Rio-Cola 1953 - Premium poster with matte paper

Rio Cola – Sweden's cheeky soft drink star from 1953!

Hold on to your hats, because Rio Cola is here to shake up the soft drink shelves! This sparkling new addition from Sundsvallsbryggerier AB hit Sweden like a taste bomb in 1953, ready to challenge both thirst and taste buds.

According to an article in Sundsvalls Tidning on January 29, 1953, the writer believes that Rio Cola's aroma can feel a bit shocking at first sip – like an unexpected twist in a summer dance! But give it a chance, because after a few taste tests there is a high chance that you will be completely addicted to Rio Cola.

Sundsvallsbryggerier went all out for the launch, pumping out a whopping 7,000 bottles per hour, which equated to a staggering 840,000 bottles in a workweek, just to meet the expected rush. Talk about setting the bar high! Rio Cola was their answer to the American soft drink giant Coca-Cola, which rolled into Sweden the same year, and part of a wave of new cola drinks after Sweden lifted the ban on caffeinated and phosphoric acid-containing drinks in 1953.

This soda is made for sunny days – a true summer drink that is best enjoyed ice cold, preferably with a few crunching ice cubes in the glass. But don’t be fooled by its summery vibe; Rio Cola works just as well as a refreshing mealtime drink, ready to lift the flavors at the dinner table. With its spicy profile and a hint of citrus, which some describe as just the right amount of sweetness without being cloying, Rio Cola quickly became a favorite for those who dared to try something new.

In 1953, Sweden was ready for change. The ban on cola drinks had just been lifted, and Rio Cola threw itself into the fray alongside other pioneers like Cuba Cola and Afri-Cola. While Coca-Cola made its entrance with handsome trucks and uniformed salesmen, Rio Cola stood for local pride – a taste of Sundsvall, brewed with passion and a dash of cockiness.

So take a sip, feel the wings of history and let Rio Cola take you back to a time when soda was more than a beverage – it was an experience.