Ribena Blackcurrant Light squash juice drink

Ribena is a globally recognized blackcurrant-based soft drink that traces its origins back to the United Kingdom in 1938. It was originally developed by Dr. Vernon Charley at the University of Bristol and was famously distributed as a vitamin C supplement for British children during World War II. The brand name is derived from the botanical name for blackcurrants, Ribes nigrum. Over the decades, it has become a household name, particularly in the UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations.

The product is primarily manufactured in the United Kingdom, specifically at the Royal Forest Factory in Coleford, Gloucestershire. The brand's ownership has changed hands several times over the years; it was long owned by the British pharmaceutical giant Beecham (later GlaxoSmithKline), but in late 2013, the brand was acquired by the Japanese beverage conglomerate Suntory Group. Today, it is managed under the Suntory Beverage & Food division, which oversees its global distribution and ongoing product innovations like the 'Light' or sugar-free variants.