Vimto Products

Vimto: Manchester's Iconic Fruit Drink Since 1908 Introduction to Vimto Vimto stands as one of Britain's most beloved soft drink brands, with roots stretching back to 1908 when John Noel Nichols created his distinctive fruit-flavoured cordial in Manchester. For over a century, Vimto's unique blend of grapes, raspberries, and blackcurrants flavoured with herbs and spices has refreshed generations of British families — and found a remarkable second home as a cultural icon during Ramadan across the Middle East. The distinctive purple colour and sweet, complex flavour profile have made Vimto unmistakable among soft drinks. Available as cordial, ready-to-drink, and fizzy variants, with Original and No Added Sugar options across the range, Vimto offers something for everyone whilst maintaining the secret recipe that has delighted consumers for over a century. At Grocefully, we help you compare Vimto prices across UK supermarkets, ensuring you can stock your fridge and cupboards with this iconic British brand at the best available prices. Whether you prefer classic Vimto Squash, refreshing Fizzy Vimto, or the latest Remix flavours, price comparison helps you find better value. The Vimto Story: From Health Tonic to National Treasure Vimto's history reflects changing attitudes to soft drinks, public health, and global expansion. A Temperance Movement Beginning John Noel Nichols was a herb and medicine wholesaler based at 19 Granby Row, Manchester, when he saw an opportunity. The temperance movement — advocating prohibition or restrictions on alcohol — was gaining strength in early twentieth-century Britain, and the Licensing Act 1904 had just been passed. There was growing demand for respectable non-alcoholic alternatives to beer and spirits. In 1908, Nichols invented his fruit-flavoured cordial, originally selling it under the name "Vim Tonic" — vim meaning vigour — positioning it as a health tonic that would provide energy and vitality without alcohol. The drink was initially registered as a health tonic or medicine before being re-registered as a cordial in 1913. The name shortened to "Vimto" in 1912, creating the iconic brand name that has endured for over a century. The Secret Recipe The Vimto formula is a guarded trade secret, with only four people appointed to know the complete recipe at any time. This secrecy has protected the distinctive taste that makes Vimto instantly recognisable — a complex blend of grape, raspberry, and blackcurrant juices enhanced with herbs and spices that creates something more interesting than ordinary fruit drinks. This proprietary recipe means Vimto tastes like nothing else, giving the brand a differentiation that cannot be copied. Manchester's Growth Vimto's production moved as the company grew: 1908: John Noel Nichols invents Vimto at 19 Granby Row, Manchester 1910: Production moves to Chapel Street, Salford 1927: Relocation to Old Trafford 1929: The company becomes J.N. Nichols & Company Ltd 1971: State-of-the-art production plant opens in Wythenshawe, Manchester 2000: Company renamed Nichols plc 2003: Nichols exits manufacturing, outsourcing production Today, Vimto is produced by Refresco (formerly Cott Corporation) at facilities in Leicestershire and Lancashire on behalf of Vimto Soft Drinks, a division of Nichols plc. Nichols plc: The Company Behind Vimto Nichols plc, headquartered in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, remains an independent British company primarily known as the producer of Vimto. Beyond Vimto, Nichols operates: Panda Pops: Acquired from Hall & Woodhouse in 2005, adding children's soft drinks to the portfolio Cabana: The UK's largest independent supplier of dispensed soft drinks, serving the out-of-home market International Operations: Managing Vimto's presence in 65 countries worldwide The company's decision to exit manufacturing in 2003, closing the Golborne production site, allowed Nichols to focus on brand development and marketing whilst partner manufacturers handled production. International Success: The Ramadan Phenomenon Vimto's international story is remarkable — particularly its status as a cultural icon in the Middle East. First Export to India Vimto made its first international venture in the 1920s when it was exported to India, where it gained popularity. This Indian connection would prove significant for Middle Eastern expansion. Arriving in Arabia In 1927, an Indian employee of Saudi Arabian company Abdulla Aujan & Brothers introduced his employers to the British cordial that had become popular in India. The Aujan family began importing and distributing Vimto across the Arabian Peninsula. This timing proved fortuitous. Vimto, created during Britain's temperance movement and marketed as a non-alcoholic alternative, was perfectly positioned for halal consumption in Saudi Arabia — particularly significant in the pre-1952 period when alcohol was still legal there. The Ramadan Connection Vimto became intrinsically linked with Ramadan across the Middle East. The reasons are multiple: The high sugar content provided an energy boost during iftar, helping those breaking their fast replenish energy after a day without food or drink. The sweet, complex flavour offered a celebratory experience appropriate to the evening meal. The Middle Eastern recipe includes date paste, connecting Vimto to traditional iftar foods. "That commonality of date flavouring really cemented Vimto as the drink of choice," according to Eddie Stableford, who worked on Vimto branding in the late 1990s. The ritual of "making Vimto" — diluting the cordial to personal preference, perhaps adding pine nuts or lemon — transformed consumption into participation. Each family develops their own variation, creating ownership whilst the brand remains constant. Almost three-quarters of Vimto's Middle East sales occur during Ramadan. Demand is so intense that retailers have sometimes restricted purchases to two bottles per customer to prevent stockouts. Saudi Arabia remains the biggest non-domestic market, with consumers purchasing 52 million bottles annually. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE are the three highest consumers of Vimto outside the UK. Cultural Symbol Vimto has transcended mere beverage status in the Middle East: "Vimto has become a profound family tradition and legacy rooted in the Khaleeji heritage for nearly a century, carving a strong bond with consumers across different ages. Vimto cordial is Ramadan's symbol of 'Sweet Togetherness' — a ritual which is prepared and shared, not just opened." For many communities, sharing Vimto with family and friends after a day of fasting has become a cherished ritual at iftar gatherings. The Vimto Product Range Modern Vimto extends well beyond the original cordial. Squash and Cordial The dilutable cordial that started everything remains central to Vimto's range: Vimto Original Squash: The classic formula in standard and double-strength concentrations Vimto No Added Sugar Squash: The same great taste with no added sugar Flavour Variants: Orange & Pineapple, Mango & Passionfruit, Orange Strawberry & Lime, Mango Strawberry & Pineapple All squash products now contain Vitamins C & D, adding nutritional value to the refreshment. Fizzy Vimto Carbonated ready-to-drink versions offer convenience: Vimto Original Fizzy: The classic taste with bubbles, available in various bottle sizes including 2-litre family bottles Vimto No Added Sugar Fizzy: Carbonated enjoyment without added sugar Fizzy Flavour Variants: Extending the range with different taste experiences Ready-to-Drink Still For those who prefer still drinks without dilution: Vimto Still bottles and cartons in various sizes Lunchbox-friendly formats for children Multipack options for convenience Remix Range In 2016, Vimto introduced "Remix" — alternate flavour mixes refreshed annually: 2016: Mango, Strawberry & Pineapple 2017: Raspberry, Orange & Passion Fruit 2018: Watermelon, Strawberry & Peach 2019: Strawberry, Orange & Lime Though the Remix branding was dropped after a 2021 rebrand, new flavour combinations continue to be introduced, keeping the range fresh and interesting. Energy Drinks Launched in June 2023, Vimto Energy brings the brand into the growing energy drink category: Made with natural caffeine and real fruit juice Vimto Energy Zero offers the energy boost without sugar Available in 500ml cans The energy drink extension allows Vimto to compete in convenience stores and appeal to consumers seeking functional benefits alongside great taste. Water Enhancers Squeezy, on-the-go water enhancers let consumers add Vimto flavour to plain water anywhere, responding to the trend for flavoured water without pre-bottled options. Confectionery Vimto has licensed its distinctive flavour across confectionery products: Vimto Chewy Sweets Tongue Tickler sweets Vimto bars and lollipops Rip Rolls and candy sprays Vimto Jelly Babies Additionally, Vimto Slush offers the brand experience in frozen drink form at venues across the UK. Nutrition and Health Positioning Vimto has evolved its range to address changing health expectations. No Added Sugar Options The No Added Sugar range across squash, fizzy, and still formats addresses sugar concerns whilst maintaining the Vimto taste experience. These products use sweeteners to deliver sweetness without the calories of sugar. Added Vitamins Vimto squash products now include Vitamins C & D, contributing to immune function and bone health. This functional benefit adds value beyond refreshment. Clear Labelling Vimto provides clear nutritional information, allowing consumers to make informed choices about which products suit their dietary preferences and requirements. Shopping for Vimto in the UK Vimto's British heritage ensures widespread UK availability. Supermarket Presence All major UK supermarkets stock comprehensive Vimto ranges: Tesco carries squash, fizzy, and multipack options Sainsbury's stocks the full squash range including flavour variants Asda offers Vimto alongside own-brand alternatives Morrisons includes Vimto in their soft drinks selection Iceland stocks squash, fizzy, energy, and multipacks Waitrose provides Vimto for quality-conscious shoppers Most supermarkets position Vimto in the squash aisle for cordial products and the soft drinks aisle for fizzy and ready-to-drink options. Convenience Stores Local shops, newsagents, and convenience chains stock single-serve Vimto formats — particularly useful for impulse purchases and immediate consumption. Online Availability Amazon provides extensive Vimto selection, often in bulk formats Supermarket websites offer home delivery Specialist British food exporters serve overseas customers missing their Vimto Understanding Vimto Pricing Vimto occupies the branded mid-market position in soft drinks. Squash Economics Dilutable squash offers excellent value per serving compared to ready-to-drink alternatives. A litre of concentrated squash makes multiple litres of finished drink, spreading the purchase cost across many servings. Double-strength variants offer even better per-serving value when storage space allows larger dilution ratios. Multipack Value Multipack ready-to-drink formats typically offer per-unit savings compared to singles. For regular Vimto households, multipacks reduce per-serving costs. Promotional Opportunities Vimto features regularly in supermarket promotions — particularly ahead of Ramadan when demand increases. Monitoring promotions and stocking up during offers maximises value. Size Comparisons Different bottle sizes suit different needs: family bottles for home consumption, smaller bottles for lunchboxes or single servings. Comparing per-litre prices across sizes identifies genuine value. Practical Tips for Vimto Shoppers Compare Across Retailers Vimto prices vary between supermarkets and change with promotions. Checking multiple sources identifies current best value. Consider Concentration Double-strength squash costs more per bottle but makes more finished drink. Calculate cost per diluted serving rather than bottle price alone. Match Format to Usage Squash suits home consumption where dilution is practical. Ready-to-drink formats suit lunchboxes, picnics, and situations without water access. Choosing the right format for each use case optimises value. Try No Added Sugar If reducing sugar intake matters, Vimto's No Added Sugar range delivers the distinctive taste without added sugar. Many find the taste virtually indistinguishable from Original. Explore Flavours Beyond Original, Vimto's flavour variants offer variety. Trying different options prevents taste fatigue and may reveal new favourites. Vimto in British Culture Vimto holds a special place in British soft drink culture. Northern Heritage As a Manchester-born brand, Vimto carries particular resonance in Northern England. The brand's history intertwines with Manchester's industrial and commercial heritage, from temperance movement roots to modern global company. Nostalgic Appeal For many British adults, Vimto evokes childhood memories — the distinctive purple colour, the sweet taste, the ritual of making squash. This nostalgic connection creates emotional loyalty that transcends rational product comparison. Ramadan in Britain Vimto's Middle Eastern significance has created connections with British Muslim communities, where Vimto at iftar continues traditions established in Saudi Arabia and other countries. British supermarkets recognise this, often featuring Vimto in Ramadan promotions. Independent British Company Unlike many beverage brands now owned by multinational conglomerates, Vimto remains produced by independently-owned British company Nichols plc. For consumers who value supporting British business, this ownership matters. Conclusion Vimto's journey from John Noel Nichols' Manchester warehouse in 1908 to global recognition demonstrates how quality products can transcend their origins. The secret recipe that made "Vim Tonic" popular among temperance-minded Edwardians continues delivering distinctive refreshment today. Now available in 65 countries and holding cultural icon status during Ramadan across the Middle East, Vimto has achieved a reach that Nichols could never have imagined. Yet the brand remains British-owned, with Nichols plc headquartered in Merseyside and maintaining the heritage that makes Vimto special. The modern range — from classic squash through fizzy drinks, energy beverages, and confectionery — means Vimto serves diverse consumption occasions whilst maintaining the core identity that has defined the brand for over a century. Using Grocefully to compare Vimto prices across UK supermarkets helps find the best deals on this iconic British brand. Whether stocking up on squash for home, grabbing fizzy bottles for convenience, or preparing for Ramadan celebrations, smart shopping ensures Vimto's distinctive purple refreshment costs as little as possible.