Orangina Schweppes

A very young group…

Our group is made up of a rich common heritage. Our history is not a single one; rather it is made of many success stories. Histories that span over time and space, starting as early as the 18th century and encompassing several continents, parallel histories that finally converge into one.

Schweppes, how the legend was forged

In 1783, Jacob Schweppe, a German jeweller, launches Schweppe’s Soda Water in London, becoming an instant success. In 1870 he starts commercialising Indian Tonic and Ginger Ale. By 1950 Schweppes starts its international expansion and in 1969 merges with Cadbury (the world's largest manufacturer of confectionery) becoming Cadbury Schweppes. Towards the end of the 20th century it launches a series of innovative products, such as a line of citrus sodas called Dry (1986), and Light beverages in the 1990’s. Schweppes now offers a full range of fruit flavours, in addition to the original Indian Tonic.

Orangina, the flavour from the south

Meanwhile, in 1936, Dr. Trigo, a Spanish pharmacist, creates an orange drink which he names Naranjina (small orange in Spanish). This is soon purchased by Léon Beton, who renames it Orangina and re-launches it in Algeria. The brand becomes very popular due to original advertising campaigns in the 1950’s and its peculiar bottle shape. Production is moved into France when Algeria becomes independent in 1962. In 1984 Orangina is acquired by Pernod Ricard (an leading international spirits company). The following years Orangina continues innovating through memorable advertising campaigns and the launching of new products such as Orangina Light (1988) and Orangina Rouge (1996). Nowadays, Orangina remains an iconic drink in France and throughout the world.

Orangina Schweppes, a 21st century marriage

The parallel histories of these two icons finally merge into one in 2001 when Cadbury Schweppes buys Orangina-Pampryl from Pernod Ricard.

The company concentrates all its European beverages under a single division: Cadbury Schweppes European Beverages, which is purchased in 2006 by Lion Capital (50%) and the Blackstone Group (50%) becoming Orangina Group. One year later the Group expands to Eastern Europe with the acquisition of Rosinka in Ukraine. In 2008 the
Group is renamed Orangina Schweppes, to better reflect our roots, our identity and ambitions.

Europe / Asia: key figures of two leaders

Every 5 seconds somebody around the world drinks one of our beverages. We have become a pan-European group with a strong local presence in more than
80 countries worldwide and a portfolio of 22 trademarks. And even though Orangina Schweppes is still young, we also are a mature, solid and well-managed group with a rich past, and an even more promising future.

Sales of Orangina Schweppes increased from 800 million to 1.04 billion euros between 2005 and 2009.
In 2009, Suntory total sales amounted to 1,513 billion yens, or 11.2 billion euros.

Orangina Schweppes and Suntory: a promising future

In November 2009, the Japanese group, Suntory, acquires Orangina Schweppes.

Founded in 1899, Suntory is the pioneer of manufacturing whiskey in Japan, and has gained international recognition over the years. By adding beer, soft drinks, and finally health food products to its business, it has become a food-processing group with diversified activities.

Suntory has implemented a dynamic strategy of international development in Asia, especially in China, as well as in Europe since the early 80s, for example by managing the Scottish distilleries, Morisson Bowmore, and large vineyards in Bordeaux, such as the Château Lagrange.

The acquisition of Orangina Schweppes is part of this strategy of international development. This move is complementary in terms of portfolio and geography, since Orangina Schweppes represents Suntory’s platform for development in Europe, meanwhile Suntory will bring new financial power for Orangina Schweppes to invest in its brands. A number of development opportunities have been created for both Orangina Schweppes and Suntory…