquisition allows us to utilize the efficiencies of our existing distribution network. It also means the expansion of our warehouse space in Arizona and the additional expenditure of resources in support of this new business," Pelo stated.