Ribena Blackcurrant

Ribena is a world-renowned fruit juice brand, famously recognized for its deep purple blackcurrant juices and concentrates. Originally developed in the United Kingdom in 1933 by Dr. Vernon Charley at the University of Bristol, it was initially intended as a Vitamin C-rich supplement for children during wartime. The brand name 'Ribena' is derived from the botanical name for the blackcurrant, Ribes nigrum.

Over the decades, manufacturing has been centered in the UK, particularly in the Royal Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, which remains a primary production hub. The brand has transitioned through several major corporate owners, including Beecham Group and later GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

In 2013, the brand was acquired by the Japanese beverage giant Suntory. Today, Ribena is operated under the Suntory Beverage & Food division. It continues to be a staple household brand across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable blackcurrant farming.