The smooth, creamy refreshment of IBC Root Beer was originally developed in 1919 by the Griesedieck family and produced by the Independent Breweries Company in St. Louis. Developed as an alternative to alcoholic beverages during Prohibition, IBC Root Beer quickly became renowned for its premium quality, satisfying richness and extraordinary taste.

When the Independent Breweries Company closed, the Kranzberg family purchased the trademark and distributed IBC Root Beer from their Northwestern Bottling Company in St. Louis. The popularity of IBC grew in St. Louis during the ‘20s, and it was soon available at many top restaurants. In the late ‘30s, the Kranzbergs sold the IBC trademark and formula to the National Bottling Company, owned by the Shucart family of St. Louis.

Throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s, IBC Root Beer enjoyed great popularity in the Midwest. After World War II, changes in marketing and production methods caused the brand to go into decline until it was sold to Taylor Beverages in 1976. Taylor Beverages reintroduced IBC Root Beer and expanded distribution, catching the eye of the Seven-Up Company, who purchased the brand in 1980 and expanded its distribution throughout the Midwest and South.

The Dr Pepper Company purchased the Seven Up-Company in 1986, moving the newly acquired brands to its headquarters in Dallas. For the first time, IBC became available nationwide, achieving great success in every market it entered. IBC products are now available in a variety of venues across the country.

Through the years, the quality of IBC Root Beer has been upheld by retaining the original, secret formula of specially selected roots, herbs and spices packaged in a distinctive brown bottle. Often imitated but never equaled, the IBC soft drink line has grown to include IBC Root Beer, IBC Black Cherry, IBC Cherry Soda, and IBC Cream Soda.

Cadbury Schweppes plc acquired the company in March 1995, shortening the name to Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc. In 2004, Cadbury Schweppes combined Dr Pepper/Seven Up with three of its other companies to form Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages.

What’s in a name? The root beer’s name derives from the initials of the old Independent Breweries Company of St. Louis, Mo., the first manufacturer of the soft drink.