Ribena

Ribena is a British-originated brand of blackcurrant-based uncarbonated and carbonated soft drink and fruit drink concentrate. It was produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) until 2013, when the brand was sold to Suntory. The name 'Ribena' comes from the botanical name for the blackcurrant species, Ribes nigrum.

History

Ribena was first manufactured by the Bristol-based food and drink company H.W. Carter as a vitamin C supplement during the Second World War. Its blackcurrant flavour was derived from the high concentration of blackcurrant plants in the UK, due to the ban on importing fruits like oranges during the war.

In 1955, Ribena was acquired by the pharmaceutical company Beecham, which later merged with SmithKline Beckman to form SmithKline Beecham. SmithKline Beecham then merged with Glaxo Wellcome to form GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). In 2013, GSK sold Ribena and another soft drink brand, Lucozade, to the Japanese multinational Suntory.

Products

Ribena comes in a variety of forms, including a concentrated syrup that is diluted with water before drinking, a ready-to-drink formula in bottles or cartons, and a carbonated version. The original blackcurrant flavour is the most well-known, but Ribena also produces drinks flavoured with strawberry, raspberry, and pomegranate.

Health Controversy

In 2007, Ribena faced controversy when it was discovered that its claims of high vitamin C content were false. The issue was brought to light by two high school students in New Zealand, who found that the ready-to-drink Ribena contained almost no trace of vitamin C. This led to legal action against GlaxoSmithKline, which resulted in a fine and a public apology.

In Popular Culture

Ribena has been referenced in various aspects of British popular culture, including music, television, and literature. It is often associated with childhood and nostalgia due to its long history and widespread popularity in the UK.