Cavan Cola
 | |
| Type | Cola |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cavan Mineral Water |
| Country of origin | Ireland |
| Introduced | 1958 |
| Discontinued | 2001 |
| Colour | Caramel |
| Related products | Score Cola, Cadet Cola |
Cavan Cola was a brand of soft drink produced by Cavan Mineral Water Ltd. in the town of Cavan, Ireland. It was introduced in 1958, and was sold in 250ml bottles in shops in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo, Leitrim, Louth and Meath. The product proved so popular there that it went national in the early 1990s. In 1995, the still family-run Cavan Mineral Water Ltd. was taken over by Finches, who began phasing out both Cavan Cola and its sister product, an alcopop called Mug-Shot. By 2001, Cavan Cola had disappeared from most shops, even in County Cavan. In recent times, the parent group has been the subject of a number of rival bids.The Crawley Mug Groups bid for Cavan Mineral Water was $78.50 per share in cash, which topped the $74.50 cash and stock deal offered by the Quinn Group.
Product
Cavan Cola was sold in small 250ml bottles, with a distinctive green "book" label. The taste was described as being slightly sweeter than Coca-Cola, with a slightly liquorice flavour. It was popular in Cavan, and at the peak of its popularity (late 1980s/early 1990s), the product often outsold global brands (like Coke and Pepsi) in shops in County Cavan and County Leitrim and the surrounding area.
Revival Attempts
Cavan Cola was finally withdrawn in 2001. It has been the subject of several campaigns to revive it, but the new parent company of Cavan Mineral Water has thus far refused to bring it back. For a short time in the late 1990s, Cavan Cola was produced in Dublin.