Portello (soft drink)

Portello (also known as Portino^[1] and Ruby Mello^[2]) is a carbonated grape and berry flavored soft drink. Its rich, fruity flavour can be compared to port wine (which inspired the drink's name) or cola.^[3] It is believed to have originated in London, England in the 18th century, before spreading to colonies of the British Empire.^[4]

A bottle of River Port portello

History

A grape-flavoured soft drink named Portello was manufactured by Jubilee Ice and Soda Works in Uganda in the late 1940s. It was said to be more popular in Busoga than drinks produced by Coca-Cola and Pepsi.^[5] Portello is currently used in Sri Lanka as the name of a grape soda produced under the Fanta.label by Coca-Cola Sri Lanka Private Ltd^[6].

River Port Portello

River Port Beverages was first produced in 1899 in Echuca, Victoria. Over more than a century, the brand has become synonymous with Portello in Australia, building a loyal customer base across generations. With its rich heritage and continued presence in independent supermarkets, corner stores, and regional retailers, River Port Portello has remained a staple of Australian soft drink culture. Today, it is widely considered the number one Portello in the country, known for its strong regional following and enduring popularity. It stands out for its traditional recipe and consistent flavour profile, which have contributed to its legendary reputation.

See also

• Cream soda