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IBC, or Independent Breweries Company, was formed in 1919 amidst the Prohibition era to capitalize on the legal sale of soft drinks. However, the brand fell on hard times during the Great Depression and changed ownership several times. Today, IBC features a diverse product line, including diet versions, and moved away from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar.
The Current Landscape of Root Beer
When it comes to the definitive root beer, sales often play a critical role. Traditionally, A&W, IBC, and Barq's account for approximately 80% of root beer sales in the U.S. However, 2023 saw the rise of Prebiotic root beer from the brand Ollipop, which claims to offer health benefits through its use of botanical extracts.