The beloved iced lemon Ribena that Hong Kongers order by the dozen at local cha chaan tengs began not as a refreshing fruit drink, but as a government-issued “miracle medicine” designed to prevent scurvy during one of Britain’s darkest hours.
For decades, the tangy blackcurrant syrup mixed with lemon and ice has been a go-to thirst quencher in Hong Kong. Yet few realise that Ribena’s origins have nothing to do with casual refreshment. In 1938, Dr Vernon Charley, a scientist at the University of Bristol, discovered that blackcurrants contain remarkably high concentrations of vitamin C. He developed a concentrated blackcurrant syrup and marketed it as a medical-grade nutritional supplement for children—not a soft drink.
The War That Changed Everything
When the Second World War erupted, German U-boats systematically targeted British supply ships, cutting off imports of oranges and other citrus fruits. The nation faced a severe vitamin C crisis, and health officials feared a widespread outbreak of scurvy, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, and young children.
The British government took drastic action. It urged local farmers to plant blackcurrants en masse, as the hardy berry thrived in the UK’s climate. The state then purchased the entire harvest, processed it into syrup, and distributed it free of charge to mothers and children. In effect, Ribena became a state-sanctioned, free-of-cost “life-saving medicine” for a nation at war.
Name, Ownership, and Legacy
The syrup was eventually given the brand name “Ribena,” a playful derivation of the blackcurrant’s botanical genus, Ribes. After the war, the Beecham Group acquired the brand in the 1950s, transforming it into a household staple. Today, Ribena is owned by Japan’s Suntory Holdings, but its production roots remain deeply British.
Remarkably, more than 90% of blackcurrants grown in the UK today are still destined for Ribena. The original Coleford factory in Gloucestershire continues to operate, churning out the same syrup that once helped a nation survive.
A Drink With Hidden Depths
For Hong Kong diners, a glass of ning bing—iced lemon Ribena—is a simple pleasure. But behind that sweet-sour taste lies a story of scientific ingenuity, wartime resilience, and government-led public health intervention. It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary everyday items can carry extraordinary histories.
As consumers become more curious about what they drink, Ribena’s journey offers a fascinating case study: a food product that evolved from emergency medicine to global icon, without losing its original identity.
For further reading: Learn about the science behind fruit juices and health with our guides on nutrient retention in smoothies and the hidden sugars in seemingly healthy drinks.