A&W root beer originated in california in 1919 as a partnership between roy allen and frank wright. Since becoming available in both cans and bottles, A&W root beer was followed by sugar-free root beer (now named diet aandw), then cream soda and diet cream soda. These products are among the top sellers of their type, described as a smooth, rich, thick and creamy drink. A&W is now owned by dr pepper/seven up, inc. A division of london-based cadbury schweppes plc.