Swiss beverage brand with tradition and natural flavour
VIVI is a Swiss drink brand known for natural taste, premium ingredients,
and local craftsmanship.
In addition to kola, we now produce natural sodas, mate and iced tea in Eglisau. In doing so, we consistently focus on local added value, Swissness and the highest quality.
Switzerland-wide presence — from restaurants to SBB
flavours
Sustainability and Swiss quality in every bottle
VIVI and ViCollective — The Swiss Beverage Experience
VIVI is part of ViCollective AG, which also includes ViCAFE — our sister brand for high-quality Swiss specialty coffee. Together, we are creating a unique beverage experience from Switzerland: rooted in tradition, inspired by innovation and driven by a passion for the highest quality.
The VIVI Kola legend
In the mid-1930s, the directors of the Eglisau mineral spring sent their employees to faraway Cameroon — the land of kola nuts — to search for the mysterious nut and bring it to Eglisau.
We don't know how much of this story is true, but soon after, the bitter, caffeinated nut appeared in Eglisau and VIVI Kola was brought to the Swiss market in 1938.
Launch of Swiss Kola
In 1938, the Eglisau VIVI Kola mineral spring was the first Swiss kola drink. The legendary label with the world map shows the origin of kola nuts.
Sugar shortage
No sooner has VIVI Kola been launched than war comes and sugar is running out. It's a difficult time for lemonade. Soldiers like the dark drink as an alternative to beer in tough times.
Main sponsor Tour de Suisse
By sponsoring the Tour de Suisse from 1949, VIVI Kola became known throughout Switzerland and was Henceforth referred to as “racing driver beer.”
New bottle shape
The rebranding of the new VIVI Kola is being introduced with a large-scale, national campaign. With the curved bottle shape, cast in the Bülach glassworks, Mineralquelle won a design prize.
Competitive pressure
The pressure from American cola is increasing. Eglisau invests heavily in advertising. In the late 1960s, the iconic commercial with the accompanying song “One, two, three — VIVI for me” was created
Produktion eingestellt
Im Dezember 1986 wird die Produktion von VIVI Kola eingestellt. Die Besitzerin der Mineralquelle Eglisau, die Feldschlösschen AG, füllt ab sofort Pepsi in der Anlage in Eglisau ab.
VIVI Kola is bubbling again!
In June 2010, Eglisauer Christian Forrer relaunches the forgotten Swiss Kola. At the opening party, the shop is overrun and 2500 bottles are sold over the counter in two hours.
Adventures Kola nut
Following in the footsteps of the legendary VIVI Kola story, Lukas embarked on a crazy journey. He brought the mysterious kola nut from Cameroon to Switzerland by bike. Watch the movie here!
Expedition Wilde Kola Nuss
Fünf VIVI Mitarbeiter reisen wie im Jahre 1938 nach Kamerun. Ihre Mission war es zusammen mit der lokalen Fairdrade Initiative «Made in Ebolowa» spannendes über die koffeinhaltige Nuss herauszufinden. Hier geht’s zum Reisejournal
New products
With VIVI Mate, VIVI Soda and VIVI Tea, the family is growing. Natural ingredients, honest taste and lots of VIVI spirit complete the line.
VIVI ZURICRIT
By sponsoring the fastest and most urban bike race in Switzerland, we are building on our story from the 1950s. Then as now, we are united by drive, energy and courage to make a difference. VIVI Kola is back where she belongs — right in the middle of the action.
Rebranding VIVI
VIVI Kola becomes VIVI. The brand is growing beyond its beginnings — from an Eglisauer classic to an umbrella brand for honest drinks with character. New design, same attitude: honest, exploratory, full of Vi.
VIVI KOLA throws Coca-Cola out of SBB's on-board restaurants!
From June 12, 2025, exactly 15 years after the revival, VIVI Kola will be served in all SBB in-flight restaurants. A milestone for the original Swiss Kola — and a hearty “cheers” on the journey from Eglisau to every wagon in Switzerland.
On the way to the old size
Ready to help shape the future of VIVI? You too can bet on the Swiss Kola!
The team behind VIVI.
With passion and dedication, we’re bringing VIVI Kola back to its roots — a proud Swiss brand that stands tall!
FAQs
VIVI Kola is the original Swiss cola, first produced in Eglisau in 1938. It is produced with pure Swiss spring water and natural aromas and offers an authentic Swiss soft drink.
VIVI Kola was founded in 1938 in Eglisau, Switzerland, at the local mineral spring.
In 2010, Christian Forrer revived VIVI Kola in Eglisau, together with his partner Kurt Lambert.
VIVI offers a selection of Swiss soft drinks, including VIVI Kola, VIVI Apfelschorle, VIVI Mate, VIVI Vodka Mate and other naturally flavored drinks.
They are available throughout Switzerland in restaurants, cafés, bars, large supermarkets, retail stores, events and on SBB trains.
Yes All VIVI drinks are made with natural flavors and contain no artificial additives.
Yes VIVI Kola contains over 10% less sugar than conventional colas.
All VIVI drinks are produced and bottled in Eglisau, Switzerland, in our own local bottling plant.
We produce exclusively in Switzerland, source ingredients locally to reduce transport emissions and bottle in Eglisau to ensure transparent and responsible production.
VIVI is the Swiss soft drink brand from ViCollective. The main product is VIVI Kola, while the sister brand ViCAFE offers high-quality Swiss specialty coffee.
VIVI Kola is available throughout Switzerland in supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants, cafés, bars, events and on SBB trains.
For B2B partnerships (restaurants, retailers, supermarkets, distributors), please contact us at sales@vivikola.ch.
VIVI is majority-owned by Christian Forrer and Kurt Lambert.
Ramon Schalch is CEO of ViCollective and manages both the VIVI and ViCAFE brands.