Schweppes soft drinks (tonic water, ginger ale, mixers)

Brand origin and history

Schweppes was founded in 1783 by Johann Jacob Schweppe in Geneva, Switzerland, after Schweppe developed an early method to carbonate water. Over the following centuries the brand expanded across Europe and the world and became known for soda water, tonic water, ginger ale and other carbonated mixers.

Manufacturing and distribution

Schweppes products are manufactured, bottled and distributed in multiple countries by regional licensees and bottlers. There is no single global manufacturing location — production is handled locally or regionally by the companies that hold the brand rights or licensing agreements in each market.

Ownership and trademark structure

The Schweppes trademark and business are split geographically. After large restructuring and asset sales in the late 20th century, rights to the Schweppes brand were allocated to different companies by territory. Today the situation is regionally fragmented: Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) controls Schweppes in North America; The Coca‑Cola Company holds rights in many other international markets; Suntory (via Schweppes International Ltd) owns the brand in several European and adjacent markets; Asahi Group owns Schweppes in Australia; and Swire Coca‑Cola produces/distributes Schweppes in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Many other local bottlers and distributors operate under license in additional countries.

Practical implication

Because trademark ownership and manufacturing are regionally split, the product formulation, packaging and production site for a Schweppes product can differ by country. For origin or ingredient specifics of a particular bottle or can, check the packaging label which will list the local manufacturer and country of production.