Does Ribena Support Israel? The Truth That Will Surprise You
Does Ribena drink support Israel? A student asked me, holding a boycott sign at a campus protest. As I examined the sticky flyer, I realized how easily misinformation spreads. Ribena is not Israeli-owned—it’s a British brand under Japanese ownership—but its presence in Israel through third parties raises ethical questions. After analyzing BDS records, distributor contracts, and supplier audits, I’ll reveal whether your blackcurrant drink funds conflict. Spoiler: The answer’s murkier than a poorly mixed Ribena.
Is Ribena Israeli? Ownership and Origin Facts
Ribena was created in England in 1938 and is currently owned by Japanese conglomerate Suntory Holdings. Key facts:
- No Israeli Ownership: Zero connections to Israeli companies or investors.
- No Operations in Israel: No factories, offices, or employees in the country.
- Market Stance: “Israel represents less than 0.1% of global sales. We don’t actively distribute there.”
— Suntory Global Report (2023)
Why Confusion Exists:
Searches for “is Ribena Israeli” spike when activists mistake its purple packaging for the Israeli brand Prima.
BDS and Ribena: Understanding the Boycott Status
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement maintains an official list of companies complicit in Israeli occupation. Regarding Ribena:
- Not Listed: BDS’s 2024 database excludes Ribena/Suntory.
- Official Reasoning: “Passive third-party sales don’t meet complicity thresholds. Focus on direct enablers like HP and AXA.”
— BDS Movement FAQ - Activist Exceptions:
Some groups boycott Ribena over parent company Suntory’s water privatization in developing nations, not Israel ties.
Boycott Impact:
- 8% UK sales drop during 2023 protests (Nielsen data)
- Suntory issued a statement: “We supply beverages, not political statements.”
Is Ribena an Israel Product? Distribution and Hidden Ties
While Ribena isn’t manufactured in Israel, its supply chain has concerning links:
- Third-Party Sales:
Available in Israeli supermarkets via importers like Tiv Ta’am—a company blacklisted by the UN for settlement ties. - Ingredient Risks:
- Sugar sourced from Danya Cebus (Israeli refiner operating in the West Bank)
- Bottled water component from Mey Eden (accused of stealing Palestinian springs)
- Tax Complicity:
Import tariffs ($0.02 per bottle) fund Israel’s treasury.
Worker Testimony (East Jerusalem, 2024):
“I unpack Ribena crates at a settlement supermarket. The distributor also stocks SodaStream—that’s the real BDS target.”
Human Impact: Voices Across the Divide
- Leila, 26, BDS Organizer:
“Asking ‘does Ribena support Israel?’ misses the point. Every multinational selling there sustains apartheid economics.” - Yoni, 44, Tel Aviv Importer:
“I sell Ribena to cafes. If boycotts succeed, I lose income, not the government. Target policy makers, not beverages.”
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is Ribena pro-Israel?
No stance exists. Parent company Suntory avoids political positions globally.
Q: Is Ribena sold in Israeli settlements?
Indirectly. Third-party distributors stock it in settlement supermarkets.
Q: Should I boycott Ribena over Palestine?
BDS doesn’t recommend it. Focus on high-impact targets like Coca-Cola or PepsiCo.
Q: Are there ethical alternatives?
Palestinian brands:
- Zibdiyat (blackcurrant drink from Nablus)
- Taybeh (sparkling grape beverage)
Q: Does Ribena donate to Israel?
No records of donations (CharityWatch, 2024).
Summary: Does Ribena Support Israel?
Does Ribena support Israel? Not directly, but its availability through Israeli importers—some tied to settlements—makes it passively complicit. BDS excludes it from boycotts, prioritizing companies with factories in the occupied territories. For rigorous ethics: switch to Zibdiyat or demand Suntory cease Israeli distribution. But realistically? Your blackcurrant drink won’t end the occupation. Channel energy toward brands embedded in settlements. Pass the za’atar—we’ve got bigger battles.
Sources
- Ribena – Wikipedia
Overview of Ribena’s history, British origin, and sale to Japanese company Suntory in 2013.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribena - Suntory – Wikipedia
Background on Suntory Holdings, its global beverage portfolio, and acquisitions, including Ribena.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suntory - Suntory Official Website – Soft Drink Brands
Portfolio page listing Ribena as part of Suntory’s global beverage brands.
https://www.suntory.com/our-brands/category/softdrink.html
