Our Story

After journeying to the USA and discovering the different drinking habits of big, busy cities such as Chicago and Buffalo, Frederick Franklin was inspired with ideas that would later define Franklin & Brothers.

1886 - 1887: Frederick began by running a confectioners shop in London and behind that shop Franklin and Brothers was born. It would also inspire flavours for the brothers flavoured soda waters such as Lemon Taffy Soda, Butterscotchade, Sparkling Fig and Stick Jaw Beer. The three brothers Frederick, George and Albert began with bottling mineral waters and their sweet-inspired soda waters but eventually classic flavours such as Ginger beer became the focus.

1890: With families being made, the brothers decided to rebrand the business as Franklin & Sons to show a commitment to family and it was also at this time that the iconic Franklin & Sons bottles were created.

1895: A trip to India to find and taste ginger nearly ends in tragedy as the brothers' sails rip and the only way to solve the problem was to tie together all the baggy pantaloons they'd purchased during their trip and makeshift a sail that would bring them home safely.

1905: A fermentation explosion threatens the business, Ginger beer becomes the best seller, and Albert sees the need for keeping up with demand and streamlining costs so builds a returnable bottle system.

1910: George sees a need to diversify the brands offerings and begins to sell products via horse and cart. These horses also became useful to the fire brigade which some of the other family members were part of.

1915: Making the pages of the local newspaper with his heroics, Frederick thwarts robbers whilst transporting overbubbling, fermenting ginger beer back to the factory.

1918: The lead stallion Charlie is the first horse to be awarded a medal after playing an integral part in saving the mayor's cat from a tree.

1920: Frederick, Albert and George harness their individual talents and continue to show a shared vision and determination during the era marked by the fight for equality.

1928: Frederick volunteers as the chief fireman, business is booming and their Rickmansworth site is expanded.

1930: Pushing boundaries with flavour and innovation, Franklin & Sons broadened their product range to include new flavours, Cherryade, Limeade and Cream Soda.

1940: Things were getting messy in the factory when trying to make cream fizzy and it took a year to perfect the process.

1960: Facilities were expanded again and the brands dedication to excellence and innovation set industry standards.

1989: After almost a century of trading, Franklin & Sons is bought by a bigger company and ceases all trading.

2015: Global Brands sees the potential in the brand and revives Franklin & Sons, honouring its roots with innovation, natural ingredients, British produce and a dedication to quality but bringing it into the modern day.

2024: Franklin & Sons is distributed around the world, maintains a passion for quality flavours and continues to honour the legacy of Franklin & Brothers.