Rio (British drink)

Rio, formerly known as Rio Riva and Arriva is a British brand of soft drink made by Hall & Woodhouse.

Not to be confused with Rio (Chinese drink).

Rio
TypeSoft drink
ManufacturerHall & Woodhouse
Country of origin United Kingdom
Introduced1980s
Websitewww.drinkrio.com

History

The drink was created by Dorset brewery Hall & Woodhouse in the 1980s and was originally named Arriva derived from the French ‘arriver’ which means to arrive.[1] In 1994, its name was changed to Rio Riva before being changed to simply Rio.[2] In 2013, Dragon Rouge redesigned Rio in response to research that showed consumers knew the Rio name but didn't know much about the drink itself.[3]

Rio was redesigned again in 2017 by Pearlfisher taking inspiration from Brazilian street art to target a younger demographic.[4][5] The logo was changed as well, with the ‘O’ being turned into a sun to emphasise their slogan of "Celebrate the Sunny".[6] In June of the same year, they introduced 500ml PET bottles.[7] Brand manager Danielle Obbard said the new bottles were an integral part of their "plan for continued growth".[8]

In 2018, Rio began sponsoring racing car driver Bobby Thompson.[9] In 2021, Rio entered a partnership deal with Boost Drinks, with the company overseeing the sales, marketing and distribution of Rio.[10][11]

In October 2023, it was announced Rio had been acquired from Hall and Woodhouse by British soft drink manufacturer, A.G. Barr for £12.3 million.[12]

References
  1. "Rio About". Rio. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  2. "Rio". CTC. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  3. "A new look for soft drink Rio, by Dragon Rouge". Design Week. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  4. "Summer makeover for Rio soft drinks". Talking Retail. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  5. "Pearlfisher Redesigns Tropical Soft Drink Brand, 'Rio'". Logo Designer. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  6. "Redesign for juice in cans, bottles". Packaging World. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  7. "Going grande with Rio". Scottish Grocer. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  8. "Rio reveals 500ml PET bottles". Convenience Store. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  9. "Full throttle start to 2018 campaign". Scottish Grocer. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  10. "Drinks producers sign exclusive distribution deal". thebusinessdesk.com. 18 January 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  11. "Boost Drinks secures exclusive distribution rights with Hall & Woodhouse for Rio brand". lovebelfast.co.uk. 20 January 2021. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  12. "A.G. Barr Acquires Rio Soft Drinks Brand". ESM Magazine. 24 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
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