Abstract: A process for packaging a beverage into polyethylene terephthalate containers, the process includes the steps of: a) pasteurizing the beverage; b) cooling the pasteurized beverage to a temperature between about 25° C. and 50° C.; c) providing an unmodified PET container and a cap for the container and sterilizing the container and container cap; d) filling the sterilized container with the cooled pasteurized beverage; e) capping the filled sterilized container with the sterilized cap; and f) further pasteurizing the filled capped container at a temperature between about 55° C. and 65° C. for a period between approximately 15 to 60 minutes.