Category:Soft Drink Manufacturers

Local soft drink (i.e. non-alcoholic) making became popular across the country in the early 19th century, and the Isle of Wight was no different.

By the last quarter of the 19th century, each main island town had at least one small business, often operating as part of a grocer or chemist, manufacturing 'carbonated' soft drinks.

Most of these small businesses ceased on the proprietor retiring, leaving the district or dying. However, in the 1920's three local soft drink manufacturers (John Gould & Co of Newport, Randall & Co of Ryde and Charles Hibberd & Co of Ventnor) amalgamated to form Gould, Hibberd and Randall Ltd which went on to be an independent manufacturer of soft drinks across the island until it was acquired by Beecham Products in 1966.