Ricola Original Sugar-Free Herb Drops

Ricola is an iconic Swiss brand founded in 1930 by Emil Richterich in the town of Laufen, Switzerland. The brand's signature 'Original' herb drop, which features a unique blend of 13 Swiss Alpine herbs, was perfected in 1940 and has since become a global staple for throat soothing and refreshment. The name 'Ricola' itself is a portmanteau of the original company name, Richterich & Compagnie Laufen.

To this day, Ricola remains a fiercely independent family-owned business, managed by the third and fourth generations of the Richterich family. Unlike many large confectionery brands, Ricola has not been acquired by a global conglomerate. Ownership is held by the Ricola Group AG (and Ricola Familienholding AG), headquartered in Laufen. The company maintains a strong commitment to its heritage, ensuring that all its herbal drops are manufactured exclusively in Switzerland. While the primary production facility remains in Laufen, the company expanded its capacity by acquiring a second Swiss plant in Lenzburg in late 2024 to meet growing international demand into 2026 and beyond.

The herbs used in the products are cultivated by over 100 independent Swiss mountain farmers using organic and sustainable methods. This farm-to-shelf approach, combined with the famous 'Riiicolaaa!' advertising campaign launched in the 1990s, has helped the brand maintain its position as a premium, nature-focused leader in the functional confectionery market worldwide.