Salem Marafi

Vimto

Vimto was invented in 1908 on Granby Row, Manchester, UK. A monument honoring the drink stands erect in Central Manchester.

Vimto is a non-alcoholic drink and always has been. In the United Kingdom, a cocktail known as a "Cheeky Vimto" uses various mixers to produce a taste that mimics the fruity sweet taste of Vimto.

Today however, if you ask Mancunians what Vimto is, they probably will look at you with question marks in their eyes. Ask Middle Eastern Arabs about this grape, raspberry and blackcurrant mix and you are likely to see stars sparkle in their eyes.

Vimto is one of the oldest and culture rich brands in the Middle East. Vimto made its way to the Middle East through licensees in Saudi Arabia and Yemen in 1975. It was first manufactured and sold by Solent Canners to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE.

Vimto is one of the only brands that is directly associated with the holy month of Ramathan across the region. Mention Vimto at the dining table and you are sure to be bombarded with the result of 101 years of effective marketing.

Ramathan is just around the corner, and advertisements have started popping up on billboards here in Kuwait. TV ads are family oriented and are often quite funny.

Vimto, coming soon to a dining table near you. - August 21st, 2008 Ramathan Mubarak.